Reflections from Psychedelic Science 2023 Conference

Reflections from Psychedelic Science 2023 Conference

Last month, I attended the Psychedelic Science 2023 conference hosted by MAPS in Denver, CO and though I was just one of over 12,000 participants, I felt a profound sense of connection to my community, a shared passion for psychedelic medicine, and a deep appreciation for how far we have come in such a short time.

Looking back, it’s awe-inspiring to see how much has changed in the landscape of psychedelic therapy and research over the years. Ten years ago, when I attended PS2013, I was a medical student in South Carolina and used the little vacation time I had to travel across the country to soak up every last drop of psychedelic education I could.  Though I was already connected with MAPS and learning about MDMA assisted therapy from Michael and Annie Mithoefer (two of the first MAPS MDMA therapy researchers), the exposure to community during that conference solidified my path to becoming a psychedelic psychiatrist, researcher and educator.  There, between talks,  in the chill spaces of the early Zendo Project, on the sunset cruise across the SF Bay, and at the Bicycle Day celebration, for the first time I found a community to which I truly belong.  I was inspired to hear Gabor Mate speak on trauma and healing, sharing a perspective that was so different from what I had learned in medical school, but at the same time felt more true.  

Fast forward to the Psychedelic Science conference in 2017, and I found myself actively involved in the psychedelic research and therapy world, having grown both personally and professionally in this field. This conference marked an exciting time as MDMA was just designated as “breakthrough therapy” status by the FDA, meaning that as we started the Phase III clinical trials, the FDA would help MAPS to expedite the process towards approval.  It was an honor to publish an article on the history of MDMA in the MAPS Bulletin, to moderate a panel of prior MAPS research participants, and to give a talk on therapeutic alliance in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. But perhaps one of the most significant moments for me at this conference was participating in the planning meeting for the start of the MAPS Phase 3 clinical trials.  

The evolution of the Psychedelic Science conferences mirrors the evolution of the field itself. From the first MAPS conference in 2010 to the most recent in 2023, we have witnessed a remarkable shift in societal attitudes toward psychedelics, moving from skepticism and stigmatization and more toward acceptance and integration. The 12,000 participants at Psychedelic Science 2023 are a testament to the growing interest and recognition of the potential benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapies.

As I reflect on my journey from a curious medical student in 2013 to an actively involved psychedelic psychiatrist in 2017 and beyond, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities and growth this field has provided me. I am humbled by the dedication and collaboration within our community, which has propelled us forward despite challenges and obstacles.

Psychedelic Science 2023 reaffirmed my belief that we are part of a movement that values compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others heal and grow. As we continue to navigate uncharted territory, let us remember the importance of responsible research, harm reduction, and advocacy for equitable access to psychedelic therapies.

I am excited for what the future holds for all of us in this ever-evolving field. Together, we are pioneers, explorers, and advocates on a shared quest to unlock the potential of the mind for healing and transformation. Let us keep this flame of curiosity and passion alive as we move forward in our commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

TL;DR - Psychedelic Science 2023 rocked! 🚀 Connected with an awesome community of psychedelic enthusiasts. From med student ➡️ psychedelic psychiatrist, what a trip! 🌈 Let's keep riding this wave of compassion, healing, and mind-blowing potential! 🌟🧠💫 #PsychedelicRevolution #FunTimesAhead