Psychedelic Community Safety Systems

While scientific research into the possible therapeutic uses of psychedelic compounds continues to move forward, the majority of people currently using psychedelics do so in social settings. This has been the case for many years and is expected to continue in the immediate future as clinical access to psychedelics slowly expands. This talk will review current safety systems and best practices at festivals and other events where participants use psychedelics. These systems include established strategies such as on site drug checking services, peer support, alcohol-free quiet spaces, ranger teams, medics, crisis intervention services, offsite mediation, and sex art safety considerations. Annie Oak Harrison is a longtime member and observer of psychedelic communities in the U.S. She is the founder of the Full Circle Tea House, Camp Soft Landing and the Women’s Visionary Congress. Annie is also the co-founder of the Women’s Visionary Council (WVC), the first nonprofit created to support psychedelic women. In addition, Annie co-founded Take 3 Presents, an Oakland, CA, based event production company that creates private immersive art parties. Many of the safety systems that she will discuss have been implemented by Annie who consults with psychedelic community groups seeking to increase the safety of participants at their events.