Episode 45 - Betty Aldworth

Psychedelic Exceptionalism - Why It Matters

The topic of psychedelic exceptionalism is often misunderstood, controversial and quite frankly not talked about enough. As the modern psychedelic movement progresses it's so important that we, as a community, stop and talk about the bigger picture of where psychedelics fit into the larger conversation of drug policy. This episode of the MAPS podcast explores this in detail thanks to the wisdom and knowledge of Betty Aldworth.

Prior to becoming Director of Communications and Events at MAPS in 2020, Betty Aldworth was the Executive Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy where she led and supported tens of thousands of students and young people united to build a more sensible future through reforming drug policies to be rooted in safety, justice, and education. Beginning in 2014, Betty led the organization through its most substantial growth period and in 2020 left the organization in its most stable and sustainable position in its year history. Since 1999, Betty has specialized in community engagement, public relations, advocacy, and policy reform for nonprofit organizations and, twice, businesses including as spokesperson and advocacy director for the successful 2012 Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, the collaborative committee responsible for legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana for adults in Colorado. An activist and advocate since her first anti-nukes demonstration as a child, Betty organized her first action at 13 and learned her first hard lessons in coalition building when it was attended only by her mom. Betty fights to end the drug war to end mass incarceration, reengage citizens in the political process, and build racial and economic justice.