The Psychedelic Society of the Ozarks has announced its featured speakers and entertainment lineup for the Psychedelic Freedom Conference, scheduled for Oct. 3 at the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center Grand Ballroom, 333 S. John Q Hammons Parkway, in Springfield. According to a community announcement, the event will focus on the theme "Knowledge for the Front Lines" and bring together speakers from law enforcement, medicine, law and mental health.
Organizers said in the announcement that the conference will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions and a comedy performance centered on psychedelic research, public safety, mental health and wellness.
Among the featured speakers is Lt. Sarko Gergerian, a law enforcement leader and
mental health counselor who is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, "Awakening the Warrior to the Guardian: Psychedelics, Trauma and the Future of Public Safety." Gergerian has more than 15 years of police experience and helped establish the Community & Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery program, known as CLEAR, according to the announcement.
Other scheduled speakers include K.L. "Kemmi" Sadler, a retired U.S. diplomat and federal law enforcement officer, who is expected to present "Beneath the Badge: Moral Injury, Identity and the Journey Back to Self."
Attorney Tarin S. Hale is scheduled to discuss legal issues surrounding religious use of psychedelics during a presentation titled "In Defense of Religious Use of Psychedelics."
Neurologist Ken Sharlin, founder of Sharlin Health & Neurology and Brain Tune Up!, is expected to present "The Bioenergetics of Neuroplasticity — The Science of Brain Repair." According to the announcement, Sharlin has served as principal investigator on more than two dozen clinical trials.
Comedy performance and ayahuasca panel
Comedian Shane Mauss is scheduled to perform "TRIPS: Third Dose" during the conference luncheon. Mauss is known for appearances on Comedy Central, "Conan" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and hosts the "Here We Are" podcast.
Mauss also will moderate an ayahuasca-focused panel discussion titled "Wisdom of the Vine: Ayahuasca, Transformation, and the Journey Beyond the Ceremony," according to the announcement.
Sponsorships and tickets still available
The organization said in the announcement that a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses interested in supporting the conference.
According to the announcement, Sacred Mycelium sponsorships are priced at $2,500 and Lunch Sponsorships at $2,000. Businesses interested in applying can find more information through the organization's website at psychedelicsoto.org.
"Our goal with this conference is to bring credible education and meaningful conversation to the people on the front lines of this rapidly evolving field. By bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, first responders, veterans, policymakers and community members, we're creating a space where knowledge can lead to greater understanding, safer practices and real-world impact," Joshua Wahba, president and chairman of the Psychedelic Society of the Ozarks, said in the announcement.
Tickets, conference details and sponsorship information are available through the organization's website at vvpbqrw.clicks.mlsend.com.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Psychedelic Freedom Conference will bring experts to Ozarks
