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reserve your ad hereIn a time of societal upheaval and rapid technological advancements, voices advocating for thoughtful, systemic change are more crucial than ever. One such voice is that of psychedelic activist and citizen lobbyist Travis Tyler Fluck, who recently addressed the Senate Education Committee to express his concerns over SB-158. Titled “Social Media Protect Juveniles Disclosures Reports” is a bill introduced in Colorado aimed at regulating social media platforms to protect juveniles. A steward, facilitator, and leader of the Denver Psilocybin Initiative that decriminalized mushrooms in 2019, Fluck’s speeches, characterized by their philosophical depth and emotional resonance, call for a reevaluation of how society educates and empowers its youth. His arguments are not just about rejecting a bill but about rethinking the very foundations of our approach to child development and civil liberties. As a community organizer and educator, he co-founded the Denver Mushroom Cooperative to bring people together with the shared understanding that “organisms that pair with fungi are rewarded.”
The Impact of SB-158 on Social Media and Drug Discourse
A notable provision within SB-158 stipulates that social media platforms are prohibited from promoting any positive statements about illicit drugs. This regulation aims to curb the influence of social media in normalizing or encouraging drug use among the public, particularly targeting younger audiences who are highly active on these platforms. The intent behind this provision is to reduce the potential harm caused by the glamorization of drug use online.
However, this restriction poses significant challenges to the discourse surrounding the medicinal benefits of substances like psilocybin mushrooms and cannabis. Extensive research has demonstrated the therapeutic potential of these substances in treating a variety of conditions. For instance, psilocybin mushrooms have shown promise in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Studies have indicated that psilocybin can help reset neural pathways, offering relief to individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
Similarly, cannabis has been widely recognized for its medicinal properties. It is used to manage chronic pain, reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea, and improve appetite in patients with cancer. Additionally, cannabis has been found to aid in the treatment of anxiety, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, among other conditions. The therapeutic applications of cannabis are supported by a growing body of scientific evidence, highlighting its role in enhancing the quality of life for patients suffering from various ailments.
The prohibition of positive discourse about these substances on social media, as mandated by SB-158, can hinder public awareness and understanding of their medicinal benefits. It restricts the ability of healthcare professionals, researchers, and patients to share valuable information and experiences that could contribute to informed decision-making and destigmatization of these therapeutic options.
Fluck’s criticism of SB-158 touches on these concerns, emphasizing the importance of education and open dialogue over suppression. By preventing the dissemination of positive information about substances with proven medicinal benefits, the bill risks perpetuating misinformation and hindering the progress of medical research and treatment innovations. Fluck advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes educating the youth and the public about the nuanced realities of drug use and its potential benefits rather than adopting blanket prohibitions that could stifle important conversations and advancements in healthcare.
The Core of Fluck’s Argument
Travis Tyler Fluck’s central message is a critique of the superficial solutions often proposed in response to complex social issues. Citing Albert Einstein’s adage, “You cannot solve a problem with the same thinking used when creating them,” Fluck argues that the Western world’s tendency to suppress symptoms rather than address root causes is futile. He views social media as a mirror reflecting society’s broader issues, such as the lack of societal consideration and etiquette. This reflection, he suggests, underscores the failure to advance culturally alongside technological progress.
Fluck’s speeches highlight the gap between intentions and outcomes in legislation. He perceives SB-158 as an example of well-intentioned efforts that miss the mark by attacking civil liberties rather than nurturing and educating the youth. This bill, in his view, exemplifies a broader trend of seeking control rather than fostering resilience and wisdom.
Personal Reflections and Broader Implications
Drawing from his personal experiences, Fluck offers a poignant critique of the education system he grew up in. He recalls being constantly told to focus but never taught how to focus, how to process difficult emotions, or how to critically assess the information presented to him. He laments the lack of education in essential life skills such as self-care, compassion, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship. Instead of being equipped with these tools of resilience, Fluck describes being pathologized for his inability to conform to a “profoundly sick society.”
Fluck’s reflections are not merely personal grievances but are indicative of systemic failures. He argues that children need more than protection—they need real-world skills, a strong value system, and role models who demonstrate wisdom rather than a pursuit of power and dominance. His inner child, he says, sought happiness and inner peace in a world filled with false images and constant perturbations. This quest led to acts of rebellion, which were misinterpreted as defiance rather than cries for help and understanding.
A Call for Action
In his speeches, Fluck makes a simple yet profound request: vote against SB-158 in its current form. He calls on the committee members to keep the focus on genuinely centering the needs of children. He advocates for a collective effort to process intergenerational trauma and engage in mutual aid networks, recognizing the inadequacies of current systems in meeting societal needs. Fluck offers his own time, attention, and voice to this ongoing conversation, emphasizing the importance of listening and mutual understanding.
Philosophical Underpinnings and Vision for the Future
Fluck’s speeches are deeply philosophical, drawing on broader existential and ethical considerations. He challenges the committee to consider the long-term implications of their decisions and the kind of society they are helping to shape. His vision is one where education is not just about imparting knowledge but about building character, resilience, and a sense of interconnectedness.
He underscores the importance of elders modeling wisdom-seeking behavior. This, he believes, is crucial for children to learn honor and discernment. Fluck’s call to action is not just about opposing a single bill but about fostering a cultural shift towards more empathetic, wise, and resilient ways of living.
Conclusion
Fluck’s speeches before the Senate Education Committee are a powerful reminder of the need for thoughtful, systemic change in how society approaches education and civil liberties. His arguments resonate with a deep understanding of the philosophical and practical implications of current legislative efforts. By drawing on personal experience and broader societal critiques, Fluck challenges us to rethink our strategies and focus on building a more resilient and compassionate society for future generations.
While SB-158 aims to protect the public from the potential harms of drug promotion on social media, it also raises significant concerns about the limitation of valuable information that could enhance public health and medical treatment. The challenge lies in finding a balance that safeguards public well-being without impeding the dissemination of crucial, research-backed information about the medicinal benefits of certain substances. As of May 1, 2024, the House Committee on Education has postponed the bill indefinitely, following its introduction in the Senate and various committee discussions and amendments earlier in the year.
Fluck’s advocacy is a call to move beyond superficial fixes and towards nurturing the true potential of our youth through education, empowerment, and mutual respect. His voice is a vital addition to the ongoing dialogue about the future of education and civil liberties in a rapidly changing world.

Rachael Carlevale speaks on behalf of the natural world, honoring the plants and life in the soil by transmitting their messages for the wellbeing of all — regenerating body, mind, and soil for the collective. Rachael is the CO-Founder of Suelo Vivo Regenerative Hemp Company. Rachael lives in alignment with the natural rhythms of the sun, moon, and stars, and grows living soil, regenerative cannabis, and vermicompost. She is also the Founder + CEO of Ganjasana Plant Medicine School where she facilitates courses on comprehensive cannabis education. Rachael is a certified Mindfulness Educator of UC Berkeley, and Certified Yoga Instructor with an academic foundation in plant and soil sciences from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. As a DEM Pure Educator, she certifies farms and companies that uphold ethical practices and also contributes to Skunk Magazine with her ‘Cannabis + Wellness Column.’