2025 symposium
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Join Decriminalize Nature NWA for a powerful day of education, dialogue, and connection at the forefront of the psychedelic renaissance in beautiful NW Arkansas. This full-day symposium will bring together experts in law, mental health, research, and public safety to explore the healing potential of entheogenic plants and fungi.
Decriminalizing Consciousness will feature three nationally recognized voices:
Sarko Gergerian is a pioneering law enforcement professional with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of public safety, mental health advocacy, and psychedelic self-care. As a decorated officer and wellness advocate, he has championed trauma-informed practices in policing and helped ensure first responders have access to mental and emotional support.
Gergerian’s advocacy is grounded in his personal exploration of psychedelic-assisted self-care and its potential to build resilience in high-stress professions. He has promoted open dialogue, harm reduction, and religious freedom through both policy work and public education. Notably, he supported Massachusetts Ballot Question 4 and successfully petitioned his own department for a religious accommodation—setting a national precedent.
His story is featured in How to Change Your Mind (Netflix, Episode 3), and his work has earned recognition at every level for bridging law enforcement, mental health, and cognitive liberty. Through speaking, policy engagement, and outreach, Gergerian is helping to reimagine public safety for the healing era.
Tarin Hale is a seasoned attorney with more than 30 years of legal experience and a deep personal commitment to plant medicine advocacy. His journey from public defense to entheogenic law was shaped by a spiritual and psychological crisis that ultimately led him to sacred plant work—an experience he credits with saving his life. Tarin now bridges his legal expertise with a passion for defending religious and cognitive liberty, advising individuals and groups navigating the legal complexities of entheogenic use.
He gained national attention in 2022 for his pro bono defense of Jessica Fitzmaurice, an Indiana nurse facing decades in prison for growing psilocybin mushrooms to treat her treatment-resistant depression. His coordinated effort with national experts, including Dr. James Fadiman, helped reduce her charges dramatically and sparked a wider conversation about mental health and plant medicine in the legal system. Tarin continues to support individuals facing prosecution, consult on RFRA protections, and speak on the spiritual context of psychedelic healing.
Dr. James Fadiman (appearing virtually)
Known as the “father of microdosing,” Dr. James Fadiman has been a leading voice in psychedelic research for over 50 years. A pioneering psychologist and author of The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide, Fadiman was part of the original wave of scientific research into psychedelics in the 1960s. In recent years, he has spearheaded groundbreaking citizen science studies on microdosing—low, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics used to enhance mental health, creativity, and productivity—and has compiled that research in his new book, Microdosing for Health, Healing, and Enhanced Performance. Dr. Fadiman will join us virtually for an interactive Q&A on the science and promise of microdosing in the age of decriminalization.
Anne Kiehl Friedman is a writer, Interfaith minister, and entrepreneur whose work bridges spirituality, communication, and the emerging field of psychedelic healing. A passionate advocate for safe, ethical, and transformative use of psychedelics, Anne co-founded the Psychedelic Communications Hub in 2022—an innovative initiative dedicated to educating the public about the therapeutic potential, cultural context, and risks of psychedelic use.
Anne’s career spans multiple sectors, blending academic rigor with deep spiritual inquiry. She graduated with honors from Stanford University, earned her MBA from ESADE University in Spain, and completed seminary training at the Berkeley Chaplaincy Institute, where her studies included the use of sacred plants and psychedelic sacraments in interfaith spiritual care.
Anne’s work centers on promoting holistic well-being, integration support, and responsible storytelling within the psychedelic space. Through writing, teaching, and advocacy, she fosters greater understanding of how these powerful tools can support healing and personal growth.
Her first book, Higher Love, explores these themes with heart and clarity, continuing her mission to bring insight, compassion, and nuance to the conversation around psychedelics.
At the symposium, you will also encounter:
– Cutting-edge research on the public health impact of psychedelic decriminalization
– Perspectives from therapists and community leaders creating safe spaces for integration and support
– Personal stories of healing, sovereignty, and resilience
Whether you’re a policymaker, practitioner, veteran, spiritual seeker, or concerned citizen, this event offers a rare opportunity to engage with the future of healing and the movement to reclaim cognitive and spiritual liberty.
Reserve your spot now!
Agenda
*Use of the Bentonville Public Library meeting facilities does not constitute an endorsement of the beliefs, viewpoints, policies, or affiliations of the use by the Bentonville Public Library.