Welcome back to another episode of Webdelics! This time, host Scott Mason sits down with Larry Norris, a passionate advocate for psychedelic decriminalization and co-founder of Decriminalize Nature. Together, they dive deep into the fascinating world of archetypes—those powerful, recurring patterns that shape both our personal psychedelic journeys and the broader debates over plant medicine in society.
Larry shares insight from years of academic research, integration work, and advocacy, unpacking how archetypes like the prohibitionist, the gatekeeper, and the "savior complex" repeatedly show up in policy discussions and personal attitudes around psychedelics. Scott and Larry explore why these default patterns of thinking persist, how they impact legal and cultural battles over plant medicine, and what it takes to move the conversation forward with more awareness and nuance.
They also touch on the commercialization of psychedelics, the importance—and risks—of mystical experiences, and why some see transformative inner journeys as threatening to mainstream, religious, or corporate interests. If you’ve ever wondered why the same arguments keep cropping up in the public debate on psychedelics, or how to have more enlightened conversations about plant medicines, this episode is for you.
Get ready for a thoughtful, honest, and sometimes surprising look at the archetypes driving the psychedelic renaissance—and what it means for the future of healing, policy, and personal growth.

00:00 Introduction
09:58 Nuance in Experiences and Reactions
14:39 Challenging Mystical Experience Perceptions
19:38 Deep Inner Experience Fuels Transformation
24:32 Contemplating Peace and Consumerism Disconnect
30:24 Psychedelics: Threat to Religion and Commerce?
34:57 Risks of Psychedelic Commercialization
44:25 Worldview's Role in Healing Experiences
50:06 FDA Trials vs. Decrim Therapy
55:01 Ayahuasca and Nature's Forgotten Connections
57:04 Rational Thinking vs. Archetypal Debate
01:01:23 Conclusion