Psychotherapeutic Plant
Medicines Keynote
Reality Checking Drug Wars,
Drug Wonders & Our Fantastic Future

“An Informed and insightful perspective on Psilocybin, Ayahuasca and other psychotherapeutic plant medicines”

Andrew’s Keynote offers people the truth and facts about ayahuasca and psilocybin from the unique perspective of a Drug Squad Detective and Criminal Defence Barrister with degrees in Law and Social Sciences.

Learn about the past, present and future of these medicines from an informed and insightful perspective. Discover how these medicines work and cure people of most mental issues and illnesses and how this leads to better outcomes in life and facilitates self-actualisation when used correctly and in conjunction with post trip integration.  

Dealing or Healing - The Keynote

Reality Checking Drug Wars, Drug Wonders & Our Fantastic Future

In his powerful keynote, Andrew Swindells dives into the heart of one of society's most pressing and misunderstood issues: drug prohibition and the healing potential of psychotherapeutic plant medicines like psilocybin and ayahuasca. Drawing on a career that spans roles as a Drug Squad Detective, criminal defense barrister, and international legal consultant, Andrew offers an unfiltered look at the devastating effects of the “war on drugs” and the profound opportunities that lie in embracing plant-based therapies.

The keynote begins by challenging the audience to rethink entrenched ideas about drugs and addiction, illuminating how prohibition has failed communities, fueled crime, and perpetuated suffering. With insights from his book, “Dealing or Healing? Reality Checking Drug Wars, Drug Wonders, and Our Fantastic Future”, Andrew exposes the harmful impact of current policies on individuals who could benefit from safe, therapeutic access to plant medicines. He argues that drug policy reform is not only a public health imperative but a matter of human rights.

Through candid storytelling and real-world examples, Andrew draws from his own experiences in law enforcement and the legal system, sharing moments that reveal the limitations and often counterproductive outcomes of criminalising drug use. He highlights how decades of prohibition have ignored scientific evidence and marginalized those who seek alternative healing. Andrew’s advocacy is grounded in compassion and evidence, making a strong case for regulated access to psychedelics and plant medicines that can address trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges.

Andrew then guides the audience through the transformative potential of psychotherapeutic plant medicines, illustrating how they can serve as catalysts for self-actualisation, inner peace, and resilience. He provides practical insights into how these substances, when used responsibly, can help individuals break free from mental constraints, overcome trauma, and connect with their highest potential. Audience members are invited to reflect on their own beliefs, fears, and aspirations, leaving with a sense of empowerment and a new perspective on what true healing could look like for society.

With a blend of expertise, vulnerability, and a sense of humor, Andrew’s keynote leaves a lasting impact, inviting attendees to become advocates for compassionate, evidence-based approaches to drug policy and mental wellness.

Dealing or Healing - The Book

Image is for illustrative purposes only. Previous cover design was used at time of printing

Some of the key topics from Dealing or Healing

  1. Societal views on drugs from ancient to modern times.

  2. The origins and impacts of global drug prohibition policies.

  3. Prohibition fuelled organised crime and increased drug abuse and deaths.

  4. The war on drugs was a total failure and light regulation is the only path forward.

  5. The catastrophic societal consequences of the war on drugs.

  6. Psychotherapeutic plant medicines provide positive pathways to personal peace and self-actualisation

  7. Ayahuasca and Psilocybin transform lives and provide people with cures

  8. Criminalisation creates chaos, crime and corruption, whereas compassion and care cure people and create change.

  9. Empathy eclipses enforcement in our drug future and should guide future drug policies.

  10. Punishment perpetuates problems; therapeutic plant medicines provide solutions.

  11. Drug law reform is crucial for a healthier, more humane society.

Testimonials

  • “Engaging, entertaining, informative and funny, a true expert in his field."

    “Andrew was the opening keynote Speaker For Our International College of Cannabinoid Medicine National Conference in Australia.  Everyone found him engaging, entertaining, informative and funny. 

    He delivered a speech that demonstrated he is a true expert in his field. He managed his allotted time perfectly and the audience was so entertained they demanded he speak for longer.

    As a conference organiser I appreciated that Andrew was reliable, punctual and professional. He even stayed for the whole day to interact with the audience after his speech. I highly recommend Andrew Swindells as a keynote speaker.      

    Melinda Matthews
    National Pharmacy Operations Manager, Releaf GroupLtd

  • "Powerful, concise, and intriguing, I connot recommend Andrew enough"

    We had the pleasure of having Andrew Swindells present at a recent event I held called Selfseeker Festival. A thorough professional, Andrew was well-dressed and created a great impression from the moment he walked in.

    He presented his speech with a calm and thoughtful disposition, while engaging with the audience, getting them hooked from the start. His speech was powerful, concise, and intriguing, convincing some of the audience members to obtain his book straight after.

    One of the audience members even said she could listen to Andrew all day. I cannot recommend Andrew highly enough as a keynote speaker.

    Nikhil.S
    Selfseeker

“This keynote will challenge you”

Andrew Swindells - Dealing or Healing; Psychotherapeutic Plant Medicines Keynote

Book Andrew For Your Next Event?

Learn more about Dealing or Healing?