On Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, join Aspen Public Radio, Healing Advocacy Fund, and the Aspen Psychedelic Resource Center for the 2024 Aspen Psychedelic Symposium at the historic Wheeler Opera House in the heart of Aspen, Colorado.
This two-day gathering will showcase expert panels, groundbreaking research, and firsthand insights into the transformative world of psychedelic medicines. Explore tradition, science, and advocacy; connect with scientists, doctors, and luminaries; and delve into the future of psychedelics.
Symposium Passes are available now on aspenshowtix.com. They are $100 per person for the full, two-day event, with single-day passes available for $60 each, as organizers aim to provide affordable access to this important conversation. (Note: To unlock the 2-Day Ticket discount, add tickets for both Friday AND Saturday to your cart.)
In May 2023, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed SB23-290, “Natural Medicine Regulation And Legalization” into law, which clarifies and sets the framework for a regulated natural medicine program in Colorado. The previous year, a citizen-initiated measure related to the use of certain plants and fungi was approved by Colorado voters (Proposition 122), representing a massive shift in public perception regarding psychedelics. Colorado's ballot initiative was the first to decriminalize the possession and use of psychedelic mushrooms and certain plant-based psychedelic substances in Colorado law for individuals aged 21 and over.
Panels and speaker presentations throughout the day will include experts from Colorado and across the country. Hear from groundbreaking researchers, scientists, doctors, and others working in the field— alongside individuals who have had these life-changing experiences.
See below for the FULL SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE.
This event is made possible by the generosity of lead sponsor NeuroSpa, with a mission to inspire inner and outer beauty, strength, and wellness; additional financial support has been provided by Epiphany Mushroom Co., SeedFund Capital, Wondermed, Naropa University Center for Psychedelic Studies, Vicente LLP, and Will and Nathalia Dolan.
JUST ANNOUNCED! PRE-SYMPOSIUM EVENTS: On Thursday, May 30, kickstart your symposium experience with two film screenings at the iconic Aspen Film ISIS Theater (406 E Hopkins Ave, Aspen, CO). Then join us at MOLLIE Aspen Hotel (111 S Garmisch St) for Welcome Cocktails from 7:30pm - 9:00pm, hosted by Wondermed.
SCREENING 1: 3:30pm, doors at 3:00pm | Of Night and Light: The Story of Iboga and Ibogaine (115 min) | From documentarian Lucy Walker, a film that carefully walks the line between objectively informative and personally affecting. Spanning continents and decades, the story of ibogaine and its unlikely discovery by a pair of 60's dreamers are explored in great detail. Interviewing subjects from all sides of the psychedelic debate, the film confronts the current landscape of treatment for some of the most difficult ailments and how these conditions lead patients to seek the ultimate treatment. Click here for $10 general admission tickets to the 3:30pm screening.
SCREENING 2: 6:00pm, doors at 5:30pm | From Shock to Awe (89 min) | An intimate and raw look at the transformational journey of two combat veterans suffering from severe trauma as they abandon pharmaceuticals to seek relief through the mind-expanding world of psychedelics. Recent scientific research coupled with a psychedelic renaissance reveals that these substances can be used to heal PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) for individuals and their families. Q&A: Filmmaker, Janine Sagert and Activist Veterans, Aimee Kahl and Zach Phillips. Click here for $10 general admission tickets to the 6:00pm screening. FREE for veterans (promo code: VETERAN)
WELCOME COCKTAILS
MOLLIE Aspen Hotel (111 S Garmisch St) from 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Sponsored by Wondermed
Symposium Agenda | Friday, May 31 (Day 1)
Emcee Zach Leary will deliver Opening Remarks.
10:00am: “Psychedelics 101: Respecting Our Roots” Join us for an opening discussion on the cultural and spiritual roots of plant medicines and psychedelics, as we examine how ancestral traditions continue to shape our relationship with these substances. Moderated by Joe Moore, in conversation with Zach Leary and Sandor Iron Rope
11:45am: “Jim Harris: How Psychedelics Transformed a Local Mountain Athlete’s Rehabilitation”
12:00pm: “Neuropharmacology: Psychedelics on the Brain” Exploring psychedelic healing potential beyond the mind, including impacts to physical therapy and disability, this discussion will delve into topics such as CNS and peripheral neuroplasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and their role in healing paralysis. Moderated by Jim Harris, with Rachel Zoeller, DPT; David W. Mcmillan, Ph.D.; and Manesh Girn, Ph.D.
2:00pm: “Coakee William Wildcat: Psychedelic Pathways to Ecological Resilience”
2:15pm: “Stéphane Lasme: Iboga and Gabon”
2:30pm: “Ibogaine: The Promise, The Protocol, and Protecting the Sacred” Ibogaine’s complex effects on the brain and the need for medical monitoring are unique compared to other plant medicines. Learn more about its current and potential future applications as a medicine, and the importance of protecting the iboga sacrament in Gabon. Moderated by Kevin Franciotti, with Talia Eisenberg, Tom Feegel, and Lola Ohonba, PHARM.D.
4:00pm: “Jen Bruce: Psychedelic Teachings on Addiction Recovery”
4:15pm: SHORT FILM: “Healing through Peyote” by Amber Labahe
4:30pm: FEATURE TALK: “Fireside Chat: Rick Doblin, Ph.D with Ron Beller” Experience an uncensored dialogue between visionary leader and founder of MAPS, Dr. Rick Doblin, and his coach Ron Beller in a Fireside Chat exploring the intertwining paths of professional success, personal growth, and the transformative power of psychedelics.
6:00pm: Networking Cocktail Reception
LIMELIGHT HOTEL (355 Monarch St., Aspen, CO)
Sponsored by SeedFund Capital
Symposium Agenda | Saturday, June 1 (Day 2)
Emcee Zach Leary will deliver Opening Remarks.
10:00am: “Psychedelic Integration: The Science and the Support” Let’s uncover the transformative potential of psychedelic experiences beyond the trip itself with esteemed experts Dr. Gül Dölen and Zach Leary as they illuminate the importance of post-journey integration practices in maximizing therapeutic benefits. Moderated by Laura Betti, in conversation with Zach Leary and Gül Dölen, M.D., Ph.D.
11:45am: “Britt Rollins & Veronica Lightning Horse Perez: Emergent Needs in the Psychedelic Space”
12:15pm: “First to Respond: Cultivating Compassion and Resilience in Law Enforcement Communities” What is the emerging relationship between law enforcement and psychedelic policy? Discover how Denver is spearheading the implementation of new laws balancing public health and safety. This panel will explore the needs and considerations faced by first responders as they navigate this evolving territory. Moderated by Joe Moore, with Lt. Diane M. Goldstein (Ret.), Lt. Sarko Gergerian, and Rick Doblin, Ph.D.
2:00pm: FEATURE TALK: “Namae Ntumae: Love and Psychedelics” Love is at the heart of all effective, permanent transformational processes. Psychedelics can open us to mystical and transcendental experiences and reunite us with the intelligence of all of life, creating a sense of coming home. However, having peak experiences is not enough. We need to acknowledge the role Love plays in all applications of psychedelics: in resolving trauma, in training facilitators, in the global shift in consciousness, and in addressing the climate crisis.
3:30pm: “Aaron Orsini: Autism on Acid”
3:45pm: “Psychedelic Healing and Community Empowerment: Navigating State Access Models in Oregon and Colorado” Next year, Colorado will become the second state in the country, after Oregon, to introduce a state-regulated therapeutic access model for psilocybin mushrooms. This panel explores opportunities and challenges, probing what’s possible as communities seek to ethically integrate legal access to psychedelic healing. Moderated by Tasia Poinsatte, with James Eshleman, Claudia Barfoot, and Rebecca Martinez
5:00pm: FEATURE TALK: “Gül Dölen on Psychedelics: Master Keys for Unlocking ‘Critical Periods’” Dr. Dölen will present evidence to support her hypothesis that psychedelics are the long-sought “master key” for unlocking critical periods across the brain; understanding psychedelics through this framework dramatically expands the scope of disorders (including stroke, autism, and allergy) that might benefit from adjunct therapy with psychedelics.
Each day will also include a RESOURCE FAIR with Thank you Life, Hamilton’s Mushrooms, Plant Magic HQ, Aspen Neuro, The Nowalk Society, NeuroSpa, Epiphany Mushroom Co., SeedFund Capital, Wondermed, and Explore Booksellers.
This space will be open throughout the two-day event and aims to provide additional information to those excited about the promise of plant medicine, those concerned about possible misuse, those who are well-acquainted in the field and those who are learning the basics while providing an opportunity to network with others interested in better understanding the implications of our society’s increasing acceptance and legalization of naturally occurring psychedelic medicines.
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About Aspen Public Radio: Aspen Public Radio is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is overseen by Roaring Fork Public Radio, Inc. with the mission to support, nourish, and enrich our community by providing informative, entertaining, and educational radio and digital programming in a reliable and professional manner. Founded in 1980 as Roaring Fork Public Radio Translator, broadcasting from Sy Coleman’s living room in 1981, Aspen Public Radio has now grown into one of the most relied upon news institutions in the Roaring Fork Valley. The station is located in the Red Brick Center for the Arts at 110 E. Hallam Street, Suite 134, Aspen, Colorado.
You can listen to Aspen Public Radio at 91.5FM and 88.9FM, along with other repeater signals depending on location throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, or by streaming the station at aspenpublicradio.org from anywhere in the world.
About the Wheeler Opera House: Since 1889, the Wheeler Opera House has been Aspen’s favorite year-round performance venue and has become the Roaring Fork Valley’s premiere site for concerts, films, festivals, lectures, community events, and more. The Wheeler takes great pride in being a part of Aspen's history as a gathering place and space for artistic expression in our community. The Wheeler Opera House is a department of the City of Aspen.
Wheeler Vision: At the Wheeler Opera House, we set the stage for connections that create memories for our audiences, artists, and the greater Aspen community.
About the Aspen Psychedelic Resource Center: APRC is an Aspen-based non-profit organization that educates community members and thought leaders on the optimal use of psychedelic medicines with an emphasis on equity, safety, and spirituality. APRC grew out of Right to Heal Aspen—an initiative to locally decriminalize plant medicines. Over 30 local therapists, municipal leaders, doctors, lawyers, parents, and plant medicine aficionados worked together to develop legislation addressing local needs.
Learn more at: aspenpsychedelicresourcecenter.org
About Healing Advocacy Fund: The Healing Advocacy Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that protects and expands safe, affordable state-regulated access to psychedelic healing for all who need it. In Colorado, HAF is stewarding responsible implementation of Colorado’s therapeutic access model for psilocybin. Our team combines depth of experience from supporting the launch of the world’s first state-regulated psilocybin program in Oregon with nuanced policy analysis and robust stakeholder engagement to identify gaps, reduce barriers, and propose workable solutions to problems that have never been solved before.
Learn more at: healingadvocacyfund.org