Alleged to have produced “90% of the world’s LSD,” academic, author, and advocate William Leonard Pickard has a lifetime of stories to share. In this intimate storytime session, he will share reflections from his extraordinary life, including encounters with mystics, scientists, outlaws, and seekers across generations of psychedelic culture.

June 6 & 7, 2026

The Natural Medicine Health Act allows for supervised and unsupervised use of psychedelics by Coloradans aged 21and over. What does the shifting paradigm of psychedelic healing mean for youth understanding of drug use? What can we do to promote comprehensive understanding of the risks of psychedelic exploration among youth? What are we seeing here in Aspen that may need to be addressed?

By: Ronan Wood, Trina Faatz, MA, ADS, PRC, Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, PhD, Joe Moore

June 6 & 7, 2026

Ripples Alliance weaves psychedelics, peacebuilding, science, art, and rituals to foster a movement of peace and liberation – in Palestine and Israel, and beyond. It is the continuation of seven years of research. Working with a cohort of Palestinian and Israeli researchers, peacemakers, and artists, several successful sessions resulted in deep personal & collective healing and visionary future building.

By: Leor Roseman, PhD

June 6 & 7, 2026

With ibogaine policy rapidly evolving in Colorado and Gabon, Josh Kappel and Georges Gassita discuss the importance of collaboration across international psychedelic stakeholders. What does it mean to have reciprocity? How can we improve communication channels to allow for robust discussions about collaboration? How can Gabon and Colorado support each other as interest in ibogaine grows?

By: Georges Gassita and Josh Kappel

June 6 & 7, 2026

In this talk, clinical neuropharmacologist Stephanie Karzon Abrams makes the case that psychedelics are uniquely suited to the female experience — and that hormonal state and life stage are not background variables but central clinical determinants that the field can no longer afford to ignore. From puberty to postpartum to menopause and beyond, she will explore why a psychedelic-informed lens now belongs at the center of women’s care.

By: Stephanie Karzon Abrams

June 6 & 7, 2026

Many new participants are entering this landscape seeking palliatives — relief from depression, anxiety, and trauma. Others approach psychedelics as wellness tools, productivity enhancers, or beautiful peak experiences. From the perspective of an initiate, these medicines are far more than psychological tools or therapeutic interventions. They are ancient doorways to ego death, spiritual awakening, and profound transformation. As these substances move from the underground into cultural acceptance, a critical question emerges: Will we reduce them to safe, sanitized wellness products... or will we preserve their power to truly initiate us?

By: Travis Tyler Fluck, Moudou Baqui

June 6 & 7, 2026

This panel explores how anecdotal reports and citizen-led inquiry are helping shape emerging psychedelic research related to stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative conditions, and chronic pain. Bringing together researchers, practitioners and individuals with profound personal healing experiences, the conversation examines the opportunities and ethical tensions of translating lived experience into scientific understanding and broader clinical acceptance.

By: Jim Grigsby, PhD, James Hall, Jim Koch, Jillian Gordon

June 6 & 7, 2026

Join MAPS’ co-executive director Ismail Lourido Ali reflecting on exciting opportunities, surprising contradictions and emergent risks facing the psychedelic field today.

Dr. Sames has been studying ibogaine and iboga alkaloids for more than 20 years and argues that ibogaine cannot be explained by classical scientific paradigms.

Too often, the culture and systems we’ve created restrict the bounds of our imagination, causing us to accept what we should not. In a cultural moment characterized by conflict, illness and ecological crisis, this panel explores ecological integrity – how we may orient our collective actions towards regeneration of the Earth’s ecosystems and in doing so, heal ourselves. Plant and fungi medicines can be powerful allies in rediscovering our capacities for attunement, imagination and action.

By: Anemone Salome, Benoit Azagoh-Kouadio, Dr. Lindsay Branham

June 6 & 7, 2026

As countries and communities around the world explore new approaches to psychedelic access, important questions are emerging around law, cultural stewardship, religious freedom, and international collaboration. This panel examines diverse global frameworks for legal access, including the longstanding exchange between Colorado and Uruguay — whose landmark cannabis legalization, the first in Latin America, was informed in part by dialogue with policymakers in Colorado.

By: Stephane Lasme Augusto, Vitale Marino

Jine 6 & 7, 2026

This talk explores the evolving relationship between psychedelics and leadership development—from the Eleusinian Mysteries of ancient Greece to modern neuroscience and clinical research.

By: Skippy Mesirow

June 6 & 7, 2026

This talk explores the evolving relationship between psychedelics and leadership development—from the Eleusinian Mysteries of ancient Greece to modern neuroscience and clinical research.

By: Scott Shannon, MD

June 6 & 7, 2026

Bringing together leaders in psychedelic facilitation, harm reduction, community care, and mental health access, the panel examines how psychedelic experiences challenge conventional approaches to healing and invite more integrated, relationship-centered models of care. Panelists explore the interface between community healing and regulated practice along with efforts to make psychedelic care more broadly accessible.

By: Mikki Vogt, LPC LAC NMCF, Hanifa Nayo Washington, Travis Tyler Fluck, Ben Halper

June 6 & 7, 2026

Transforming Colorado’s psychedelic laws has required a willingness to challenge convention and step into the unknown. Two of the most influential figures in Colorado’s legal access framework converse about how we got here and where we’re headed – including diving into Colorado’s groundbreaking efforts to lead the nation in standing up a responsible and compassionate access model for ibogaine.

By: Joshua Kappel & Ean Seeb

June 6 & 7, 2026

Martha Hammel, co-founder of the Aspen Psychedelic Resource Center, likens the responsible use of psilocybin to backcountry adventuring, emphasizing the importance of safety and education, as APRC prepares for its third annual Aspen Psychedelic Symposium, which will focus on healing, community, and the evolving role of psychedelics in public health.

By: Geoff Hanson | Aspen Daily News

Jun 5, 2026 

Explore our educational talk that explores essential insights on safe and ethical decision-making in psilocybin-assisted therapy; featuring Aspen's first licensed Psychedelic Assisted Therapist. Listen to the talk now!

Founder of Aspen's first psychedelic healing center, emphasizes the importance of preparation and integration when utilizing psilocybin to shift mental habits.

By: Amanda Rae | The Aspen Local

Jun 18, 2025 

SANCTUM, a state licensed psychedelic healing center in Aspen, opened on June 14, offering guided psilocybin treatments and community support for mental health.

By: Sam Brule | The Sopris Sun

June 18, 2025

Heather A. Lee, LCSW, visits Aspen to share her expertise in healing with mushrooms. A compelling and often humorous speaker, she shares DEEPLY touching client experiences with journey work and post-integration, always with consent. With over three decades in Integrative Mental Health, Heather is one of the nation's first psychedelic-assisted psychotherapists specializing in psycho-spiritual healing. Her pioneering work was featured in Lisa Ling's CBS special on the Psychedelic Renaissance.

Aug 15, 2024

Here’s how the rules will support and further the use of psilocybin as a treatment

By Ali Longwell | Aspen Times

Aug 27, 2024

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.

Recording By James Barrs | Aspen Public Radio

June 3, 2024

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, an approach she has dubbed the PHATHOM project (Psychedelic Healing: Adjunct Therapy Harnessing Opened Malleability), learn more at www.phathomproject.org.

Recorded by James Barrs | Aspen Public Radio

June 4, 2024

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. They achieve this by opening us to profound states of love. 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. Love is the way home.

Recorded by James Barrs | Aspen Public Radio

June 4, 2024

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, co-founder of Aspen Psychedelic Resource Center.

Recorded by James Barrs | Aspen Public Radio

June 4, 2024

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.

Recorded by James Barrs | Aspen Public Radio

June 4, 2024

Britt Rollins and Veronica Lightning Horse Perez explore the pressing challenges and opportunities arising in the evolving psychedelic field. Drawing on their expertise and experiences, the speakers dissect the current trends, ethical considerations, and societal implications shaping the psychedelic renaissance.

Recorded by James Barrs | Aspen Public Radio

June 4, 2024

Experience a unique perspective as Stéphane Lasme, hailing from Central West Africa, recounts his personal journey with Iboga. Learn how this powerful plant medicine from his homeland of Gabon holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for him, his country, and its people. Steph’s next professional chapter is built around his mission to combine the ancient wisdom of his heritage with modern medicine to distribute effective ibogaine-assisted therapies to address the growing mental health crisis.

Recording By James Barrs | Aspen Public Radio

June 3, 2024

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.

Recording By James Barrs | Aspen Public Radio

June 3, 2024

The global ecological and climate crises are results of a human cultural crisis. Coakee William Wildcat explores how psychedelic decriminalization can help us find our agency in mitigating the extinction event and stabilizing global climate if we focus on restoring relationships and opening pathways for ancestral wisdom to guide us.

Recording By James Barrs | Aspen Public Radio

June 3, 2024

This compelling account sheds light on the possibilities of psychedelic therapy for paralysis. Jim Harris is a former mountain athlete who overcame paralysis through psychedelics, which aided his remarkable recovery almost a decade after his injury. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of psychedelics not just in physical recovery but also in mental health and wellness, marking a significant breakthrough in rehabilitative approaches.

Recording by James Barrs | Aspen Public Radio

June 3, 2024

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. Investigate the potential for psychedelic neurotoxicity, adverse events in spinal cord patients, and ways doctors and researchers are working to enhance the psychedelic experience while minimizing unwanted bodily responses for optimal healing and transformative experiences.

Moderated by Jim Harris, with Rachel Zoeller, DPT; David W. Mcmillan, Ph.D.; and Manesh Girn, Ph.D.

Recording By James Barrs | Aspen Public Radio

June 3, 2024

The 2024 Aspen Psychedelic Symposium began with 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.

Featuring Zach Leary, who grew up in American psychedelic culture, and Tetonwan Lakota Oyate’s Sandor Iron Rope, moderated by Joe Moore of Psychedelics Today. The conversation aimed to inspire a deep appreciation for the many important historical influences on Psychedelics in our society.

Recording by James Barrs | Aspen Public Radio

June 3, 2024

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

Recorded by James Barrs | Aspen Public Radio

June 4, 2024

Psychedelics hold profound potential in the treatment of addiction. By observing how psychedelics work to heal addiction, we can learn more about the nature of addiction and how to improve existing frameworks for better treatment outcomes. In this talk, Jen Bruce will highlight the often-overlooked healing mechanisms of psychedelics and how this translates to a more comprehensive and successful addiction treatment model.

Recording By James Barrs | Aspen Public Radio

June 3, 2024

An overview of Day 1 at the 2024 Aspen Psychedelic Symposium, highlighting a local mountain athlete’s physical healing journey with mushrooms. #Paralysis #CNS @ThePsychedelicScientist

Geoff Hanson | Aspen Daily News

Jun 1, 2024

Video: Zach Leary, Son of Timothy, Chats about the Fest

By Cam Burns | Powder Magazine

June 2024

By Sarah Girgis | Aspen Times

May 30, 2024

By Jeanne Souldern | The Sopris Sun

May 22, 2024

Learn to navigate the conversation about psychedelics with your children, as Veronica Lightning Horse Perez shares her insights as a plant medicine advocate, facilitator, and a mother of five. Free and open to all!

Listen in to a talk with Travis Tyler Fluck, an educator, end-of-life doula, and psychedelic activist. With 29 years of experience working with psilocybin mushrooms and a lifetime explore liminal spaces, Travis brings profound insights and healing potential. From leading the Denver Psilocybin Initiative to co-founding the Denver Mushroom Cooperative, his impact reaches far and wide.

Recording by: Aspen Public Radio

Feb 16, 2024

Summary of the two-day event on Fri. May 31 - Sat. June 1, 2024

Aspen 82 | LOCAL

By: Josh Behrman

March 29, 2024

The event complied with Colorado's new natural medicine laws, according to organizers.

Westword

By Miranda Burton

December 22, 2023

Iboga is a transformative West African Master Teacher Plant best known for its unmatched results for treating alcoholism and opioid addiction. Learn more about the incredible healing potential of this remarkable medicine along with the medical precautions, and safest practices… and hear stories from those whose lives have been transformed by this powerful medicine.

Study Referenced in Talk

Recorded by: Aspen Public Radio

Psilocybin mushrooms contain compounds that are capable of promoting rapid and sustained neuroplasticity. Come join expert Travis Fluck, from Denver Mushroom Cooperative, to learn the best ways to work with this medicine.

Is Ketamine a psychedelic? How is ketamine used medicinally? What are the differences between lozenges, IM, IV? Should you choose at home ketamine or clinical use? How to spot misuse and overuse in the community and the dangers of ketamine addiction.

Venue: Here House, Aspen

Recording by: Aspn Pubic Radio

How to choose a facilitator, identify your red flags, and more helpful information for what to expect in medicine ceremony.

Aspen Public Radio recording of our live Here House event

Jun 29, 2023

Erica Siegal, LCSW, of Nest Harm Reduction delivers a psychedelic stewardship workshop. Learn basic safety protocols, space holding techniques, and how to determine when more help is needed. (11 Chapters)

Venue: Here House, Aspen

July 31, 2023

The basics of microdosing mushrooms with moderator: Laura Betti of Aspen Psychedelic Resource Center and panelists, Martha Hammel of Aspen Psychedelic Resource Center, James Hall of Mountain Made, & Hamilton Pevec of Hamilton’s Mushrooms.

Recorded by: Aspen Public Radio

Venue: Here House, Aspen

Apr 13, 2023

Aspen Psychedelic Symposium: "Speculations on the Antiquity of Human Consciousness” by Dennis McKenna

The symposium ended with a keynote address titled "Speculations on the Antiquity of Human Consciousness" by Dennis Mckenna, who has conducted research in ethnopharmacology for over 40 years. He is a founding board member of the Heffter Research Institute and was a key investigator on the Hoasca Project, the first biomedical investigation of ayahuasca.

Recorded by Aspen Public Radio

June 15, 2023

In the fourth panel of the day, “Where do we go from here?” panelists discussed the many questions around what access might look like in the years ahead, why harm reduction efforts are an important next step, and how the conversation should continue.

June 15, 2023

Recorded by Aspen Public Radio

In the third panel of the day, “The Neuroscience of Psychedelics,” speakers discussed how researchers have been exploring the neurobiological mechanisms of psychedelic drugs, the resulting changes in brain activity, and what treating chronic pain with psychedelics looks like.

June 15, 2023

Recorded by Aspen Public Radio

The second panel of the day, “Mental Health Breakthroughs,” was directed at those struggling to heal from depression, anxiety or substance use disorder, where psilocybin –and other psychedelic-assisted therapies– can offer hope.

June 15, 2023

Recorded by Aspen Public Radio

In this first panel of the day, “What is Healing, What is Ceremony?” panelists explored the history and contemporary practice of healing through plant-based medicines, exploring cultural and ceremonial use, the nature of healing, human experience and transformation with an overview of psychedelics today.

June 15, 2023

Recorded by Aspen Public Radio

The Aspen Psychedelic Symposium featured experts from across the psychedelic industry. This video interviews these psychedelic experts along with some of the attendees who share their thoughts on the psychedelic renaissance happening now. <10min

By Aspen Public Radio

April 19, 2023

By Jacqueline Reynolds | Aspen Daily News

May 27, 2023

By Jeanne Souldern | The Sopris Sun

May 24, 2023

By The Aspen Times

May 10, 2023

By Jacqueline Reynolds | Aspen Daily News

Img: Carolina Rodriguez Fuenmayor | Rolling Stone

Apr 24, 2022

The Right to Heal Aspen is seeking to ensure that Aspen residents have safe access to plant medicines for healing purposes.

By Anna Meyer | Aspen Times

Img: David Kovaluk | St. Louis Public Radio

Aug 28, 2022

By Kyle Jaeger | Marijuana Moment

Aug 31, 2022

By Kristen Mohammadi | Aspen Times

Dec 22, 2022

By Kristen Mohammadi | Aspen Times

Feb 27, 2023

Aspen Public Radio

Feb 24, 2023