The Psychedelic Frontier in APPALACHIA: Policy, Public Safety, Opportunity

Hosted by Appalachian Psychedelic Society Founders: Justin Moore & Ali McGhee

Explore the evolving landscape of psychedelia in Appalachia with Justin and Ali as they dive into the intersection of policy, public safety, and opportunity surrounding the growing psychedelic movement. This online workshop will examine the potential for Appalachia to play a key role in the psychedelic renaissance while addressing the unique challenges faced by the region—particularly around public safety, substance use disorders, and the complex regulatory environment.

Justin Moore, podcast host, integration coach, and grad student in clinical mental health counseling, brings a deeply personal connection to the topic. Growing up in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, Justin witnessed the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic firsthand. His passion for alternative treatments like Iboga has fueled over a decade of study into the history and therapeutic potential of psychedelics. He now works as an adjunctive therapist in a clinical hospital setting and contributes to the Appalachian Psychedelic Society’s mission of an empowered future for Appalachia.

Ali McGhee, a writer, storyteller, and researcher, offers a grounded perspective rooted in Appalachia’s vibrant creative, and natural landscapes. With a PhD in English Literature and extensive work in journalism, Ali's writing has been featured in MAPS Bulletin, Chacruna Chronicles, and Lucid News. As a native of Asheville, NC, she brings insight into how psychedelia intersects with the region's cultural fabric, and her storytelling expertise deepens the conversation around community, culture, and consciousness.

• Policy: An overview of the current and upcoming legal landscape of psychedelics in Appalachia and nationwide. How will new legislation shape the region’s approach to psychedelic substances & medicines?
• Public Safety: Addressing concerns around responsible psychedelic use, crisis intervention, and how to build community structures that prioritize harm reduction and education.
• Opportunity: How Appalachia can leverage its rich cultural history and communal values to be a leader in psychedelic integration and research, offering innovative solutions for mental health and addiction treatment.
  

For those interested in understanding how psychedelics can be responsibly integrated into Appalachian culture while addressing the opioid crisis, addiction recovery, and broader mental health challenges, this workshop offers practical perspectives.

Event Venue

Online