Alchemy Rising: Philip Wolf's Vision for Cannabis Consiousness and Master Plant Medicines

In the heart of Colorado’s burgeoning psychedelic movement, Philip Wolf emerges as a compelling advocate for a deeper, more conscious relationship with cannabis. He believes it to be a Master Plant, along with other entheogenic plants - those possessing psychoactive properties such as psychedelics. As the founder of CashoM, an educational initiative, and the first company in the United States to offer legal cannabis dinners in Cultivating Spirits, Wolf seeks to elevate the conversation around this often-misunderstood plant, transforming it from mere recreational use into a conduit for a deeper connection to oneself, land and spirit, exploration and transformation.

Wolf's journey began in middle school, where his initial encounters with cannabis were casual and recreational. However, as he delved deeper into cultivation, he discovered a profound connection with the plant. 

“I’ve come to see cannabis not just as a recreational substance, but as a tool for amplifying experiences—be it art, personal struggles, or simply connecting with nature,” he explains. This evolution has led him to educate others on harnessing cannabis as an ally for creativity and emotional processing.

At the core of CashoM is a commitment to understanding the science of cannabis—particularly terpenes and cannabinoids. By educating students on how to select strains that align with their specific needs, Wolf aims to empower individuals to master their experiences by refining their relationship with cannabis, people can cultivate an elevated state of awareness and flow that can bring clarity, inspiration, and depth to every pursuit. 

“Imagine wanting to paint a masterpiece and knowing exactly which compound profile of a strain can unlock that creativity,” he describes. This approach invites a more intentional use of cannabis, shifting the focus from getting high to cultivating a meaningful relationship and communing in purpose with cannabis by accessing altered states and operating from that place in a skillful way.

As legalization unfolds in Colorado, Wolf is acutely aware of the pitfalls accompanying this evolution. 

“We’ve witnessed a shift toward corporate takeover, which often compromises product quality and the community spirit,” he laments. He warns against treating plant medicine as merely profit-driven ventures, encouraging conversations around what the highest expression of the cannabis is and how that can be integrated into our culture, stressing that this risks losing the plant's essence as a tool for healing and deeper connection to all life around us

 “If we don’t start having real conversations about these issues, we risk losing what the potentials can be.”

Wolf's advocacy extends beyond cannabis to a broader consciousness that respects all sentient beings and the natural world. “To truly honor the plant, we need to acknowledge the life around us,” he asserts, emphasizing the need for humility and a willingness to learn from indigenous wisdom. He recognizes the importance of integrating these voices into the modern dialogue surrounding cannabis and psychedelics. “As we navigate this space, we must listen and center the voices of those who have been stewards of these plants for centuries,” he urges.

The conversation also touches on the need for reciprocity and reparations. “As we learn from indigenous communities, we must consider how to give back and support their cultures,” he stresses. Recent apologies from political leaders for historical injustices serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for acknowledgment and healing. This is particularly relevant in the context of plant medicines, which have been co-opted and commercialized in ways that often ignore their cultural significance.

"The reciprocity is needed for the plants too,” Wolf notes. “How do we give back to something we consume? If I think in the nature of cannabis, I can glean ideas which don't stop short of thinking about giving back to nature as a whole or tending to our society so we can change our ways."

As Colorado takes bold steps toward psychedelic decriminalization, the urgency to act is palpable. However, Wolf advocates for a measured approach. “Moving too quickly could have negative repercussions down the line,” he cautions. “We need to thoughtfully integrate these practices into society, rather than rushing to capitalize on them.” 

The dialogue can quickly become polarized between those who view psychedelics as a movement for healing and those who see it as a burgeoning industry. Wolf reiterates that if this space is treated as a profit-driven venture, the essence of what can truly better our society may be lost.

Reflecting on his own journey, the entrepreneur shares a personal transformation story. “I started using cannabis in middle school, but it wasn’t until I began cultivating it that I formed a true connection with the plant.” This shift mirrors a broader movement in the psychedelic space, moving from casual use to a more meaningful relationship with these substances. His experiences in both the cannabis and psychedelic realms reveal a nuanced understanding. “Western perspectives often limit the potential of these plants,” he explains. “Without a broader context, people may find themselves unprepared and not knowing how to integrate them in the purest, most beneficial way.” 

Wolf’s commitment to education extends to a pioneering curriculum he is helping to design at Metro State University, aimed at training the next generation of Cannabis Hospitality Professionals. “It’s about preparing people to usher cannabis into mainstream culture brilliantly  and with purpose,” he says. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for informed dialogue and innovative practices as cannabis becomes more widely accepted.

In addition to advocacy, Wolf has launched a podcast titled “Praying with Plants,” where he facilitates open conversations about the spiritual and practical dimensions of cannabis, psychedelics and not afraid to get into politics, environmental movements and more. “I want to create a safe space for people to share their vulnerabilities and engage in critical thought,” he explains. “We’re all learning, and judgment has no place in that process.” This platform allows for a deeper exploration of how plant medicines can enrich our lives beyond mere enjoyment, fostering a culture of respect and connection.

Ultimately, the journey toward understanding and integrating these plant medicines is deeply personal. “Not everyone will approach these plants with the same reverence,” he acknowledges. “But I believe that if we can open minds and hearts to ineffable possibilities people can have in their lives, alongside of respect, the potential for major change is limitless.” As Wolf envisions the future of cannabis and plant medicine, he sees a landscape transformed by awareness and connection. “In 10, 20, or even 40 years, I hope we’ll recognize all life as sentient,” he muses.

As he continues to push the boundaries of education and consciousness, Wolf remains dedicated to cultivating a plant medicine culture that prioritizes spirituality over profit. “If we can approach these conversations with curiosity and humility, we might just find the path forward,” he concludes. Despite our world’s often detached and fragmented nature, Philip Wolf is a reminder of the power of connection—both to the earth and to one another. As the tides of plant medicine culture continue to shift, his voice will surely resonate, guiding us toward a more compassionate and respectful future.

For more on Philip Wolf please visit his website, Cultivating Spirits and Personal IG