Appalachian Psychedelic Society

In this conversation, Jessica Allen shares her profound journey of recovery from addiction through the use of Ibogaine, a psychedelic substance. She recounts how a chance encounter with a book led her father to seek alternative treatment options during her darkest times. Jessica describes her transformative experience in Mexico, where she found relief from addiction and a reconnection with her spirituality. The discussion also explores the role of family support, the challenges of returning home, and the cultural openness towards alternative treatments in Appalachia. Furthermore, Jessica highlights advocacy for the legalization and acceptance of Ibogaine as a treatment for addiction.Subscribe Here to see live the Town Hall, 2025 Policy Report, & Historical Timeline of Psychedelics in Appalachia Follow Jess on instagram Follow Appalachian Psychedelic Society

Described by Rolling Stone as "the point man" for drug policy reform efforts and “the real drug czar,” Ethan Nadelmann, JD, PhD, is widely regarded as the outstanding proponent ofdrug policy reform in the United States and abroad. After teachingpolitics and public affairs at Princeton University (1987-1994), he founded anddirected first The Lindesmith Center (1994-2000) and then the DrugPolicy Alliance (2000-2017). He also co-founded the Open SocietyInstitute’s International Harm Reduction Development program. Ethan has published extensively and spokenpublicly in roughly forty states and forty countries. His TED Talk,"Why We Need to End the War on Drugs" has over two million views.Ethan and his colleagues were at the forefront of dozens of successful campaigns to legalize marijuana, reduce the incarceration of drug law offenders, advance harm reduction approaches to drug use and addiction, and otherwise promote alternatives topunitive prohibitionist drug policies. He played a key role as drug policyadvisor to prominent philanthropists as well as elected officials ranging from mayors, governors and state and federal legislators in the U.S. to presidents and cabinet ministers outside the United States.He hosts the leading podcast about all things drugs: PSYCHOACTIVE. He has become increasingly engaged in the debate over tobacco harmreduction.Ethan is currently working on a book – part memoir, part history of the drug policy reform movement, part lessons for activists, part reflections on the big questions and debates in thefield.Ethan A NadelmannPodcast Host:PSYCHOACTIVEFounder & Former Executive Director (2000-2017) of theDrug Policy Alliancewww.twitter.com/[email protected] +1 646 335 2240117 W 74th St., #1C New York, NY 10023-2211Appalachian Psychedelic Societyhttps://www.appalachianpsychedelicsociety.org/https://linktr.ee/appalachianpsychedelicsocietyhttps://www.instagram.com/appalachianpsychedelicsocietyOur mission is to be the stage for Appalachia to explore the potentialof psychedelics in a responsible and informed manner withoutproselytizing their use. We aim to provide a space for exploring thestudy of psychedelics, offering thoughtful integration services forindividuals who have experienced positive, negative, and/or challengingoutcomes. Through education, coaching, and community-driven events, wesupport individuals and communities in building bridges between fear andunderstanding.We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where thepotential of psychedelics is explored with intention and respect, enhancing both personal growth and community cohesion.

Founders Justin and Ali McGhee share their personal journeys with psychedelics, discussing their experiences and the impact of these substances on their lives. They explore the intersection of psychedelics and parenting, the importance of education in psychedelic policy, and current events surrounding psychedelic legislation, particularly in Massachusetts. The conversation emphasizes the need to destigmatize both psychedelics and Appalachian identity, aiming to create a safe and informed community around these topics. In this conversation, Ali McGhee and Justin explore the multifaceted identity of Appalachia, discussing personal experiences, cultural heritage, and the complexities of regional stereotypes. They delve into the rich traditions and resilience of Appalachian communities, the historical nuances of the Civil War, and the importance of embracing diversity and complexity in conversations about identity. The discussion also touches on future community engagement and the role of psychedelics in fostering understanding and connection.TakeawaysThe Appalachian Psychedelic Society aims to educate and inform about psychedelics.Personal experiences with psychedelics can lead to profound insights and healing.There is a stigma associated with using psychedelics, especially among parents.Psychedelics can help reconnect individuals with their childhood and nature.Legislation around psychedelics is evolving, with varying degrees of success.Education is crucial for understanding the complexities of psychedelic policy.Community engagement is essential for destigmatizing psychedelics in Appalachia.The hosts emphasize the importance of personal stories in understanding psychedelics.There is a need for clear communication about psychedelic legislation.The hosts share their experiences of growing up in Appalachia and the associated stigma. Ali reflects on her childhood experiences with horror films and their impact on her perception of Appalachia.The conversation highlights the importance of learning about local plants and traditions in Appalachia.Ali expresses a desire to reclaim and explore Appalachian cultural traditions that are fading away.Justin discusses the historical origins of the term 'Appalachian' and its connection to indigenous roots.Both speakers share their experiences of altering their accents and the implications of regional identity.The discussion emphasizes the diversity within Appalachia, challenging stereotypes often portrayed in media.Ali mentions the resilience of Appalachian communities in the face of adversity and historical challenges.Ali & Justin highlight the complexity of the Civil War's impact on Appalachian communities, noting divisions and conflicts.They advocate for embracing nuance in conversations about identity, history, and culture.The conversation concludes with a focus on future community engagement and the importance of being a resource for others.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Appalachian Psychedelic Society06:35 Personal Journeys with Psychedelics11:31 The Intersection of Psychedelics and Parenting16:41 Current Events: Hurricane Helene and the Election22:51 The Importance of Education in Psychedelic Policy28:34 Exploring Appalachian Identity and Heritage36:19 Stereotypes and Resilience in Appalachia40:51 Historical Nuances of the Civil War in AppalachiaLearn More about APS: https://www.appalachianpsychedelicsociety.org/Pastor, Educator, Teacher, Parent? Book Consulting

Benjamin Greenzweig is a seasoned events veteran, entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Momentum Events and the recently launched Momentum Communities PBC, with a deep passion for destigmatizing the conversation on both the diagnosis and treatment of mental health, including psychedelic-assisted therapy. Greenzweig served as the Executive Producer of Psychedelic Science 2023, the world’s largest psychedelics conference, and Momentum Events proudly played the role of show organizer. Open about his personal wellness journey, Greenzweig passionately believes that everyone has the right to find their mental health balance, and he works tirelessly to create learning and community-building opportunities that can open minds and change hearts.Bens Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bgreenzweighttps://momentumevents.com/kentucky/momentumevents.comOur Links:https://www.appalachianpsychedelicnews.org/https://www.instagram.com/appalachianpsychedelicnews/