Why I'm a nature activist
The idea that some plants could be illegal is as absurd as it is arrogant. It's a mindset that will be looked back on with shame. We are killing our planet due to a deep disconnection with nature. There is nothing natural in this detachment - it's a learned behaviour that we must urgently change.
The core solution to the environmental crisis is deepening our emotional connection with the natural world. Moving past seeing nature merely for its utility and recognizing we are all one global organism is vital for fostering genuine care for our planet.
The fight against ecosystem collapse demands collective action. We must shift our view of nature from a commodity to an integrated part of our existence. This change requires us to rethink our oversimplified views of the natural world.
Psychedelics offer a unique perspective. They deepen our connection to Mother Earth, providing mystical experiences that remind us of our integral part in this ecosystem. These experiences help us tap into nature's collective intelligence, recreating an ancient bond with the natural world.
As a nature activist, I'm committed to challenging the notion that elements of nature, such as cannabis or mushrooms containing psilocybin, should be illegal. These plants have been used for millennia for their healing and spiritual properties, offering profound connections to nature and the divine.
I stand for the decriminalization of nature, advocating for the right to access plants that can offer relief and insight. My activism is not just a fight for individual rights but a quest to restore a fundamental connection with our planet, ensuring those in need can find healing and wisdom in nature's gifts.
My journey into activism began in 2009 when I co-founded the UFCM, the first non-profit organization in France dedicated to medical cannabis. At this time, information on medical cannabis in French was very limited, despite the wealth of articles in English. The French discourse mainly focused on the illegal aspects of recreational cannabis, ignoring its healing potential.
I used my expertise in website development and digital marketing to create a platform to educate. The project became a leading source of knowledge with over 550,000 people visiting our website. Our newsletter attracted thousands of subscribers, and we received many emails from individuals desperate for access to medical cannabis.
These were people battling severe illnesses, forced to navigate the illegal market to find relief, and sometimes facing legal consequences for their efforts. Hearing their stories was heartbreaking but fueled my determination to advocate for change.
We organized conferences featuring world experts like Raphael Mechoulam, aiming to shift the narrative around cannabis from recreational to medicinal. Our efforts sought to educate French doctors, policymakers and journalists, laying the groundwork for regulatory reform. Our activism contributed to the initiation of medical cannabis experimentation in France, marking a first step forward.
All of this work inspired me to transition from the tech industry to launching Kanavape in 2014, and shortly after Harmony, a cannabis startup focused on legal hemp-based products. It wasn't just about entrepreneurship; it was about creating an impact and making cannabinoids more accessible to those in need.
This journey led to a six-year legal battle culminating in a landmark victory at the European Court of Justice. Our win prompted a change in French law, allowing for CBD-based products. Along the way, I co-founded several trade associations to support businesses in France (Syndicat du Chanvre) and Europe (ACTIVE).
I also became a member of the Psychedelic Society and Decriminalize Nature, furthering my commitment to advocating for legal access to sacred plants. My experiences in activism, international law and compliance have led me to give keynotes at many conferences worldwide, and engage with politicians and officials, emphasizing the need for legal reform around cannabis and psychedelics.
Today, my projects largely focus around broadening access to the profound teachings and experiences provided by these plants.
In love & service,
Antonin.