Karma Koala Podcast 295: Jim Tate Psychedelics Writer Thinker & Podcaster: The New Psychedelic Monetization, The Psychedelic Aristocracy, Shamans & Retreats Everywhere You Look.. All Is Not Well In The Psychedelic Garden of Eden | Cannabis Law Report

BY JIM TATE

JANUARY 7, 2026

Ilike writing about aspects of the psychedelic ecosystem, as well as interviewing people who I find interesting. I don’t consider myself a journalist in the classic sense simply because I am not objective. I have too many opinions and frequently sprinkle them throughout my work.

I’ve become aware of a troubling trend in the rise of a new breed of content creators: psychedelic journalists who are not only reporting on psychedelic issues but are also rapidly becoming high-profile influencers.

Historically, journalism has served as a critical, objective lens through which the public understands complex issues. In the realm of psychedelics, the past decade has seen an explosion of reporting on clinical trials, personal narratives, retreat centers, and policy reform. The digital age has blurred the boundaries between journalism and social media influence. Some journalists are now building personal brands, amassing large followings, and being tempted to monetize their platforms and receive other benefits without transparency. This shift is particularly pronounced in the psychedelic sphere, where the line between reporting, advocacy, and self-promotion is increasingly indistinct.

Now don’t get me wrong, for I am not without sin. I would love to be offered a free 7-day ibogaine retreat or a comped berth on the recent 9-day Wonder Cruise to Antarctica, where I could rub elbows with the likes of Paul Stamets and Rick Doblin. After all, not having to pay a fee that went as high as $24,000 would be pretty tempting for any journalist. But it just might be crossing the line if anything I subsequently reported did not reveal that I was receiving a benefit and special treatment.

The influencer economy thrives on sensationalism and personal stories. In the context of psychedelics, this often translates into glowing testimonials, dramatic before-and-after accounts, and bold claims regarding healing or enlightenment. While personal narratives can be compelling and relatable, they are not a substitute for rigorous, evidence-based reporting.

Many individuals seeking information on psychedelics are vulnerable, grappling with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, addiction, or existential distress. For these audiences, the difference between responsible journalism and influencer promotion is not merely academic, it can be a matter of safety. When journalists become influencers, their words carry added weight, and any misrepresentation or omission can have real-world consequences.

Ethical journalism demands a duty of care to the audience, especially when reporting on substances that can profoundly impact mental health. Influencer culture, by contrast, often prioritizes engagement and growth over caution and nuance. This fundamental tension is at the heart of the danger posed by the rise of psychedelic journalists as influencers.

The Temptation of Shilling

‘Shilling’ is defined as promotion without revealing the personal gain received. In the psychedelic world, this most commonly occurs when a well-known figure succumbs to the temptation to report on some aspects of the ‘psychedelic renaissance.’ The danger to journalists is the loss of credibility. When bias, based upon a system of reward, creeps into the picture, the validity of that journalist is diminished. There is also danger that content, influenced by creators, is relied upon by the public who have no idea that there is an underlying spin, conscious or not, tainting the message.

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