Virginia Symposium: Psychedelics, Religion and the Law

Date: October 19, 2023

Where: Location address

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Description: Join us for a day of profound exploration and meaningful conversation at the Virginia Symposium, where we delve into the intersections of psychedelics, religion, and the law. Centered on the freedom of religious expression—a value deeply cherished by the state of Virginia, the symposium brings together thought leaders from diverse backgrounds to shed light on these evolving spheres of interest.

As we grapple with the escalating crisis of mental health conditions such as trauma and depression, psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, have come into the spotlight. These substances, recognized for their potential therapeutic impact and spiritual resonance, are the subject of growing research in America and Europe. This exploration reflects an underground current of psilocybin use that has been rooted in our culture for years.

This symposium specifically addresses the confluence of religious expression and the rising interest in psilocybin use for spiritual exploration and treatment of emotional disorders, including addiction. This discussion is timely and relevant as Virginia's legislature has recently considered studying psilocybin as a potential aid in addressing addiction and other psychological issues.

Our distinguished panel of speakers, who bridge the worlds of religion and psychedelics, include:

• Hunt Priest, an Episcopal Priest and participant in the Johns Hopkins psilocybin study.

• James Marsh, a Methodist minister and psychotherapist trained as a psychedelic facilitator.

• Ron McNutt, a retired social justice attorney with 45 years of experience with natural psychedelics and a lifelong Presbyterian.

• John Davidson, a retired attorney with 20 years of experience with natural psychedelics, and a non-religiously affiliated spiritual practitioner.

• Eric Postow, an attorney with deep insights into the legal implications of psychedelic use.

Throughout the day, our panel will engage in a rich dialogue on topics such as:

• The personal motivations and experiences driving their engagement with psychedelics.

• The role of belief in religious experiences involving psychedelics.

• The potential for psychedelics to foster inclusivity within traditional religions.

• The distinctions and overlaps between therapeutic use and religious use of psychedelics.

• Recommendations for states considering the legalization of psychedelics.

• The right of individuals to use psychedelics for personal spiritual exploration, outside of traditional religious contexts.

• The potential for traditional religions to support those incorporating psychedelics into their spiritual practice.

• The common grounds between the healing potential of psychedelics and the core tenets of traditional religion.

The symposium promises a day of enlightening exchanges, deep insights, and thoughtful contemplation. Join us as we explore the expanding frontiers of religious expression, the transformative potential of psychedelics, and the evolving role of law in these contexts.