The Biggest Psychedelics Conference Ever Starts Today in Oakland – SF Weekly

"Were currently estimating 2021 for FDA approval of MDMA," says Dr. Rick Doblin, ED of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies

When one thinks of a large gathering of psychedelic enthusiasts, thoughts typically turn to Burning Man rather than a group of doctors and scientists. This week, however, whats being called the largest psychedelics gathering in history is happening in Oakland, as the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies(MAPS) hosts its Psychedelics Science conference.

Starting Wednesday, more than 2,600 doctors, professors, health-industry professionals, and psychedelic experts from around the world convene at the Oakland Marriott City Center for the five-day event. Psychedelic Science 2017features more than 100 presentations regarding the therapeutic uses of psychedelics, the neuroscience behind this research, the spread of psychedelic culture into the mainstream, and more. The main thrust of the event will be about legally moving psychedelics into the field of medicine and sharing information about how substances likeayahuasca, ibogaine, MDMA, peyote, psilocybin, LSD, ketamine, and marijuana show promise in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and a wide range of other mental and physical illnesses.

Although the event is sold out, every presentation will be available for free on the MAPS website the week after the conference. MAPS founder and Executive Director Dr. Rick Doblin discusses the explosion of psychedelics into the mainstream, recent developments in the field and how new research is affecting people who have never set foot on the playa.

This interview has been condensed and lightly edited.

Psychedelics are really having a moment. Rolling Stone just called them a miracle and outlets ranging from mens and womens magazines to cable news have done pieces on ayahuasca, LSD, MDMA, and more. Why is this all happening now?

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The Biggest Psychedelics Conference Ever Starts Today in Oakland - SF Weekly