Exploring the Future of Psychedelic Policy: Insights from Our Panel Discussion

On January 7th, our community gathered for an engaging panel discussion on the future of psychedelic policy and facilitation training programs. With the landscape of psychedelic legalization evolving rapidly, our panelists shared their insights, hopes, and concerns for the next few years. The conversation touched on state-level initiatives, community building, business models, and the broader implications of psychedelic accessibility.

Additionally, our discussion dove into one of the most exciting aspects of this growing field: facilitator training programs. As more states move toward legalization and regulated use, the need for skilled facilitators is growing. This is why we’re excited to highlight some of the current training programs available in Colorado, which were featured at our event, The Future of Psychedelic Facilitation in Colorado: What Training is Offered?

Key Takeaways from the Panel

The Evolving Landscape of Psychedelic Policy
Panelists highlighted the significant progress in states like Oregon and Colorado, which are paving the way for regulated psychedelic use. Colorado, in particular, is a trailblazer in psychedelic facilitation, with numerous training programs now available to prepare facilitators to work within the state’s regulated model. While challenges remain, the general sentiment was optimistic. Multiple states are considering similar legislation, and national-level discussions are gaining traction.

The Importance of Community
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the essential role of community in psychedelic healing and advocacy. Many speakers emphasized that finding supportive networks is crucial for both personal growth and the broader movement. With numerous societies and organizations emerging across the country, individuals interested in psychedelic work can find like-minded peers to collaborate and learn from. This was especially evident at our January 7th event, where representatives from several training organizations, including Medicinal Mindfulness, Changa, and SoundMind, were on hand to answer questions and foster community connections.

Business and Accessibility Challenges
A major point of discussion was the financial viability of psychedelic services. While facilitators and service centers need to be sustainable, pricing models currently make accessibility difficult for many people. The panelists acknowledged the tension between affordability and the economic realities of running legal psychedelic services, stressing the need for innovative solutions to balance these factors. This concern is especially relevant to the growing demand for psychedelic facilitator training, as the cost of these programs must be accessible to a diverse pool of future facilitators.

Expansion of Training Programs
As more states move toward legalization, the need for high-quality training programs for psychedelic facilitators has become evident. At our January 7th event, CPS hosted a panel with representatives from top training programs like Acadia, Ceremonia, and Elemental to explore what each offers and what prospective students can expect. Panelists called for increased collaboration among educators to develop comprehensive curriculums that ensure ethical and effective facilitation practices. Standardizing training programs could help establish credibility and maintain high standards within the field.

A Bright but Complex Future
Despite short-term challenges, the overall outlook on psychedelic policy and research remains positive. With multiple states considering decriminalization and regulated use, as well as growing federal interest, there is a strong momentum behind the movement. Panelists encouraged continued advocacy, education, and community engagement to ensure responsible growth in the field.

Our Panel Host and Speakers

The panel was expertly hosted by Greg Shanken, Co-founder of the Colorado Psychedelic Society and Ambassador, who is also known for providing free business and marketing programs to those in the psychedelic space. His insightful leadership helped facilitate a meaningful discussion on the future of psychedelic facilitation training.

The event also featured an incredible lineup of expert speakers, including:

Nate Howard, Co-creator and Director of Operations at Innertrek

Daniel McQueen, Executive Director of the Center for Medicinal Mindfulness and Medicinal Mindfulness Academy

Liza Ginzburg, Founder of Changa Institute, the first licensed psilocybin training program in the US

Travis Kern, Lead Educator and Facilitator at Acadia

Jaime Davila, Director of Psychedelic Trainings at the Integrative Psychiatry Institute

Mary Nielsen, Founder of Clinical Cognitive

Their diverse expertise and experience contributed to a rich and enlightening conversation, shedding light on the current landscape and the future of psychedelic facilitation.

Watch the Full Panel Recording

If you missed the live event or want to revisit the insightful discussions, you can watch the full panel recording here:

Looking Ahead

As our discussion made clear, we are at a pivotal moment for psychedelic policy. While obstacles exist, the dedication and passion within the community are driving meaningful progress. Whether you’re an advocate, facilitator, or simply curious about this evolving space, now is the time to get involved.

If you’re interested in learning more about training programs and opportunities to become a psychedelic facilitator, consider exploring the variety of offerings at the event or contacting CPS for more information on upcoming discussions and initiatives.

We’d love for you to be part of this journey. If you’re interested in supporting our work, volunteering, or learning more, feel free to reach out.

Thank you to all the panelists, speakers, and participants who contributed to this insightful conversation. We look forward to continuing these discussions and shaping the future of psychedelics together!