Sierra Psychedelic Society Newsletter

Education | Risk Management | Community

Greetings SPS Community,

As the vibrant hues of autumn paint the world around us, we find ourselves stepping into the transformative embrace of October. In this month of metamorphosis, we invite you to embark on a journey of inner exploration and renewal.

May October bring you moments of clarity, insight, and profound connection. Embrace the changing seasons both within and without, and let the healing potential of psychedelics guide you toward new horizons of understanding.

September Highlights:

Kate's insightful and informative talk captivated our audience and sparked overwhelming interest and support within our community. The depth of knowledge and passion Kate brought to the subject matter was truly remarkable and left a lasting impact on everyone who attended.

You can watch the recording of this talk on our YouTube channel here.

Announcement regarding integration circles:

Welcome to October!

Join us on Friday, October 20 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm at The Studio Reno (1805 S.Virginia St.) for a presentation on "Stress as an Adaptive Force: Wim Hof Method & Psychedelics" by Leviticus McDonald.

Introducing our esteemed guest speaker, Leviticus McDonald, a local Level 2 Wim Hof Method Instructor.

At the heart of our discussion lies the profound belief that the human brain serves as the singular conduit connecting all facets of our human experience. We will delve into the life-changing world of the Wim Hof Method, a powerful tool that harmonizes the mind and body to achieve optimal well-being.

Leviticus has emerged as a driving force within the Wim Hof Method community since becoming an instructor. His dedicated efforts have entailed close collaboration with healthcare professionals in his community. Together, they are reshaping our understanding of health by embracing a holistic approach to managing the stress response. Stress, in Leviticus's eyes, is a potent instrument, one that can combat autoimmune disorders, addiction, and depression—a fact substantiated by a growing body of compelling research.

His audacious vision is to see the Wim Hof Method prescribed by healthcare professionals, effectively supplanting the use of SSRIs and benzodiazepines. The ultimate objective? Attaining complete self-mastery over one's own body.

Beyond the physiological realm, Leviticus possesses a deep appreciation for the philosophical transformations that individuals experience after engaging with the Wim Hof Method. He is eager to explore how this practice can not only redefine our individual purpose but also reshape our roles in society as we move forward.

If you have any inquiries or wish to connect with Leviticus, do not hesitate to reach out via email at leviticusmcdonald@gmail.com.

We welcome Grace Moore to the SPS Board of Directors!

We are elated to announce Grace Moore as the newest addition to our board, bringing with her a wealth of expertise and an exemplary commitment to community welfare. Grace's multifaceted background as a Reiki Master, Teacher, and Artist reflects her deep passion for holistic healing and creative expression. Her advocacy journey, from founding support networks for parents of children dealing with severe food allergies to leading pivotal initiatives in social justice and gender awareness, underscores her dedication to making a positive impact. Grace's profound understanding of trauma-informed care, coupled with her innovative use of art and creative reflection, empowers individuals to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace. We are confident that Grace's unique perspectives, coupled with her compassionate leadership, will significantly enrich our board's discussions and initiatives. Please join us in welcoming Grace and embracing the supportive energy and invaluable contributions she brings to our community.

Learn more about Grace here.

Our sister advocacy organization Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicines is holding a fundraiser on October 28 at KRI Architecture!

Join us Saturday, October 28, 5-10 PM, at KRI Architecture for the Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicines fundraiser! This will be a beautiful, conscious, educational and amazing night with keynote speakers, dancing, silent auction, food & drinks!

We urge you to support NCPM's mission to save lives and revolutionize mental health by bringing legalized access for psychedelic medicines to Nevada. NCPM was instrumental in the recent passage of Nevada’s Senate Bill 242, and they are raising funds to support forthcoming legislation to reduce penalties and provide legalized access to psychedelic therapy.

The event will include keynote speakers Dr. Burton Tabaac (MD, Prof. of Neurology, UNR - scroll down to see Dr. Tabaac featured in our Community Spotlight) and NCPM's President, Jon Dalton (President of NCPM and a retired Navy SEAL). Music and dance party with DJs - RAZL & KRISTOPHARI. In addition, they'll be silent auctioning 30 minute Zoom calls with Dennis McKenna, Dr. Nolan Williams, and Dr. Peter Grinspoon, along with a year long membership to The Studio, and more! Click the button below to learn more about the event and/or to reserve a spot.

Community Spotlight

Introducing Dr. Burton Tabaac

Dr. Burton Tabaac is an accomplished neurologist and educator, currently serving as an Associate Professor of Neurology at The University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine. He specializes in advanced treatments and preventive measures for neurological diseases and holds significant leadership roles in the field, including Section Chief of Neurology and Medical Director of Stroke at Carson Tahoe Health.

Dr. Tabaac's impressive academic journey includes a fellowship in cerebrovascular neurology at The Johns Hopkins University Hospital, MD graduation from AUC School of Medicine, and a neurology residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson. His commitment to teaching excellence earned him the Arnold P. Gold Foundation's Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award for three consecutive years, and he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. In 2021, he received the esteemed fellowship affiliation with the American Heart Association.

Beyond his neurological expertise, Dr. Tabaac is involved in psychedelic research and serves as an advising consultant for Voltura Labs in a consulting role for Psychedelics Anonymous. He explores the potential of psychedelic therapeutics in treating neurodegenerative diseases and functional neurological disorders. In 2023, he was appointed as a Special Advisor to the Board for The McKenna Academy of Natural Philosophy.

Dr. Tabaac's influence extends to the world of podcasts, where he hosts "The Zero Hour Podcast" featuring discussions with industry experts in psychedelic research.

Click the link below to register to freely attend Burton Tabaac's upcoming zoom interview:

October 3rd 12:00 pm- Paul Stamets

October 18th 12:00 pm- Dr. Matthew Johnson (link to be released- stay tuned on the SPS slack channel)

Psychedelics Anonymous: Zero Hour Podcast Featuring Dennis McKenna

Integration Circle &

Microdosing Support

WHAT IS INTEGRATION?

"Integration refers to the process by which the material accessed, and insights gained in an entheogenic experience, are incorporated over time in a way that benefits the individual and the community." -ERIE (Entheogenic Research Integration and Education)

These circles are a safe and confidential space to talk openly about non-ordinary states of consciousness. To learn more about integration, click HERE. If you'd like to connect online with our group between meetings, we invite you to join the slack group.



Microdosing Support Group

Join us every first Thursday at 12:00 noon at Idlewild Park next to the California building for our microdosing support group. This is a safe space to share experiences and learn from others who have explored the practice of microdosing to benefit mental health. All are welcome--from experienced microdosers to curious beginners!

Saturday Night Standard Integration Circles

These circles are designed to offer a safe space to discuss non-ordinary states of consciousness, while providing emotional support and guidance after transformative experiences. All levels of life experience are welcomed and accepted. 

The 1RV (1st Responders & Veterans) Integration Circle is a confidential and secure space dedicated to first responders and veterans. This is a place to gather, connect and learn about the potential for healing through alternative remedies. Thank you for continuing to bring awareness to this very necessary conversation, and for your continued support of our first responders and veterans and their healing journeys. Learn more here.

It's Book Club Time!

Monthly Event Lineup

Mark your calendars early, the stage is set for a great fall series!

Our Sister Advocacy Organization

We invite you to check out & support Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicines!

NCPM is currently working with legislators to reduce penalties and to bring legalized access for psychedelic medicine to Nevada. If you would like to be part of this change by supporting their mission to save lives and revolutionize mental health, please consider joining the coalition to support drug policy reform in our state!

We also encourage you to check out the SPS Instagram and slack channel for the most current and up to date information. Thank you all again for your participation, advocacy, and support!

With love and psychedelia,

Sierra Psychedelic Society

sierrapsychedelic.org

info@sierrapsychedelic.org