“Our Story :Our Name:
The term “”Cohoba”” is rooted in the Taino language, referring to a ceremonial use of psychedelic snuff. This potent snuff is derived from the Anadenanthera peregrina plant, a significant member of the legume family native to the Caribbean and South America. This plant produces beans and leaves containing psychedelic compounds, which held a central role in the spiritual rituals of the Taíno people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean. “”Cohoba”” denotes both the finely ground, cinnamon-hued snuff and the sacred ceremony associated with it, dedicated to a deity of the same name.
Our emblem features the cohoba leaf as a tribute to the profound traditions of indigenous Caribbean cultures. As cultural guardians, Cohoba is deeply committed to preserving the values of inclusivity, collectivism, and a profound reverence for altered states. We believe in the power of celebration and joy as instruments of resilience for marginalized communities.
Our Origins
Our organization traces its roots back to January 2015, a time when Laura Camilo and Daniel De La Cruz crossed paths at a gathering in East Charlotte. Their connection was nurtured by mutual friendships forged through their service at a local immigrant rights nonprofit, the Latin American Coalition. At that moment, Daniel was pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at UNC-Charlotte while delving into research on the positive effects of psychedelic-assisted therapy on mental well-being. Daniel and Laura quickly became close friends, discovering a shared passion for advocacy and equity in the re-emerging landscape of psychedelic research, all while cherishing their shared Dominican-American heritage. Laura, too, joined the MSW program and focused her capstone research on psychedelic-assisted therapy and its potential impact on local mental health needs. Their collective research laid the foundation for the concept of social workers implementing micro, mezzo, and macro interventions within the framework of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Together, they recognized the imperative for a model of accessible psychedelic-assisted therapy, one that placed communal connection at the forefront, offering educational resources and therapeutic support services, particularly for the underserved communities in Charlotte.
Over the following years, Cohoba’s team expanded to include other BIPOC leaders and advocates who actively shaped our core values and reevaluated our initial objectives. While our commitment to pioneering innovative psychotherapy strategies remains, Cohoba has pivoted its focus to envision a space dedicated to bringing people together. We aspire to provide event space and services that foster community well-being through the sharing of joy and the healing of pain.
Our Present
In December 2019, Cohoba officially gained recognition as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are profoundly grateful to have secured offices and event space in the Visual and Performing Arts Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. This strategic location enables close collaboration with the OBRA Collective, an affiliated organization comprising interdisciplinary Latinx artists and advocates.
Since our inception, Cohoba’s therapists have undergone comprehensive training in psychedelic therapy, offered by organizations like the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies and Fluence. Our members bring diverse expertise to the table, encompassing psychedelic-positive therapy, social work, bodywork, and artistic expression. Collectively, we champion the well-being of the global majority and celebrate the human experience.
Our Vision
To cater to the evolving needs of our community, we remain dedicated to broadening our network of connections and partnerships. We hope this website serves as a source of insight into our team and our vision, as well as a gateway to our current events and opportunities for support. It also serves as a valuable resource for learning, featuring educational materials, blogs, and a comprehensive FAQ section.
We extend a warm welcome to you at Cohoba! Please explore our resources and savor the wealth of information we offer.”