As the psychedelic renaissance expands, so does the need for informed, ethical, and heart-centered guidance. Whether you're considering your first journey or supporting others in theirs, understanding your options is essential.

This community centered event will explore two powerful and distinct modalities of psychedelic support: Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy (PAP) and Psychedelic Ceremonial Facilitation (PCF). While PAP emerges from Western clinical traditions, PCF is deeply rooted in ancestral, indigenous, and ritual-based wisdom. Together, these approaches offer a wide spectrum of healing possibilities.

This was a most inspiring panel conversation featuring two experienced guides from each path, Star Rose Bond and Ehren Cruz. Panel discussion moderated by Sarah Levine.

An intimate evening exploring the legacy of MDMA with Dr. Raymond Turpin of The Pearl Institute.

We delved into the neurochemistry of MDMA, presented firsthand accounts from patients treated by Dr. Turpin, and speculated on what the therapeutic world may look like post approval and rescheduling.

This workshop was designed to help our community navigate a pivotal moment in our recovery process in the wake of devastating Hurricane Helene, which sent major shock waves through our tiny mountain home.

This was an experientially oriented training where we connected with each other while learning trauma and resilience frameworks and skills that we can apply in our lives, with our clients, and in our communities as we navigate the effects of such an unprecedented disaster.

Dr. Sandy Newes taught us the perspective of the “Resilient Zone” as we explored differences in how the shifting state of our nervous systems post trauma impacts our perceptions, reactions, cognitive and relational capacities. We also learned some skills for resource and self-regulation that are applicable to ourselves and in our work with clients.

This inaugural conference featured a full day of panel discussions and presentations on entheogenic ceremony, psychedelic inward exploration, the future of psychedelic medicine, harm reduction & integration, end of life compassionate use, and the importance of responsible exploration in the music and arts community.

We featured renowned speakers, luminaries and experts in the field such as Dr. Christopher Bache, Author of LSD and the Mind of the Universe; Dr. Michael Mithoefer, Creator of the MAPS MDMA Therapeutic protocol; W Bryan Hubbard, Executive Director of the American Ibogaine Initiative recently featured on the Joe Rogan Podcast, and Dr. Raymond Turpin, Executive Director of the Pearl Institute with over 30 years of Professional service in the psychedelic field. PSA's founders Ehren Cruz and Sarah Levine will serve as moderators for each panel discussion.

A special talk titled Why You Trippin, The Extraordinary Lineage of Communal Psychedelics and the Great Myth of Recreational Use by PSA co-founder Ehren Cruz.

In this discussion, Ehren will review the Three Waves of Psychedelic movements and their impact: Ancient Civilization & Indigenous use, the rebirth of psychedelic movements 60’s, and the contemporary renaissance breaking down the doors of the War on Drugs. We will also explore the power of collective psychedelic use in conjunction with music, art, radical creativity and culture to expand paradigms of the human potential through festival culture. We will challenge the idea of there being a dramatic separation between recreational, intentional, and sacramental use and how removing these limiting definitions can create greater freedom for growth and discovery. Lastly, we’ll explore, with both a mystical & scientific lens, what we are actually doing amplifying our psychic, empathic, and intuitive capacities in this dynamic magical environment together.

After Ehren's talk, we screened Hofmann's Potion, a film which traces D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) from its initial discovery in 1943 by Swiss chemist Dr. Albert Hofmann, when it was hailed as a powerful tool for the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction and to provide a window into schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, through its heyday in the 1960s counterculture, to its present status as a banned or controlled substance in many Western countries.

In this fireside chat, we heard from two highly established gentlemen in the psychedelic arena that happen to live locally, Dr. Raymond Turpin, the co-founder and CEO of The Pearl Institute, and Dr. Christopher Bache, author of 'LSD and the Mind of the Universe: Diamonds From Heaven’ (highly recommend).

I’ve had the distinct honor of connecting with both of these gentlemen here in town and I must say, they are true gems in the psychedelic ecosystem - their work is eye-opening and deeply important in these times. I look forward to gleaning more of their wisdom in this intimate conversation moderated by none other then PSA Co-founder Ehren Cruz.

In conversation with author and speaker Sophia Rokhlin as we explore interspecies communication and plant intelligence.

How can psychedelics and non-ordinary states bring us into a more expanded awareness of the world not only within us but around us? How can we work work with the medicine in an intentional way to deepen our sense of connection and reciprocity with the Earth?

Sophia is a co-author of When Plants Dream: Ayahuasca, Amazonian Shamanism and the Global Psychedelic Renaissance  (Watkins, 2019).

She is a nonprofit organizer dedicated to supporting the conservation of forest peoples’ wisdom and territories. Her work has been featured in publications and podcasts including the Duncan Trussell Family Hour, The New York Times, Acne Paper Magazine, PBS, the BBC, and others. We are excited to welcome her to our society to share her experience and perspective with us.

Integration work following a psychedelic journey is, at its core, a practice in learning how to embrace and incorporate the lessons life presents to us daily. Psychedelics may magnify insights or bring hidden truths to the surface, but the real growth comes from weaving those revelations into the fabric of our everyday existence.

This practice is not confined to the aftermath of a psychedelic journey; rather, it mirrors the continuous process of integrating the myriad life lessons we encounter daily. Every day presents us with moments of joy, challenge, growth, and reflection - offering valuable lessons about ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. The art of integration lies in recognizing these lessons, no matter how subtle or grand, and incorporating them into our lives in a way that promotes personal growth and well-being.

By embracing the practice of integration, we develop a deeper awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This heightened consciousness allows us to navigate life's ups and downs with greater resilience and grace.

We all have much to integrate, especially in light of the turbulent events of the recent past, both within and beyond our cherished Western North Carolina communities.

Join us in sharing your voice and offering an ear to others as we collectively navigate and process life, love, loss, and the ever-changing tides of the season. All are welcome. It doesn’t matter if it’s been a long time since your last journey. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never worked with psychedelics. We are always being called to integrate the lessons of life.

Psychedelic experiences can be awe-inspiring, difficult, and everything in between, but the journey doesn’t end there. True, lasting transformation begins with integration.

Psychedelic Society of Asheville warmly invites you to join us for a safe and supportive Integration Circle Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.

By embracing the practice of integration, we develop a deeper awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This heightened consciousness allows us to navigate life's ups and downs with greater resilience and grace.

We will have one of our dearest supportive PSA members, Jessica Richmond, certified Psychedelic Coach, facilitating this circle. She is an amazing, warm, empathic circle holder and fosters a deeply safe and supportive atmosphere for sharing and connecting.

All are welcome. Whether you are reflecting on a recent journey, preparing for an upcoming one, revisiting past experiences, or simply seeking a space for meaningful connection, integration is an ongoing practice available to us all that doesn't even need to involve taking psychedelics.

Come be in community with us for a Fireside Integration Circle and community potluck at a mountainous garden art oasis this Sunday. Together, we’ll create a space for sharing experiences exploring altered states of consciousness while surrounded by a loving and supportive community.

With warmth and care, PSA’s co-founder Sarah Levine guides this integration circle, fostering safety, connection, and authentic sharing. Let’s share delicious food and stories while being warmed by the fire.

This is a space for questions, curiosities, reflections, or sharing intentions or visions from upcoming or recent journeys.