Take a deep dive with a lineup of experts who will explore with you the current state of psychedelic agents; Psilocybin, MDMA, and Ibogaine.
This session will look at the mechanism through which psychedelics exert their effects, including intriguing updates on non-5HT2A mechanisms of action via the TrkB receptor agonism, and psychological mechanisms via induction of oceanic boundlessness, awe enhancement, enhanced spiritual and societal and nature connections, improved cognitive reappraisal, and improvement in experimental avoidance.
This panel discussion will highlight the different missions, resources, and programs available from the Psychedelic Medicine Association (PMA), American Psychedelic Practitioners Association (APPA), and California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) and how they all fit into the larger framework of establishing safeguards for the integration of psychedelic medicine into the mainstream medical world. The PMA helps expand practitioner knowledge and awareness of psychedelics and helps practitioners feel more comfortable and confident discussing psychedelic therapies with patients and referring patients to those therapies, while APPA is working to make sure there are safe and regulated places for practitioners to refer patients that are interested and good candidates for this type of treatment. CIIS provides training opportunities for both licensed medical prescribers or therapists and facilitators who are not licensed but who may do this work legally per state law.
An update on The Oregon Psilocybin Services Act (M109) since the completion of the development phase for the implementation of M109 on December 31, 2022, and began accepting applications for licensure on January 2, 2023. Highlighting the past year of licensing manufacturers, laboratories, service centers, and facilitators, with a focus on shifting from a drug policy framework rooted in the 'War on Drugs' to a health policy approach that holds promise for transformational healing and wellness. Also discussing implementation challenges, considerations for centering equity, access, and affordability, and potential impacts to patients seeking licensure or access to psilocybin services. Wrapping up, with how this work aligns with the Oregon Health Authority's goal to eliminate health inequities and is part of broader efforts to advance collective public health goals.
The introduction of psychedelic assisted therapies (PAT) marks one of the most significant changes in available treatments for our patients. While much research has been conducted to get the treatments through the FDA, there is much that is still not known and will need to be considered when determining how to use these treatments. Complicating matters are the cultural and policy issues around psychedelics such as decriminalization and recreational use that may already be impacting our patients. This session, led by two expert researchers in the field, will attempt to disentangle these issues and prepare clinicians to thoughtfully deploy these treatments.