I am grateful to be standing here in front of you for the third year in a row, at the biggest Psychedelic Culture conference by far. You would think that with two previous years of conference planning experience under my belt, at Chacruna Institute, this year would be an absolute breeze—but somehow, it’s only gotten harder.
In the midst of putting together the programming for this conference with Bia, I had a phone call with her where she asked me “Remember when I told you two years ago that I wanted to stop doing conferences?” – I get it now. BUT at the same time, I couldn’t be more grateful for this experience and witnessing firsthand how everything unraveled in the most beautiful way. And I would do it over and over again.
Discover the Indigenous Reciprocity Initiative of the Americas
But of course, I am only one tiny helping hand in a myriad of incredible humans who have also poured their blood, sweat, and tears into making this conference happen. This year, we had 17 Chacruna team members present from around the globe, 11interns, 110 speakers (including 11 Indigenous representatives), over 500 attendees, 32 sponsors, 50 volunteers, eight media partners, 14 community partners, and 120 scholarships awarded for folks to attend from all over the globe.
This conference has not only amplified Indigenous voices and underrepresented topics in the field of psychedelics, but has also reminded us of the responsibility that comes with engaging in these sacred traditions and plant medicines.
As we bring Psychedelic Culture 2025 to a close, let us reflect on the deep wisdom, stories, and diverse perspectives shared over these past couple of days. This conference has not only amplified Indigenous voices and underrepresented topics in the field of psychedelics, but has also reminded us of the responsibility that comes with engaging in these sacred traditions and plant medicines.
May we carry forward the lessons of reciprocity, right-relationship and humility from Indigenous elders, First Nations peoples and psychedelic leaders, which help us ensure that the psychedelic movement remains rooted in cultural integrity, respect and ethical practices. The path ahead is one of continued learning, allyship, and advocacy. So let us strive to move forward with open hearts, honoring the knowledge keepers, the land, and the medicines that have led us all to this very spot.
The path ahead is one of continued learning, allyship, and advocacy.
Thank you for being a part of this journey, for coming together in community, and for being open to listening and sharing. I know that it was not easy for many of us to get here, and we are incredibly grateful for your presence in this space. These perspectives play a pivotal role in expanding our understanding, and forging connections that will continue to shape the future of the psychedelic field.
On behalf of the Chacruna Team, thank you all so much for being here, and we hope to see you at Psychedelic Culture 2026!
Art by Karina Alvarez.
Shop Our Latest T-Shirt Design, “Protecting Sacred Plants.”
More Psychedelic Culture 2025 Coverage:
- Opening Psychedelic Culture 2025 Remarks by Bia Labate, “Rethinking Power, Plants, and the Future of Psychedelic Culture,” Doubleblind.
- Chacruna’s publication on the Importance of Indigenous voices in PCU25: “The Importance of Indigenous Voices at Psychedelic Culture 2025: A Response to Metropoles”
- Lucid News coverage on the conference: “Collective Resistance and Resilience at Psychedelic Culture Conference“
- Brazilian consulate in San Francisco social media coverage:
- “O Consulado-Geral do Brasil em São Francisco esteve presente no evento “The Importance of Indigenous Voices at Psychedelic Culture 2025”, promovido pelo Instituto Chacruna, com o apoio do Instituto Guimarães Rosa (IGR).” – Consulado do Brasil em San Francisco
- “O Consulado-Geral do Brasil em São Francisco recebeu a diretora do Museu Nacional dos Povos Indígenas, Fernanda Kaingang…” – Consulado do Brasil em San Francisco and Museu Nacional dos Povos Indígenas – Funai
