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Psychedelic Research Bills in US Legislation 2023

With multiple bills aimed at legalizing and funding psychedelic research are making their way through the US legislative circuit. Here are some of the current proposals in the push for legal psychedelics.

Arizona

House Bill 2486

HB 2486 provides $30 million in grants over three years for research into the medical potential of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in “magic mushrooms.” The research will focus on studying the impact of psilocybin on 13 different conditions. Including PTSD, depression, anxiety, long COVID symptoms, and substance misuse disorder.

While the bill does not legalize psilocybin, it is hoped that the research will inform future reforms and pave the way for broader access to psychedelic-assisted therapy. The bill also establishes a “Psilocybin Research Advisory Council” to oversee grant applications and make recommendations on psychedelic-assisted therapy, based on current federal and state research policy.

Hawaii

Senate Bill 1454

SB 1454 proposes the establishment of a state working group to investigate the medical and therapeutic benefits of psilocybin. The bill has passed unanimously on the consent calendar.

Senate Bill 1531

SB 1531 establishes a state advisory council to examine state and federal regulations on certain psychedelics; psilocybin and MDMA. The council would also review scientific literature related to using these substances for mental health treatment. The bill has been unanimously approved on consent by members.

 

Oklahoma

House Bill 2107

HB 2107 permits a research pilot program to explore the potential benefits of psilocybin for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. The bill enables universities, institutions of higher education, and research facilities in Oklahoma to conduct research on psilocybin for treating specific ailments.

Texas

House Bill 4288

HB 4288 proposes amending existing psychedelics law to expand the state’s study of psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine therapy for military veterans. The bill would establish new research partnerships and expand the targeted population for the study.

House Bill 4423

HB 4423, seeks to establish a psilocybin research advisory council and a grants program for clinical trials investigating the use of whole mushroom psilocybin for several conditions.

House Bill 4561

HB 4561 aims to establish an “Alternative Mental Health Therapy Research” consortium for investigating psychedelic therapy for veterans, as well as a grants program to create ketamine clinics and enhance veterans’ access to them.

Washington

Senate Bill 5263

SB 5263 establishes a task force to promote psilocybin research and develop a framework for legal access to the psychedelic. The amended bill no longer includes actual provision of psilocybin therapy under supervision. The legislation will now proceed to the House for further consideration.

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Ketamine Therapy vs. Microdosing Mushrooms

Therapy is — irrevocably — a logistical and emotional hellscape to endure. According to Mental Health America, 21% of adults are experiencing a mental illness. Followed by the other sobering statistic that 55% of adults with a mental illness receive no treatment. Equivalent to 28 million individuals. In all, mental health is not a linear process. Improvements are sorely needed, and we must be explorative in our treatment options.

Psychedelic therapy, for example, is becoming increasingly popular alternative to the traditional therapeutic approach of antidepressants. Two of the most well-known substances used in psychedelic medicine are magic mushrooms (i.e. shrooms, mushrooms) and ketamine.

While accessibility to both these substances remains in the hands of lawmakers. A growing body of evidence points to psychedelics as a potential treatment for mental health disorders, addiction and other conditions.

Although research is still in its early stages, ketamine and magic mushrooms has shown the most promising results. And may soon lead to psychedelic-assisted therapy becoming an option for patients.

Let’s take a closer look at both.

Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic and dissociative drug, used for decades in medical settings. In a therapeutic setting, ketamine improves depression more quickly than traditional antidepressants. Typically, ketamine therapy works best for individuals who have tried all other therapies.

How It Works

Ketamine works by binding to receptors in the brain that produce a chemical called glutamate. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter, a “chemical messenger” between nerve cells (neurons) in your brain. Research suggests that glutamate plays an important role in depression. Problems in the production of glutamate has been linked to mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, etc. Ketamine works to opens up these glutamate pathways, unlike antidepressants which work on serotonin & norepinephrine pathways.

Ketamine is shown to be effective for:

  • Major depressive disorder
  • Treatment-resistant depression
  • Anxiety
  • PTSD
  • Alcohol dependence
Types

Ketamine is administered by registered medical practitioners. Patients can expect their first session to be done within a safe and quiet environment, such as private room. During treatment, doctors will monitor all vitals and aid in any discomfort. Ketamine’s effects can make a patient feel happy or disconnected from reality. This sensation occurs as the medication works in the brain to alleviate depression.

  • IV Ketamine Infusion
  • Esketamine
  • Intramuscular (IM)
  • Lozenges

Classified as a controlled substance, there are strict regulations around ketamine and its use. Which can limit access to treatment. Always talk to your primary care physician before seeking treatment. Check for insurance coverage as well.

Microdosing Mushrooms

Microdosing mushrooms involves taking a low dose of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, on a regular basis. Psilocybin therapy is a relatively new therapeutic approach. But it is finding its foothold in the treatment of depressive disorders.

How it works

As mentioned before, psilocybin is the hallucinogenic compound found in mushrooms. In the case of microdosing however, the administration of doses are low enough to not produce a whole-body effect (i.e. “tripping”) yet high enough for a cellular response.

Microdosing aims to achieve the positive effects of the substance (better focus, elevated mood, elevated energy, and emotional balance) while avoiding all the negatives (hallucinations, sensory shifts, nausea).

Compared to ketamine, the procedure is fairly straightforward . Administered via pill, a microdose is typically 1/10 to 1/20 of a normal dose, or 10 to 20 micrograms. Microdosers follow a “one day on, two days off” procedure.

Microdosing is shown to effective for:

  • Depression
  • PTSD
  • Substance use disorders
  • Eating disorders
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Marijuana in Texas Cities: House Bill 1937

House Bill 1937

State Rep. Jessica Gonzáles (D-Dallas) filed House Bill 1937, giving counties and municipalities legislative control over recreational use of cannabis.

Filed on February 6th, 2023, the bill further goes on to state Texans ages 21+ may posses and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. In addition imposing a 10% tax on all cannabis products. Which would go to cannabis regulation, cannabis testing and quality control, government oversight and to school funds.

“Twenty-one states in America have legalized cannabis, and twenty-seven states have decriminalized the use of cannabis. In a recent study, a majority of Texans supported some form of legalization of cannabis use,” stated Gonzáles. “While Texas has made progress with the Compassionate Use Act, we have been left behind on a potential revenue source that would increase investments in public education, stop unnecessary arrests for cannabis possession, and create jobs in our state.”

Gonzáles is right, a majority of the state are in indeed favor of some form of marijuana legalization. Within the past election, five Texas cities have voted to decriminalize low-level marijuana possession. Voters in Denton, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, and Harker Heights followed Austin’s lead in cannabis law reformations. Together with new rules blocking cities from funding THC concentration tests, and removing marijuana smell as a probable cause for search and seizure in most cases.

In addition, 32% of all Texas voters believe possession of small amounts of marijuana for any purpose should be legal. Followed by 23% of voters believing possession of any amount for any purpose should be legal.  28% believe cannabis should remain reserved for medicinal use. And 17% stand by keeping marijuana illegal.

State of Affairs

Since 2019, cannabis legislation within Texas has been akin to mental gymnastics. Lawmakers still struggle to this day with clear-cut policies on marijuana derivatives alone, such as hemp and Delta-8.

For instance, Texas law clearly states that the possession and use of marijuana is illegal — and has been since 1931. Hemp became legal in Texas by House Bill 1325, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2019. Lawfully, hemp is not considered marijuana due to its low THC concentration (≤0.03%). Tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC, is the major psychoactive component of cannabis. Meaning it is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use.

Herein is where the true issue of cannabis laws lie. Prosecutors and law enforcement agencies are now required to test for THC in low level marijuana cases. However, public testing labs are ill-equipped to quantify THC concentration, or lack testing methods whatsoever. Thereby leading to pot prosecutions to drop by the numbers, or thrown in judicial limbo.

Overall, the political climate in Texas regarding marijuana is seeing a gradual shift. Does that mean House Bill 1937 has a chance? Rep. Gonzáles filed a similar bill in 2021, but it did not go up for vote. But with more and more counties and cities joining decimalization, advocates see a possible future where things may be different.

 

 

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The U.S. Cannabis Reform Wave 2023

In recent years, the United States has experienced a major shift in its attitudes towards cannabis. These bills represent an unprecedented effort to transform the way that marijuana is regulated. Offering new opportunities for businesses and consumers. While also addressing longstanding issues of social justice and equity. Several states have passed or are well within the legislative process of these bills, with many more expected to follow suit in the coming months.

Here are some key bills that are currently in the works:

Kentucky

House Bill 98 (HB 98) suggests lower penalties for possession of controlled substances. Such as cannabis, and sets up “harm reduction centers” to offer medical treatment, counseling, and drug screenings to those charged with possession. These centers would require individuals to complete 15 hours of community service and educational programming instead of facing standard penalties.

 

House Bill  48 (HB 48) would add a ballot question to Kentucky’s state constitution: Allowing those over 21 to possess, use, buy, or sell up to one ounce of cannabis and grow up to five plants for personal use without criminal repercussions. The Kentucky General Assembly would regulate the process, but the details of state approval and regulation remain unclear.

 

House Bill 47 (HB 47) proposes decriminalizing marijuana possession without voter approval. As well as providing the opportunity for individuals with previous convictions for possessing less than an ounce of marijuana to have their records expunged.

 

House Bill 22 (HB 22) & Senate Bill (SB 51) are Kentucky’s most comprehensive cannabis bills yet. Seeking to legalize medical and recreational marijuana, while stating that full legalization is in the state’s best interest. The bills establish a Cannabis Control Board to regulate marijuana. As well as prohibit employers from discriminating against workers who use cannabis during non-work hours. Provided, it does not affect job performance.

 

House Bill 107 (HB 107) & Senate Bill 47 (SB 47) propose medical marijuana use without smoking. SB 47 leaves the medical conditions that qualify up to doctors, making it less restrictive than a previous bill. Meanwhile, HB 107 establishes a medical cannabis program. Regulating it under the Department for Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control, mirroring SB 47.

 

Senate Bill 78 (SB 78) suggests adding a ballot question asking Kentucky voters about legalizing cannabis, including language to legalize medical marijuana and protect patients and healthcare providers from criminal sanctions.

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Maryland

House Bill 556 (HB 556) & Senate Bill 516 (SB 516) regulates cannabis sales for adults 21 and older, allowing businesses to serve both medical patients and adults. On-sight consumption licenses would be available, in addition to parental and personal protections. Such as increasing the possession limit for registered medical patients and creating a social equity commission. The bills also implement a 6% tax on cannabis sales, with plans to increase that to 10% by 2028.

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Oklahoma

State Question 820 (SQ 820) proposes legalizing the possession and purchase of cannabis for Oklahomans aged 21 and above. With a limit of one ounce of cannabis flower, 8 grams of concentrate, six mature, six seedling plants for personal cultivation.

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Texas

House Bill 1937 (HB 1937) proposes giving counties and municipalities the power to legalize recreational marijuana. Adults 21 and older could possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and up to 15 grams of concentrates. With a maximum of 10 ounces stored securely at home. The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation would oversee regulation. And impose a 10% tax on cannabis products, with the revenue funding regulation, testing, and quality control. Any remaining revenue would go to public schools.

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Louisiana

House Bill 17 (HB 17) proposes allowing the Department of Agriculture to issue 10 cultivation and processing licenses and 40 retail dispensary permits. Applicants must undergo criminal background checks. The aim is to control and track the growth and distribution of cannabis.

 

House Bill 24 (HB 24) seeks to decriminalize cannabis possession and distribution by introducing a licensing system, similar to that of alcohol sales. The bill would regulate recreational marijuana sales if passed.

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3 Google Ads Tips for Ketamine Clinics

Google Ads Restricted and Prohibited Drug Term Policies

Google Ads is an online advertising platform developed by Google. It allows businesses and individuals to create and display ads on Google and its digital marketing network. Businesses can reach potential customers through various channels, including search engines, websites, and apps.

None more so than ketamine clinics can benefit from digital marketing by reaching a wider audience and increasing brand awareness. By leveraging digital marketing channels, such as Google Ads, social media, and email marketing, ketamine clinics can target potential patients who are looking for information about ketamine treatment.

Unfortunately, advertising for ketamine clinics through Google Ads is to pulling teeth. One of the main challenges for advertising ketamine clinics is that the use of ketamine for the treatment of certain conditions is not yet fully approved by regulatory bodies. Google prohibits the promotion of unproven medical treatments.

It’s important to have a proper understanding of the current policies and guidelines before advertising a ketamine clinic through Google Ads. Also, it’s wise to consult with legal and regulatory experts to ensure that your ads are fully compliant with laws and regulations.

Here’s a few tips to try.

How to Safely Advertise Ketamine Treatment

1. Target Neighboring Treatments

If you’re running a ketamine clinic, it’s tempting to just target people who are searching for the word “ketamine.” But that’s not the best strategy.

You need to put your ads in front of people who are searching for a solution to their ailment–regardless of whether they’re directly searching for ketamine or not.

If someone is suffering from chronic pain/depression/anxiety and they’ve tried everything else, they might be willing to try something new if it means they can get some relief. You want your ads in front of those people! By identifying and targeting specific keywords, you create content that is more relevant and appealing to specific groups of patients, and increase the chances that your content will be found by those patients.

More on SEO-friendly content in a bit.

2. Focus on Patient-Centered Content

Patient-centered content marketing focuses on creating and sharing content that addresses the needs and concerns of patients, rather than promoting a product or service. To focus on patient-centered content marketing, you can:

  • Conduct research to understand your target audience and their needs.
  • Create content that addresses common questions, concerns, or issues that patients may have.
  • Use a patient-friendly tone and language in your content.
  • Share stories and testimonials from real patients to demonstrate how your product or service has helped them.
  • Encourage engagement and feedback from patients to ensure that your content is relevant and useful.
  • Make sure that your website and social media platforms are engaging and easy to navigate.
  • Partner with influencers and patient advocacy groups to share your content and expand your reach.
  • Continuously measure and analyze the performance of your content, and adjust your strategy as needed.

3.  Optimize Your Website for Search Engines

Your landing page is the first thing that people see when they search for your business. It’s where you’ll get most of your traffic. As well as where people will decide whether or not they want to come in for treatment. The goal of a landing page is to get first-time visitors to take action and convert into returning users. This is where bounce rate comes into play.

A low bounce rate is considered to be an important metric in the digital world, particularly in the realm of website analytics. A bounce rate refers to the percentage of visitors who leave a website after only viewing one page. A low bounce rate indicates that a large percentage of visitors are engaging with the website and exploring multiple pages, rather than quickly leaving.

To avoid a high bounce rate, you need to make sure that your landing page is optimized for search engines (e.g. Google, Yahoo, Bing).

There are several ways to optimize a website for search engines:

  1. Use relevant keywords in the page title, meta description, and throughout the content.
  2. Create high-quality, unique content that is informative and valuable to users.
  3. Use header tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to structure the content and make it easy for users and search engines to understand the main points.
  4. Improve the website’s loading speed by optimizing images and using a content delivery network (CDN).
  5. Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly, as mobile-friendliness is a ranking factor.
  6. Make sure your website’s URLs are clean and easy to understand.
  7. Use analytics tools to continuously track the website’s performance and make data-driven decisions about optimization.
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SXSW’s Psychedelic Track: A Business Guide 2023

The SXSW’s Psychedelic Track is the intersection of art, science, and business. And this year promises to open minds with the world’s must innovative and influential figures in the psychedelic industry. With a global community coming together with fresh perspectives on both old and future medicines. Not to mention the most provocative and culturally rich conversations all for and about the future of equitable psychedelics. Consider coming yourself for a chance to network and connect with the top thinkers of the psychedelic industry’s mainstream consciousness.

From microdosing to macro insights, this is your guide to the business track of SXSW’s Psychedelic Track.

SXSW Psychedelic Track Itinerary

March 10th, 2023

Mentor session: Melissa Barker (The Phoenix Project)
11:30am – 12:45pm CT | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | RSVP
Level: Beginner

Dr. Melissa Barker is a long-time mentor, mental health professional, founder, survivor, and CEO of The Phoenix Project. A robust mental health startup based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With high aims of providing greater access to high-quality healing and care for survivors of trauma. Dr. Barker believes that technology can play a critical role in improving mental health care. Such as making it more accessible to underserved communities. By creating a space where all survivors can access the care they need, regardless of their location or financial situation, Dr. Barker hopes to empower individuals to heal and thrive in their recovery journey.

Currently, Dr. Barker is working on a new venture called Phoenix 2. The project focuses on exploring the use of psychedelics as tools for deep healing and personal transformation. Dr. Barker recognizes that these substances have the potential to facilitate and accelerate the healing process. And wants to approach their use in a mindful and responsible way.

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Mentor session: Agnieszka Sekula (Enosis Therapeutics)
2:30pm – 3:45pm CT | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-4002 | RVSP
Level: Beginner

Agnieszka Sekula is a researcher at Swinburne University, and co-founder of Enosis Therapeutics Pty Ltd. Her work centers on exploring how psychedelic treatment can be improved through experience design. Thereby translating those findings into practical applications by designing virtual reality scenarios. She recently led the world’s first study that combined virtual reality and psychedelic treatment.

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Panel session: The Future of Psychedelics: Culture VS Capitalism
2:30pm – 3:30pm CT | Austin Convention Center | Room 8ABC
Level: Intermediate

Delve into the complex and evolving relationship between culture and capitalism in the world of psychedelics. As the use of these substances gains more mainstream acceptance, it will be important to carefully consider the impact of commercialization on the mainstream community. Will a profit-driven approach result in a watering down of the deeper, transformative aspects of psychedelic experiences that are rooted in culture and spirituality? Or can responsible and ethical business practices help expand access to these treatments and drive innovation?

Panelists

Natalie Lyla Ginsberg is the Global Impact Officer of Multidisciplinary Association For Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Natalie works towards ensuring the ethical integration of psychedelic substances into mainstream culture. With a focus on creating an environment that is conducive to responsible use. Prior to her role at MAPS, Natalie served as a Policy Fellow at the Drug Policy Alliance. Where she played a key role in the legalization of medical cannabis in her home state of New York.

Paula Kahn is the founder of CosmoVisiones Ancestrales, in addition to migrant justice community organizer, consent & anti-oppression educator, conflict-mediator, and a performance artist. In honor of her parents, Paula started Cosmovisiones Ancestrales. An initiative aimed at promoting popular access to preventative healthcare and holistic healing for PTSD and intergenerational trauma.

Brom Rector & Samantha Tabone are the founding partner and business partner of Empath Ventures respectively. Empath Ventures is a VC fund that invests in early-stage psychedelics startups. Brom grew up in a family with a military background and witnessed the mental health challenges that service members face. As well as the toll that these challenges take on their families. This personal experience has given him a strong understanding and appreciation for the potential of psychedelics to promote healing, particularly when it comes to treating PTSD and depression.

Samantha, meanwhile, holds an impressive background in the field of neuromedicine. She worked as the Vice President of Research and Development at PurMinds, a startup focused on developing innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to her work at PurMinds, Samantha has also served as an independent consultant for several leading psychedelic companies, including Beckley Psytech.

March 11th, 2023

Mentor session: Graham Pechenik (Calyx Law)
4:00pm – 5:15 CT | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402, RVSP
Level: Beginner

Graham Pechenik is a registered patent attorney and the founder of Calyx Law. A boutique firm that specializes in intellectual property related to cannabis and psychedelics. He obtained a BS from UC San Diego in Cognitive Neuroscience and Biochemistry; after his first psychedelic experiences piqued his interest in the basis for changes in consciousness. Graham also holds a JD from NYU, where he focused on bioethics and cognitive liberty. With over a decade of experience working with Fortune 500 companies in various industries. Including agriculture, chemical, pharmaceutical, biotech, and technology. Graham has extensive experience in defending and challenging patents. Which includes landmark cases at trial and on appeal. Graham is also involved in various psychedelic organizations. serving as the editor-at-large of Psychedelics Alpha, steward of the IP Committee of the Psychedelic Bar Association, and a member of Chacruna’s Council for the Protection of Sacred Plants.

March 12th, 2023

Panel session: Psychedelic & Next Economy
10:00am – 11:00am CT | Austin Convention Center | Room 9AB
Level: Advanced

In the world of psychedelics, traditional business practices are being challenged as companies focus on values, purpose, and patient-centered approaches. Meet the psychedelic companies who are experimenting with new approaches to ownership, governance, alternative financing.

Panelists

Rachel Alden is a seasoned entrepreneur, leadership coach, and social change facilitator. With two decades of experience working with clients in the U.S., Europe, and East Africa. And as CEO of Synthesis Retreats, Rachel specializes in conscious business and leadership. But also has a keen interest in turning trauma into action and leadership. Her practice includes modalities that incorporate body, breath, meditation, and creative arts-based practices.

Jeeshan Chowdhury is the founder and CEO of Journey Colab, an Apollo Projects Fund portfolio company led by Sam Altman. Journey Colab is on a mission to revolutionize mental healthcare by bringing a range of plant-inspired psychedelic compounds through the FDA for therapeutic use, starting with mescaline.

Llana Sanada Gillooy is a leader in the psychedelic space, currently leading Strategic Initiatives for MAPS. She also serves as the Board Chair & Founder of North Star, Board Member of Chacruna, and Advisor to the Indigenous Reciprocity Initiative. With over 14 years of experience, Liana is committed to ending the drug war and building a just movement around psychedelics and cannabis. She previously helped build The Arcview Group, a prominent cannabis investment firm. Through collaboration with various allies, Liana is focused on co-creating a “more beautiful world that includes regeneration, indigenous rights, human rights, humane technology, collective liberation, and purpose-driven economics.”

Mara Zepeda is the co-founder and managing director of Zebras Unite. A global community of founders and investors creating a more ethical, inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable approach to building businesses. Previously, she founded Switchboard, a venture-backed software company. Which led her to co-found Zebras Unite with their manifesto, ‘Zebras Fix What Unicorns Break’. The movement has gained broad recognition, with an online community of 10K+ strong, 100+ member-owners, and over 25 chapters globally.

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Mentor session: Josh Hardman (Psychedelic Alpha)
11:30am – 12:45pm CT | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | RSVP
Level: Beginner

Josh Hardman is the Founder and Editor of Psychedelic Alpha. An online publication delving into the business side of psychedelics. He provides weekly updates on the industry and collaborates with experts. Such as creating free resources and datasets to help navigate this emerging field.

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Panel session: The Business of Psychedelics 2.0
2:30pm – 3:30pm CT | Austin Convention Center | Room 8ABC
Level: Intermediate

Discovering the right opportunities in the emerging psychedelics market is tricky. While some investors are attracted to celebrity endorsements, others are doing their homework to find hidden gems. With a plethora of investment options, including public and private markets, drug development, and services businesses. Alongside various compounds to consider such as Psilocybin and Ketamine, it can be hard to know where to start. Hear from private sector founders and industry thought leaders as they discuss the future of the psychedelics business, what to keep an eye out for, and how to avoid potential pitfalls.

Panelists

Myrlam Barthes is the COO and Co-founder of Journey Clinical, a telehealth platform enabling licensed mental health professionals to offer psychedelic therapies to their clients. With over 10 years of experience in strategy and performance improvement consulting at Ernst & Young. As well as leading an Impact team at an AI startup in New York, Barthes now uses her operational expertise to advance Journey Clinical’s mission of making psychedelic therapies more accessible and affordable.

Daniel Goldberg is a founder of Palo Santo and Bridge Investments, and has been supporting entrepreneurs for 20 years. He’s passionate about the potential of psychedelic medicines. Developing a deep network of relationships across the research and business communities. Daniel’s purpose-driven and science-informed approach has led him to support promising treatments and ensure widespread access to safe and effective solutions.

Imran Khan is the executive director of the recently launched UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics, co-founded by Michael Pollan. He collaborates with faculty members to develop the center’s strategy and manages the BCSP team. Previously, Imran was the CEO of the British Science Association. As well as leading public engagement efforts at Wellcome, the world’s third-largest philanthropic foundation.

Luke Putejovsky is the co-founder and COO of Tactogen, a pharmatech startup that aims to develop empathogens. He strongly believes that mental health is a global priority. And that psychedelics, when combined with talk therapy, can provide transformative benefits. Together with co-founder Matt Baggott, Luke established Tactogen. A public benefit corporation focused on making psychedelic medicines safer, more effective, and accessible. Unlike other psychedelic medicines that require extensive clinical monitoring. Tactogen’s lead molecules are designed to be gentler and safer; making them more flexible and versatile in various settings.

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Network session: Psychedelics Meet Up
4:00pm – 5:00pm CT | JW Marriot | Brazos Room
Level: Beginner

Join the conversation on the future of psychedelics at this SXSW meetup hosted by Psychedelic Society of Texas Director Caitlin Riley and investor Mary Olivar. The event is open to all enthusiasts, from healthcare professionals to artists and policymakers. Everyone passionate about the emerging psychedelic movement, and eager to connect with like-minded individuals, are welcomed.

Host

Mary Oliver is a natural foods industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, including developing and directing the Healthy Eating Program for Whole Foods Market. In 2014, she shifted her focus to the emerging cannabis industry as an advisor, investor, and advocate. Mary is passionate about the potential of plants for healing and wisdom, and supports value-aligned businesses. She is also on the board for the Center for Shamanic Education and Exchange, working with indigenous communities to preserve their knowledge for future generations.

Caitlin Riley is a creative strategist, producer, and director of the Psychedelic Society of Texas (PsyT). A community organization focused on education, integration, conversation, connection, and harm reduction related to psychedelics. She has produced programs such as “Psychedelics: Chemicals, Consciousness & Connection” for the World Science Festival, featuring Brian Greene, Rick Doblin, Reggie Watts, and Gül Dölen. And created content for HBO, Whole Foods Market, and Personal Plants. Caitlin is a passionate traveler and storyteller who has sought out firsthand experience with psychedelic medicine.