Top plant medicine experts and advocates from around the country will speak about everything from psilocybin research and politics to ethical commercialization of psychedelics
It’s that time of year again. That magical, slightly overcast weather known to blanket New England in mid-to-late March has arrived like clockwork, signaling the return of the now-11th annual NECANN Boston, taking place this weekend at the Hynes Convention Center in Back Bay.
With the convention primed for a proper expansion track for a few years, the 2025 edition will feature an exciting new avenue focused entirely on psychedelics. (Full disclosure: in addition to my role as Talking Joints Memo’s semi-resident psychedelics reporter, I’ve spent the last few months moonlighting as NECANN’s director of psychedelic programming to curate this truly all-star- studded lineup of psychedelic-focused panels featuring industry and community leaders alike.)
Following a disastrous outcome for the Yes on 4 psychedelics ballot initiative in the Bay State last November, a number of new grassroots leaders have emerged across New England. Likewise, there’s been an explosion of psychedelics-related legislation filed across the US already this year, including here in Mass. In other words, NECANN Boston’s two-day track of psychedelics programming arrives at an ideal time for anyone and everyone interested in the future of plant medicine, within and beyond the current cannabis industry paradigm.
All eight psychedelic-angled panels scheduled across Friday and Saturday are worth attending—you can check out the full schedule here. But for brevity’s sake, here’s a quick synopsis of some can’t-miss highlights for any psychonauts planning to attend NECANN this week.
Psychedelic Policy Wars: Q4 and Beyond
Friday, 11:30am – 12:20pm
Moderator: Jack Gorsline
Panelists: Graham Moore, Jamie Morey, Jenny Chen-Robertson, Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa
As psychedelic therapy gains traction in medical and policy discussions, questions remain about establishing regulatory frameworks while addressing public safety concerns. Featuring former Q4 campaign staffers and current grassroots leaders Jamie Morey and Graham Moore, Safe Psychedelics Association of New England (SPAN) co-founder Jenny Chen-Robertson, and prominent psychedelic reform supporter State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, this must-see discussion moderated by yours truly will explore the next steps being taken to enact psychedelic policy reforms in Massachusetts and examine what really went wrong for the Q4 campaign at large.
Legal Psychedelia: Kanna, Kava, Amanita, Oh My!
Friday, 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Moderator: Kate Avruch
Panelists: Phoebe McPhereson, Dr. Riley Kirk, Dr. Miyabe Shields
Led by Kate Avruch, founder of Operator Academy, this session delves into the legal and regulatory landscape of plant medicines. Panelists include Dr. Riley Kirk and Dr. Miyabe Shields, co-founders of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy, and Phoebe McPherson, co-founder and chief plant officer of FunGuy, a functional mushroom company based in Los Angeles. This particular discussion will explore the therapeutic potential of legal psychoactive plants like kanna and kava, regulatory hurdles in plant medicine research, and ethical commercialization.
Healing Heroes: Exploring Psychedelics as a Path to Recovery for Veterans and First Responders
Saturday, 11:30am – 12:20pm
Moderator: Tori Bedford
Panelists: CJ LoConte, Sarko Gergarian, Jamie Morey
Moderated by newly-minted GBH News nightside anchor Tori Bedford, this panel brings together veterans, first responders, and advocates to explore the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy in treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Panelists include former Q4 campaign spokesman, US Army veteran and Mass Healing co-founder CJ LoConte, former Winthrop police officer turned psychedelic advocate Sarko Gergarian, along with veteran spouse, former Q4 Community Engagement Coordinator, and Mass Healing co-founder Jamie Morey. The discussion will highlight clinical research on MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine, as well as real-world experiences and legal advancements in psychedelic therapy.
Keynote Panel: Media Coverage of Psychedelic Drugs and Policy Reform
Saturday, 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Moderator: Jack Gorsline
Panelists: Mary Carreon, Cesar Marin
Moderated by yours truly, this keynote session examines the media’s role in shaping public perception and policy discussions on psychedelics. Panelists and longtime media professional Cesar Marin and Mary Carreon will discuss ethical considerations in reporting, the impact of sensationalism versus evidence-based storytelling, and strategies to combat misinformation.
For those who aren’t able to make it on Friday or Saturday but will be in Boston this week, be sure to stop by New Dia by Fenway on Thursday afternoon for a free pre-NECANN edition of our new psychedelic community showcase series: ?ortal to: ?lants and Other Medicines. We will be there from 4 to 7:30pm, followed by the official NECANN welcome party right up the street at Lansdowne Pub from 8:30 to 10:30pm.
