Episode 31

Ep. 31: Season 3 kickoff! An interview with Jon Dennis

Published on: 19th June, 2023

This Episode's Sponsor

OSMIND

Osmind is the premier platform for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy practices. The all-in-one platform includes purpose-built charting for ketamine, SPRAVATO, psychotherapy and more; as well as patient tools for the therapeutic alliance that include 40+ validated rating scales and a patient app for journaling and secure messaging too. Visit Osmind using our link below:

osmind.org/asoc


In this episode, we speak with Jon Dennis. Jon is a lawyer by training, and has played an integral role in the development of Measure 109 in Oregon. He also serves as the Executive Director of a pending facilitator training program. We discuss the development of policy surrounding psychedelics in the United States, including making space for community use, safety considerations, populism vs elitism, accessibility, and more. 12 states are currently in the process of developing legislation surrounding psychedelics, and we discuss how states can build on and learn from one another throughout this process.

Guest Biography:

Jon Dennis is a lawyer, activist, and entrepreneur in the psychedelics ecosystem. He is the executive director of Vital Oregon, a psilocybin facilitator training program by Psychedelics Today, and the co-host of the “Eyes on Oregon” podcast from Psychedelics Today. Jon is a member of the Chacruna Institute’s Council for the Protection of Sacred Plants. He is a member of the Psychedelics Bar Association and sits on its Religious Use Committee. Jon serves on the Executive Committee of the Oregon State Bar Practice Section on Cannabis and Psychedelics and is a founding member of the Entheogenic Practitioners Council of Oregon.

Show Notes:

  • Article about Measure 109 not being psilocybin-assisted therapy:

https://chacruna.net/oregon-legalized-psilocybin-supported-adult-use/

  • Story about boy who died:

https://www.wftv.com/news/local/federal-judge-dismisses-ayahuasca-churchs-request-overturn-dea-decision/DA3FHCYUP5GMJNW26NY7WHWX6U/

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=1&GAID=17&SessionID=112&LegID=14183

  • Graham Boyd Horizons Northwest:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UTWxaW7edk

Vital Oregon: https://www.vitalpsychedelictraining.com/oregon? utm_source=vitalOG&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=LPReferral

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About the Podcast

Altered States of Context
A Podcast about Psychedelics, Science and Psychotherapy
Brian Pilecki and Nathan Gates, two therapists and long-time psychedelic advocates explore the uneasy fit between a medicalized view of individual mental illness and a psychedelic view of suffering and change.

We'll also explore many of the possibilities, opportunities and pitfalls that emerge from this union.

In addition, we'll keep it weird, and talk about some of the aspects of psychedelic experiencing that make it so interesting, fun, and transformative.

This will hold interests for anyone interested in behavior change, cultural trends, and for professionals eager to explore how psychedelics are poised to change many of our therapeutic orientations and approaches.

About your hosts

Nathan Gates

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Nathan is a licensed psychotherapist and co-host of Altered States of Context, a podcast about psychedelics, science and psychotherapy. In addition, he serves as president of the board for the Illinois Psychedelic Society and is a board advisor for Entheo Il, a group dedicated to the successful passage of Illinois HB1, the Compassionate Use and Research of Entheogens act. He also practices regenerative ranching and writes from his family's farm in rural west-central Illinois. He is a frequent guest and guest host for the Doomer Optimism podcast, a collective podcast dedicated to promotive creative and humane ways to engage with our social and environmental problems with creativity, hope, and good stewardship.

Brian Pilecki

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Dr. Brian Pilecki is a clinical psychologist at the Portland Psychotherapy Clinic that specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders (OCD, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), trauma and PTSD, and matters related to the use of psychedelics. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and practices from an orientation based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Brian also has extensive experience in the areas of mindfulness and meditation, and incorporates them into his therapy with clients. He is an active researcher and has published on topics such as anxiety disorders, mindfulness, and the relationship between theory and practice in psychotherapy. At Portland Psychotherapy, Brian is also involved in research in the use of psychedelics for the treatment of mental health problems.