Portland, oregon
Oregon Convention Center
May 19-20, 2023
Psycon Psychedelic Convention
Oregon Convention Center
May 19-20, 2023
Lamar Odom will be coming in-person to share live and on-stage his life-changing experiences with ketamine and ibogaine.
Speaker Bio:
Lamar Odom is a two-time NBA champion, an NBA Sixth Man of the Year, and an Olympic gold medalist who credits psychedelic medicine with saving his life. Odom’s journey to redemption from addiction and other mental health issues is chronicled in the documentary Lamar Odom Reborn directed by Zappy Zapolin. His life-changing experiences with ketamine and ibogaine inspired Odom to begin advocating for psychedelics worldwide; he will share his incredible story at PsyCon Portland in a compelling can’t-miss talk for attendees.
Presentation Abstract:
Psychedelics are not a magic bullet. But they are a powerful tool to healing trauma that’s stored in our DNA, biohacking the brain for joy, and seeing life from a fresh perspective. Because Kaia has been an elementary school mindfulness teacher and her bestselling book The Joy Plan reaches a mainstream audience (it’s in Target and Walmart), she has a way of explaining psychedelics that helps reduce the stigma and encourages people to understand their potential. This session is for anyone who wants to experience more joy in their life, even the biggest skeptics.
Speaker Bio:
Kaia Roman is a Silicon Valley-based biohacker and entrepreneur who is passionate about bringing the healing capabilities of psychedelic medicines to as many people as possible. At her core, Kaia is a journalist and storyteller. She is the bestselling author of the highly-acclaimed book about the neuroscience of joy, The Joy Plan, host of the Psyched podcast, and co-produced the documentary Lamar Odom: Reborn, which followed the basketball star through his psychedelic treatments. Kaia is also the Vice President at Psycheceutical, a Venture Partner at SeedFund Capital, and the CEO of PR & marketing firm The Ellipsis Agency. In 2023, Kaia received the psychedelic industry Entheo Award for Psychedelic CEO of the Year.
Presentation Abstract:
This presentation provides a breakdown of (i) various approaches local governments take when permitting businesses; (ii) time, place, and manner (TPM) regulations related to Oregon psilocybin businesses; (iii) how TPM regulations may differ from how local governments treated cannabis; and (iv) real estate considerations Oregon psilocybin businesses should consider before leasing or purchasing property.
Speaker Bio:
Alex J. Berger is a regulatory attorney at Emerge Law Group. He primarily serves the cannabis, hemp/CBD, and psychedelics industries. His practice focuses on state and federal regulatory compliance and licensing in highly regulated industries. He represents a broad base of cannabis, hemp, and psychedelic-related clients, including cultivators, processors, wholesalers, dispensaries, service centers and ancillary businesses (e.g., software providers, equipment vendors, etc.). His clients range from smaller “mom and pop” businesses to larger private and public multistate and multinational operators. He also provides advice on land-use matters.
Presentation Abstract:
So you’re building a psychedelics business and need to find customers? Growth IS possible! Digital advertising has become much, much more difficult in the last 5 years – privacy, ad blockers, and ever-increasing competition for eyeballs. What’s an entrepreneur to do? Join me in examining the challenges posed by various digital media strategies, and learn about cost-effective customer acquisition.
Speaker Bio:
Jon has spent 15 years transforming businesses at the forefront of digital marketplaces, identity, and consumer insights, and is now building Frshminds.com, set to become the leading decision engine for psychedelic retreats. Yet another reformed cannabis industry vet, Jon drove the transformation of Lift & Co into a best-in-class source of industry data. A former strategy consultant at Bain & Company, Jon holds an MBA from the University of Toronto and wants to spend the next 10 years hosting AirBnB’s on a beach somewhere.
Presentation Abstract:
This presentation will provide an overview of U.S. federal, state, and local laws regulating the possession, use, and administration of psychedelics. The course will provide a basic understanding of the policy reform movements happening across the country, and compare and contrast the protections contained within both enacted and proposed state and local legislation. The course presentation will provide a brief overview of Oregon’s psilocybin access program and the yet-to-be implemented natural medicine program in Colorado, and will conclude with a summary of proposed psychedelics legislation and notable federal regulatory developments.
Speaker Bio:
Courtney Barnes is a devoted social justice attorney and trailblazer in drug policy reform. She serves as Counsel at the law firm, Feldman Legal Advisors PLLC, where she specializes in advising clients on compliance and risk management in emerging industries. In addition to her legal practice, Courtney provides a variety of advisory services to the psychedelics ecosystem. She serves as Policy Advisor for the Mind Army, General Counsel for the Society for Psychedelic Outreach Reform and Education (SPORE), and Advisory Board Member of Heroic Hearts Project. Courtney was a lead drafter of Denver’s Psilocybin Decriminalization Initiative (the nation’s first successful voter-initiated psychedelic policy reform ordinance) and has extensive experience drafting state and local policy relating to the regulation of cannabis and psychedelics. She is licensed to practice law in California, Colorado, and Texas.
Pre Show Crash Course Instructor ( Thursday May 18)
Speaker Bio:
Mary Nielsen is the entrepreneurial founder of Clinical Cognitive Facilitator Training. Mary is the Executive Director and founder of Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics Institute (www.spectrumlasertraining.com), the OG of Fearless Beauties (www.fearlessbeauties.org) and an author of several textbooks. She believes in the empowerment found in education and in supporting complementary methods for enacting the highest level of healing, including psychedelic facilitator training. Mary serves on the Advisory Board for Private Career Schools in Oregon
Pre Show Crash Course Instructor ( Thursday May 18)
Speaker Bio:
Tori Armbrust’s company, Satori Farms PDX received the FIRST license issued in the State of Oregon & the nation for psilocybin manufacturing. Tori is passionate about teaching people how to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms. She has worked closely with the Portland Psychedelic Society, Decriminalize Nature Portland and has hosted many workshops and events throughout Portland & Southern Oregon. While there are many ways to grow mushrooms, she teaches a “low tech” method of growing. This is an all-inclusive way of cultivating that allows people to become successful with minimal time, money, experience, and space.
Presentation Abstract: Learn what Borderline Personality Disorder is, go over why folks with this diagnosis have traditionally been left out of the research with psychedelics, review the current research available, and learn how psychedelics could be beneficial to this population when done safely.
Speaker Bio:
Jenna has a passion for helping folks with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) using psychedelics. With a BA in Psychology and MA in counseling, she practiced therapy for 15 years in a variety of settings and specialized in treating BPD and PTSD. After years of unofficially helping clients integrate their psychedelic experiences and seeing how helpful this medicine was for clients (and herself), she completed a certification course to become a psychedelic integration coach. She is now the co-owner of Inner Dimensions Integration, LLC where she has the honor of turning her passion into a career.
Presentation Abstract:
Oregon’s Measure 109 allowed the first regulated psilocybin facilitator training programs to launch in late 2022. Just as psilocybin facilitators are beginning to get licensed and start practicing in Oregon, other states are building similar regulatory frameworks. The need for education and professional standards is clear and a number of governmental agencies and independent organizations are involved in meeting it. This talk will give an overview of education requirements and how education programs are regulated in Oregon, discuss professional organizations and efforts at creating accreditation systems, and frame the key questions for the sustainable growth of robust training programs in states where similar opportunities are soon to open.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Elizabeth Nielson is a co-founder of Fluence and a psychologist with a focus on developing psychedelic medicines as empirically supported treatments for PTSD, substance use problems, and mood disorders. Dr. Nielson is a Site Co-Principal Investigator and therapist for an FDA approved Phase 3 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and has served as a therapist on FDA approved clinical trials of psilocybin-assisted treatment of alcohol use disorder, psilocybin-assisted treatment of treatment resistant depression, and earlier phase 2 and 3 trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Through Fluence, she provides continuing education and training programs for therapists who wish to engage in integration of psychedelic experiences in clinical settings.
Presentation Abstract:
From psychedelic facilitators and product manufacturers to service centers and testing laboratories, opportunities abound in Oregon’s emerging psilocybin industry. Entrepreneurs, advocates, healthcare professionals and the psychedelic-curious should attend this session to learn the ins and outs of the Oregon Psilocybin Services regulations and licensing process—and for helpful tips to get you on the path to success in this exciting new field.
Speaker Bio:
Yolanda Clarke is an attorney at Vicente LLP, the nation’s leading cannabis and psychedelics law firm. As part of the firm’s Psychedelics & Emerging Therapies team, she assists those working and interested in the psychedelics field with licensing and regulatory compliance. Since 2016, Yolanda has led and assisted with cannabis licensing projects across the U.S. in California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Ohio, New York, Illinois, Utah, Iowa, Georgia, and Alabama, as well as internationally in Canada. With more than 40 licenses obtained for clients, she is highly knowledgeable in all aspects of the licensing process.
Presentation Abstract:
This seminar will explore the concept of “two-eyed seeing” and the importance of combining Indigenous and Western healing techniques and knowledge in the context of psychedelic facilitation. We will discuss how this approach can provide a holistic education that promotes responsible and ethical practices in the field. Through case studies developed at our institute, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of incorporating Indigenous perspectives and practices into Western methodologies.
Speaker Bio:
Lisa is an accomplished entrepreneur, researcher, and educator who has made significant contributions to the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. She is the founder of Changa Institute, the United States’ leading professional education and certification provider in psychedelic-assisted facilitation and integration.Lisa is a recognized expert in her field and has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including The New York Times, Forbes, and NPR.
Presentation Abstract:
This presentation will discuss the importance of pharmaceutical formulation strategies for psychedelic drug delivery in clinical applications, new developments in the field, and how those strategies differ from and complement the development of novel psychedelic compounds. Opportunities for delivery innovation in Measure 109 service centers will be discussed. Approaches to formulation will also be placed in the context of the strategies employed by non-Western, indigenous shamanic practitioners.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Del Potter specializing in psychiatric anthropology, ethno psychopharmacology, and neuropharmacology, and organic chemistry. He received clinical training at the San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute. His early research focused on the cross-cultural psychohistory of shamanic practitioners, indigenous psychotherapeutic practice and the phytochemistry of shamanic formulation in Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil and Colombia. He worked with Alexander Shulgin on novel chemistry of DMT and 5-MeO-DMT related compounds, and worked as Chief Science Officer for Alvarius Pharmaceuticals on first in man studies of 5-MeO-DMT for substance abuse disorders. He currently consults for Pangea Bontanica which is using metabolomic analysis to develop pharmaceutical products from botanicals worldwide. He founded Spiritus Bioscience last year to focus on contouring the psychedelic experience with final formulation and delivery technology.
Presentation Abstract:
Join Jordan Weiss as he takes you on a Mushroom Lifecycle Journey. Follow along the story of how fungus has thrived as one of the most successful organisms on planet earth. This brief presentation will be followed by an oyster mushroom cooking demonstration. Oyster mushrooms grow in the wild and can be easily cultivated. They are one of the region’s most popularly collected edible fungi and Jordan has some unique ways of preparing them.
Speaker Bio:
Jordan Weiss has been teaching low-tech methods of mushroom cultivation using permaculturally-based methods since 2006. He was a member of the Oregon Mycological Society(OMS) for thirteen-years, where he helped with the identification table, led mushroom cultivation workshops and presented programs at the annual Fall show for several years. He continues to provide mycology education and facilitation to students of all ages.
Presentation Abstract:
Due to psychedelics being considered a schedule I drug they are subject to 280E. The tax penalties imposed on these businesses are often their most significant expense and must be taken seriously. Fortunately, there are strategies that can be used to reduce the impact of 280e legally allowing businesses to take aggressive but defensible tax positions.
Speaker Bio:
Justin Botillier is CEO of Calyx CPA LLC in Southern Oregon. Justin has sixteen years of experience working with small business owners. Prior to recreational legalization he was among the first accounting professionals to advocate for the cannabis industry actively and publicly. In 2016 Justin sold his general practice to work in cannabis full time. He now works with the psychedelic community to prepare business owners for the tax impact of 280E on businesses in the psilocybin industry. His firm specializes in business advisory, entity formation, tax preparation & tax planning for plant medicine companies.
Presentation Abstract:
As a known visionary who began his career on Wall Street, Zappy has been spotting massive trends for decades, such as internet domain names, legal CBD and cannabis, and now the burgeoning psychedelic economy. Come hear Zappy’s predictions and advice for what’s to come in the fast-moving psychedelic industry.
Speaker Bio:
Zappy Zapolin is a well-known futurist, entrepreneur, and award-winning filmmaker who is considered one of the foremost experts in psychedelic therapies and companies. He is the director behind the acclaimed documentaries The Reality of Truth and Lamar Odom: Reborn, the Chief Visionary Officer at Psycheceutical Bioscience, and founder of the Mind Army, a non-profit that’s “fighting for the right to pursue happiness,” with the goal of legalizing psychedelic medicines to combat the depression and addiction epidemics.
Presentation Abstract:
There is increasing interest in using psilocybin for psychiatric and neurological disorders yet concerns about combining it with pharmaceutical medications. Learn about the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of psilocybin, as well as drug/drug interactions. Dosing ranges and effects will also be reviewed.
Speaker Bio:
Ann Chatterton, MS, BSN, RN is a health and consciousness enthusiast. She has worked as a registered nurse in adult health for 28 years. She is an experienced LENS neurofeedback practitioner and is also a trained spiritual director and chaplain. Ann is skilled in the art of holding space for clients who seek deeper levels of knowing.
Presentation Abstract:
With the recent resurgence of interest and research into psychedelics and the influence of non-ordinary states of consciousness in mental wellness, we will explore the realm of conscious brain and thought pattern change. This will be looked at within the context of the 8 circuit model, originally developed by Dr. Timothy Leary, as a functional framework for these states of consciousness and personal development in the realm of neuroscience and mental health.
Speaker Bios:
Dr. Douglas Wingate, DTCM, L.Ac, is an acupuncturist, herbalist, and among the first licensed psilocybin facilitators in the United States specializing in neurological, emotional, and neuro-cognitive conditions as well as acute and chronic pain. He has written four books on the topics of brain health and consciousness including Circuits and Shen: Models of the Evolution of Consciousness and Chinese Medicine. He received his Doctorate from Five Branches University and Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine with post-graduate studies in clinical neuroscience from the Carrick Institute. He is an alumnus of the Maybelogic Academy facilitated by Robert Anton Wilson where he had the honor of studying the eight circuit model of consciousness under Wilson. Dr. Wingate has been in private practice since 2011.
Presentation Abstract:
With the recent resurgence of interest and research into psychedelics and the influence of non-ordinary states of consciousness in mental wellness, we will explore the realm of conscious brain and thought pattern change. This will be looked at within the context of the 8 circuit model, originally developed by Dr. Timothy Leary, as a functional framework for these states of consciousness and personal development in the realm of neuroscience and mental health.
Speaker Bios:
Dr. Rachel Turetzky has a PhD in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She has further training as a Psychedelic- Assisted Therapist through Sage Institute. Additionally, she has worked extensively with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) since 2012, currently working as an Adherence Rater on their Phase 3 Clinical Trials using MDMA to treat PTSD. Dr. Turetzky is also a Certified Integrative Wellness & Life Coach though Integrative Wellness Academy, a Certified Yoga Teacher through Marianne Wells Yoga School (Costa Rica), and Reiki Healer through the Usui System of Natural Healing. She studies and practices herbalism and offers holistic health and lifestyle guidance. She has been studying and practicing various forms of spirituality for almost 30 years. Dr. Turetzky offers psychedelic integration and psychonautic guidance through her organization Eleusia Psychedelic Integration Coaching.
Presentation Abstract:
In the US alone, 1:4 people are on psychiatric medication. More than 55M of these people are on antidepressants and rising quickly. This seminar addresses the understanding of how we got to this place and the path forward, with psychedelics, herbal medicines and community support at the forefront of addressing the needs of people who have been prescribed, but who are not good candidates for medication and/ or are suffering from the side effects.
Speaker Bio:
Andrea Shuman is the founder and CEO of 5D Systems, INC and Mycrodrops.com.
Presentation Abstract:
The world of at-home mushroom cultivation can be more than just a bit confusing. Contradictory information – and blatant misinformation – is rampant on the internet. Clear out the confusion and gain important foundational knowledge as Matt Monroe walks you through the basics of mushroom cultivation with a live demonstration of his techniques for inoculating grain bags, pasteurizing mushroom substrate, and maintaining a contamination free workspace. Extra emphasis will be placed on grain bag inoculation, as this is a pinch point for so many first time cultivators.
Speaker Bio:
Matt Monroe is a three-decade veteran of the documentary film world, who’s hauled his cameras and microphones across the planet – from Hawaii to the Himalayas; the Arctic to the Amazon. His introduction to psychedelics took place while documenting sacred ayahuasca ceremonies in Peru, where he went from being an observer to becoming a participant during the final night of filming. That introduction in Peru sparked a curiosity and a quest which – more than 20 years later – has become Matt’s cultivation journey, and resulted in the creation of the CULTIV8R CLUB, a company which he co-founded. Recognizing that confusion and outright misinformation was rampant within the world of at-home mushroom cultivation, Matt Monroe applied his love of science, engineering, and gardening to develop a kit system for growing mushrooms at home easily, conveniently, and with consistent results.
Presentation Abstract:
Believe it or not… testing for psilocybin IS rocket Science. Rose City labs is currently the only licensed laboratory to test Psilocybin in Oregon. Since no industry standards or guidelines existed, the challenge was a slow roll and literally monumental. The journey began nearly 2 years ago with measure 109. Hundreds of hours have been dedicated to developing these processes, which humbly began with store bought button mushrooms and other fruiting body fungi foraged from the Northwest. Longtime counter-culture advocate and Lab owner Dan Huson, together with Senior Chemist Bjorn Fritzsche retell how our team of researchers, scientists and developers created reliable testing protocols, utilized industry testing standards, and the journey toward compliance with the State’s regulatory requirements. Q & A session to follow.
Speaker Bio:
Bjorn is our senior chemist and go-to expert in research and development with nearly 20 years of experience helping our environmental and cannabis customers with their unique product testing challenges. Specializing in analytical and extraction chemistry, Bjorn uses his experience and critical thinking to streamline the many challenges of developing new testing protocols for custom test requests – all the while upholding industry standards.
Presentation Abstract:
Believe it or not… testing for psilocybin IS rocket Science. Rose City labs is currently the only licensed laboratory to test Psilocybin in Oregon. Since no industry standards or guidelines existed, the challenge was a slow roll and literally monumental. The journey began nearly 2 years ago with measure 109. Hundreds of hours have been dedicated to developing these processes, which humbly began with store bought button mushrooms and other fruiting body fungi foraged from the Northwest. Longtime counter-culture advocate and Lab owner Dan Huson, together with Senior Chemist Bjorn Fritzsche retell how our team of researchers, scientists and developers created reliable testing protocols, utilized industry testing standards, and the journey toward compliance with the State’s regulatory requirements. Q & A session to follow.
Speaker Bio:
Dan Huson – Owner of Rose City Laboratories, currently the only fully licensed and accredited Lab to test for Psilocybin. Dan is a seasoned and respected industry thought leader. His career has been rooted in improving ownership, integrity and accountability – in all of his endeavors. You won’t meet a more interesting and intuitive leader with a genuine trustworthiness his team greatly admires. Previously a mechanical engineer for Boeing (23 years) as well as a pioneer in opening one of the first medicinal cannabis dispensaries in Oregon. His entrepreneurial mind (which does not have an off switch) eventually pivoted towards laboratory testing, analytics and accountability toward home health and wellness. This has ultimately led to the expansion into environmental test services. He has successfully owned and operated Rose City Labs in PDX since 2012, and now embraces the opening a brand new lab in Bend.
Speaker Bio:
Angela Allbee joined the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division as Oregon Psilocybin Services Section Manager after working to shape legislative policy for nearly a decade. After serving as Senior Policy Advisor for Oregon Health Authority Government Relations, she served in policy roles with the Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, Oregon House Majority Office, and Oregon Legislative Assembly. Prior to policy work in Oregon, Angela spent nearly a decade in the non-profit sector serving older adults, individuals experiencing disabilities, refugees, asylees, veterans, and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Angie received her Executive Master of Public Administration degree from the Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University.
Presentation Abstract:
Join Angie Allbee, Section Manager for Oregon Psilocybin Services, and members of the Oregon Psilocybin Services team as they share the journey of implementing the nation’s first licensing and regulatory framework, the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act (also known as Measure 109). Oregon Psilocybin Services is shifting from a drug policy framework rooted in the ‘War on Drugs’ to a health policy approach that holds promise for healing and wellness. Gain insight into the opportunities and challenges of creating safe, effective, and equitable access to psilocybin services in Oregon. Gain a deeper understanding of how Oregon Psilocybin Services is structured within the larger evolving psilocybin ecosystem and learn about new resources and ways to stay engaged.
Speaker Bio:
Emily York is a Program Analyst with the Oregon Psilocybin Services team. She supports policy and program development, communications, and community engagement. Before joining the team, she led the Oregon Climate and Health Program, local policy work in Portland’s City Hall, and advocacy work with the Coalition for a Livable Future. She has a public health degree and sustainability certificate from Portland State University and degrees in planning and visual communications from the University of Washington. She has two children and a life-long connection to the Pacific Northwest.
