Join us for a timely and nuanced conversation at the intersection of psychedelic policy, therapy, and social equity in the U.S. Southwest. This Community Forum will explore how Latino curanderos, Indigenous communities, healthcare providers, and policy advocates are shaping emerging psilocybin programs in New Mexico and Colorado. Together, we’ll examine the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when traditional healing practices meet legislative frameworks and biomedical protocols. Key questions include: What does equitable access look like in rural and under-resourced areas like much of New Mexico? What purpose and mission guide today’s psychedelic legislation — and how can we future-proof it for a shifting federal landscape? As Colorado and New Mexico develop differing approaches — natural mushrooms vs. synthetic psilocybin — what are the implications for safety, efficacy, and cultural relevance? We’ll also explore how decriminalization and medicalization can coexist, the legal standing of psychedelic churches, and what ethical policy looks like when grounded in reciprocity, reparations, and right relationship with traditional medicine holders. You’ll hear from Joaquin Orozco, board member of several psychedelic boards, including the New Mexico Psychedelic Science Society, Decriminalize Psychedelics New Mexico and the Rhizome Collective; Amy Wong Hope, founder and director of the Psychedelic Studies Certificate Program at Southwestern College in Santa Fe; Josh Kappel is a founding partner of Vicente Sederberg and a founding member of the Council for Responsible Cannabis Regulation; Jaz Cadoch, co-steward of the Global Psychedelic Society and the Community and Public Manager for the Psychedelic Health Equity Initiative; and Tamar Todd, an attorney with expertise in policy advocacy, legislative drafting, statewide political campaign strategy, regulatory implementation, and non-profit management.

State Psilocybin Programs: Therapy and Legislation in the Southwest