Aspen to Host Psychedelics Symposium, May 31–June 1

“One of the things I love about Aspen is the commitment to life-long learning,“ Breeze Richardson, executive director of Aspen Public Radio, told me in a recent email.

And learning we all must do.

Aspen Public Radio—which Richardson rocks—is producing the event mentioned in the headline up there ( ↑ ). Yep, a psychedelics symposium.

When asked why, Richardson was quick, “Well aren’t you curious about the legalization of psychedelics? Public Media has always championed curiosity—and research has shown curious people are happier, curiosity leads to more enjoyment and participation in the world around you, and being curious can expand empathy and strengthen relationships. Being curious is good, and there is so much to learn about this topic.”

Thus, here we are.

Shrooms.

I've lived in Boulder, Aspen, Sydney (of the Oz variety), London, Argentina, Tanzania, and have spent time in more than 40 other countries.

But Aspen always seems to deliver the extraordinary. And KAJX, which the late founder Sy Coleman lamented my coverage of, has always been at the forefront of everything.

Richardson's station, KAJX, is producing the event for a second year. And why?

Colorado last year passed Proposition 122, a law decriminalizing the possession and use of psychedelic mushrooms and certain plant-based psychedelic substances in Colorado law for individuals aged 21 and over.

Some observers think Prop 122 will do for psilocybin what Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution did for marijuana—that is, make it okay.

I had a chance to chat with Zach Leary, Timothy's son, who's an advocate for psilocybin therapy. See the video above.

But I'm really excited about this event, the second of its kind in Aspen.

As Richardson told me:

“When members of our community asked the station to create an event that could explore the ideas and discussions that were underway, following passage of the Natural Medicine Health Act (Proposition 122) here in Colorado, we saw it as an opportunity to bring a remarkable collection of experts together—and convene our community to learn together.”

Thanks, Breeze.

"This two-day gathering will offer expert panels, groundbreaking research, and firsthand insights into the transformative world of psychedelic medicines," said a March press release. "Tradition, science, and advocacy will be explored; Scientists, doctors, and luminaries will be present to delve into the future of psychedelics. Symposium Passes are available now on aspenshowtix.com for $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."

I'll definitely be there. Seems a lot of so-called "drugs" are now things we seek to heal us. No surprise, really. We are young learners in this world of ours.

I gotta mention these guys:

This event is made possible by NeuroSpa , who's mission is 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.

See you there.