It’s a place where people can come together and share stories and information about the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, art and music.
“It’s been a huge part of my interpersonal development throughout my life,” Tell said.
He said new research shows the benefits of psychedelics and the ways that using them have become more accepted.
“This ecosystem is turning into an industry,” Tell said.
Tell has a long history in Santa Barbara.
He was one of the founders of the “Lagoon District,” to acknowledge the growth of small businesses in the area.
From a business perspective, he founded Oniracom, an e-commerce entertainment and media company with clients such as Jack Johnson.
During the pandemic, he also formed LoDo Studios, an arts and entertainment venue that hosts creators and entrepreneurs.
District 216 includes its own manifesto, which states:
“Humans are in the midst of a confluence of paradigm shifts: political, technological, spiritual, and medical. The dogmatic systems that have ruled the land – dictating what to believe and how to behave on each of these fronts – are constraining our collective consciousness. Psychedelics are the key to break free from these old, ingrained patterns of thought.”
Tell, who said he grew up with “hippy” parents in Calabasas, said experiencing psychedelics has changed his world.
“Essentially, it has given me a lot of objectivity,” Tell said. “It has allowed me to think differently and open my mind to different possibilities. It’s allowed me to feel more connected with the universe, with humanity, with our community.”
