Power360 takes stock of the fair held in Denver, highlighting the Brazilian entourage that strengthened the role of Brazil in the global scenario of psychedelics
Last week, June 16-20, Denver (USA) was the scene of the largest worldwide meeting on psychedelics, the Psychic Science Conference 2025. With more than 7,000 participants and 500 speakers, the event organized by (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) showed that science, culture and public policies are moving to increasingly robust and complex integration. around the therapeutic potential of these substances.
One of the highlights was the presence of governors from US states who have been pioneers in psychedelic policies. The governor of Colorado, Jared Polis (Democrat), cited the state with the legalization and regulation of psychedelic therapies. He highlighted the importance of scientific evidence -based decisions to ensure safety and effectiveness and announced forgiveness to Psilocybin convicted.
Already the former governor of Texas Rick Perry a personal and pragmatic perspective. He shared his experience with psychedelic treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder, especially in war veterans. It illustrated how this field has been through traditional political barriers and achieved consensus on the clinical benefit.
“I was asked how much I pay to bring the governors, but we don’t pay anything. We are all interested in improving people’s lives, so they come up to update. [de guerra]politicians say, ok, I’m on your side, let’s do whatever it takes to relieve this pain ”said Rick Doblin, founder of Maps, during the closing discourse, while reflecting on the exceeded challenges and the vision for the future.
Rick Doblin during a lecture at Psychchedelic Science Conference in Denver
The event also did not escape the ethical and cultural discussions, which gained fundamental space. Researchers and indigenous representatives have highlighted the risks of cultural appropriation when original practices and knowledge are used by non-indigenous people without respect or return to communities holding these traditions. The case of psilocybin and Mexican healer Maria Sabina was cited as an example of how ancestral knowledge can be commercially exploited without proper compensation. This tension between cultural valorization and exploitation is a current challenge within the field.
In the scientific level, the great discussion was about the setback of Maps. In August 2024, the FDA rejected MDMA approval for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. He cited failures in the design of studies, security with security and inconsistencies in the data. Despite the disappointment tone between researchers, the conference was marked by a climate of resilience.
On stage, Maps and expert representatives shared the learning of this episode and stressed that the psychedelic movement depends on a single substance or one approval. At the same time, there has been advances in research with Ketamine, psilocybin, DMT and new therapeutic combinations, now with attention redoubled to methodological rigidity, results replication and clinical ethics, indispensable pillars to gain confidence of regulators.
Among the most interesting conferences, the panel was highlighted about psychedelics and women’s health, who explored how these substances can offer new perspectives to treat female specific conditions, often neglected by traditional medicine. Another relevant focus was Ketamine, discussed both as a promising therapeutic resource and under the warning for uncontrolled use.
Experts stressed that although Ketamine could be “magic” In controlled doses and with psychiatric support, access through mail or out of medical follow -up raises significant risks. There was also debate on the need to expand access to psychedelic therapies, balancing optimism with caution to avoid damage.
The 4th edition of Psychchedelic Science Conference not only reaffirmed scientific advances, but also expanded the debate for cultural and political dimensions, reflecting a plural and complex movement. For the lay public, it was clear that psychedelics have ceased to be a taboo to become a new border in mental health, with the potential to transform lives as long as accompanied by ethics, science and respect for traditions.
In the image above, the crowded audience of Psychchedelic Science Conference in Denver
Brazil, absolute highlight
One of the absolute highlights of the conference was the remarkable presence of the, which drew attention both for the quality of the scientific panels and the vibrant booth at the exhibitors pavilion. Organized by Psychedelic Parenthood Community, the Brazilian booth was by far the most visited. It was full of people interested in knowing the traditional and contemporary applications of the rape, knowing more about retreats in Brazil and listening to indigenous chants.
Glauber Loures (right), one of the Brazilians of the country’s entourage at the fair
The space, coordinated by Glauber Loures, Paulina Valamiel and Marco Also, had the leadership of the indigenous Álvaro Tukano, who was present to connect visitors to the ancestry of Amazonian knowledge. In addition to being a cultural and informative point, the booth functioned as a place of harm reduction by supporting anxious participants who found a welcoming and safe environment there.
Indigenous leader Álvaro Tukano at Psychchedelic Science Conference in Denver
In the scientific field, the panel dedicated to Ayahuasca and DMT stood out for the depth and interdisciplinarity of the discussions. The Brazilian group brought together experts who presented from molecular research with cerebral organoids to clinical trials with patients resistant to conventional treatments for depression.
Dr. Nicole Galvão exposed how Ayahuasca modulates the endocrine system and biomarkers associated with stress and psychological well-being, while neuroscientist Draulio Araújo led evidence of neuroimaging on the effects of ayahuasca on brain connectivity and in altered states of consciousness. Marcelo Falchi and Fernanda Palhano also actively participated in this panel.
Memorable, Draulio Araújo’s speech in defense of the incorporation of DMT into the SUS (Unified Health System), defending the expansion of access to psychodelic psychotherapies, despite the high costs of private clinics, led the audience to a warm ovation, recognizing the pioneering and the importance of this perspective.
Watch the interview with Draulio Araújo (7min11s):
Another relevant moment was the panel about Ketamine, in which Brazilians showed that it is possible to implement treatments with this medicine in the public system, even considering the high cost of therapy. They presented affordable management models that break the dependence on large patents, pointing out ways to expand access to a global challenge such as depression. This contribution gained prominence for being one of the few in the event discussing concrete strategies to democratize the therapeutic use of psychedelics in public and community contexts, not just private clinics.
The robust Brazilian delegation, both in science and culture, reaffirms Brazil as a relevant hub in the world scenario of psychedelics. Demonstrating respect for indigenous roots and embracing scientific innovation, the country positions itself as a protagonist who articulates ancestral knowledge and advanced research, while contributing to debates on access, ethics and cultural diversity.
Psychchedelic Science Conference 2025 has revealed that Brazil is not just a spectator, but a fundamental actor in the consolidation and expansion of the new psychedelic era.
Psychchedelic Science Conference has been held since 1993
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