Dr. Andrew Weil: Surprising Psychedelics, War On Drugs, Coffee vs. Matcha + Breathwork Benefits

In this fascinating episode of The Art of Being Well, I sit down with the legendary Dr. Andrew Weil, a pioneer in the world of integrative medicine. Dr. Weil opens up about his departure from traditional medicine, sharing stories of how the government forced him to administer LSD to patients and how the War on Drugs, spearheaded by Nancy Reagan, personally targeted him. We explore the deep history of plants like coca and khat, which have been allies to humans for centuries but are now criminalized, as well as the revival of his Beneficial Plants Research Association, with help from Wade Davis. Dr. Weil also shares why matcha is his daily plant ally, the recent therapeutic legalization of psychedelics, the benefits of the Green Mediterranean Diet, and the incredible power of breathwork as a free, always available self-regulation tool. This episode is packed with inspiring insights that will challenge your perspective on health, plants, and wellness.

Andrew Weil, M.D., is a world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine. Combining a Harvard education and a lifetime of practicing natural and preventive medicine, he is the the editorial director of drweil.com and founder and director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, where he is a clinical professor of medicine and professor of public health. A New York Times best-selling author, Dr. Weil is the author of 15 books on health and wellbeing. He is also the founder and Chairman of the Weil Foundation, the founder of Healthy Lifestyle Brands, and a founder and partner in the growing family of True Food Kitchen restaurants. Dr. Weil writes a monthly column for Prevention magazine and the popular Dr. Andrew Weil’s Self Healing monthly newsletter. A frequent lecturer and guest on talk shows, Dr. Weil is an internationally recognized expert on medicinal plants, alternative medicine, and the reform of medical education.  He lives in Tucson, Arizona, USA.  His current passion project is Matcha.com, bringing the world's highest quality and best-tasting matcha to the west. He can be found on FB, Twitter and IG @drweil as well as @matchakari

A few of my favorite things we cover in this episode: 

• Dr. Weil’s departure from traditional medicine after being forced by the government to administer LSD to people unknowingly.
• The War on Drugs and how Nancy Reagan targeted him.
• The criminalization and demonization of plants that have been human allies for centuries, such as coca and khat.
• His experience with LSD, including an interesting story about serving as an expert witness in a murder trial while under the influence.
• The revival of the Beneficial Plants Research Association, an organization Dr. Weil was involved with in the 1980s, now with the support of Wade Davis.
• Matcha as his favorite daily plant ally, offering unmatched mind and body health benefits.
• The recent legalization of psychedelics for therapeutic use.
• An overview of the Green Mediterranean Diet and its benefits.
• Breathwork as the most powerful, always available, and free self-regulation tool.

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Happy listening and we hope you learned a little bit more on the art of being well!

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In Health,

Dr. Will Cole