Kate Pickard
Naturalistic research captures how psychedelics are used in real-world settings, offering a window into lived experience beyond the lab. This presentation explores findings from the world’s largest psilocybin study with over 8,000 participants, revealing how mindset, motivation, and environment shape outcomes. We’ll also highlight two small-group ayahuasca studies: one with immigrants and refugees, and one with LGBTQ+ participants. We’ll examine community findings about identity, and healing in culturally specific contexts. Together, these data illuminate the power of naturalistic research to inform clinical science, guide policy, and support inclusive, evidence-based harm reduction.
Psychedelics in the Wild: Real-World Insights from Psilocybin and Ayahuasca Studies
Katie Pickard is the Executive Director of Unlimited Sciences, a psychedelic research and education nonprofit based in Colorado Springs. She leads research that explores real-world psychedelic use in therapeutic, ceremonial, and personal settings, and expands access to evidence-based education through services like the free Psychedelic Info Line. By challenging stigma and amplifying underrepresented voices in psychedelic research, Katie’s work raises awareness about the healing power of natural medicine.