MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023 - worth it for non-medical professionals?

May 26, 2023 10:20 AM

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is hosting the 2023 Psychedelic Science conference in Denver, June 19-23. I have a recreational interest in this field, and I'm looking for potential career changes and just general inspiration. This is the fourth MAPS conference so I'm hoping to hear from someone who has attended in the past what it's like and if it's worth attending? (I'll bring a friend so it won't be lonely!)

I'm looking for anything from investment opportunities, to a career change, to just generally learning more about what's happing in the space of psilocybin, MDMA-assisted therapy, etc. Are people friendly? Is it easy to connect with folks when one is not in the industry?

posted by carlodio to Education (5 answers total)

Best answer: I've been to a couple of MAPS conferences. It's definitely not just for medical folks. Are you generally familiar with MAPS and their work?

Based on previous conferences, I would say that you would learn a lot about the current state of the art on a variety of psychedelic substances and uses, with an emphasis on MAPS-funded or supported research. There will likely be presentations from people are are sincere true believers in their chosen substance and from people who are looking to make money and people who are dubious about the whole enterprise. I was mostly focused on policy issues but I definitely learned a fair amount about different substances and their cultural contexts. Given the current state of things in this space, I would anticipate panels on the ethics of psychedelic research, role of indigenous communities, environmental concerns, and impact of profit and funding.

I already knew a lot of people attending before I went, but my sense is that it's a pretty friendly crowd. Join the social activities if you want to meet people. Do not assume that free samples will be handed out at any point or that you will be offered drugs. Well, except for free samples of Dr. Bronner's soap. There will likely be plenty of that.
posted by gingerbeer at 4:17 PM on May 26, 2023 [1 favorite]

And on actually looking through the agenda and roster, I'll say it's bigger than the last 2 conferences and that they've got a pretty solid all-star lineup of speakers. If this interests you, go.
posted by gingerbeer at 4:43 PM on May 26, 2023 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks gingerbeer - booked the ticket. Definitely familiar with their work and not looking for samples. Will report back!
posted by carlodio at 7:50 PM on May 29, 2023 [2 favorites]

Emjoy -- it looks like an excellent conference this time. If it were in the Bay Area again I'd likely show up.
posted by gingerbeer at 5:34 PM on May 31, 2023

Response by poster: Trip report - thanks for the responses above. I found the conference totally worth the money. I'm in tech and don't know much about this space and have never been to a conference where there are at least some medical professionals in attendance.

It was fascinating - lots of good conversations, not tooo much "woo" (well there was a lot but I expected more).

The major speakers were surprisingly informative and present. Lots of interesting research papers. Great Flaming Lips show. People were friendly; ended up seeing a comedy show roasting the conference one night and hanging w/the organizers until late.

Learned a lot about mushrooms, psilocybin, MDMA therapy, the history of the space, the current research areas, chemistry. Talked to a lot of therapists and psychologists.

Overall I would recommend going if/when they have it again. I didn't feel like an outsider though I'm not a medical professional and though I knew very little of the space before going.
posted by carlodio at 10:08 AM on June 26, 2023 [1 favorite]