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Synergetic Press at Psychedelic Science 2025 by MAPS

Synergetic Press at Psychedelic Science 2025 by MAPS

A Convergence of Minds at MAPS’ Psychedelic Science 2025

There are moments in time when it feels as though reality itself winks at us—pulling back the veil just enough for us to peer through the cracks of consensus and catch a glimpse of something more profound. The 2025 Psychedelic Science Conference in Denver, hosted by MAPS, was one of those rare openings: a portal. And Synergetic Press walked right through it, arms wide open and books in hand.

As the official bookstore collaborator for this historic event, Synergetic Press was honored to partner with MAPS, bringing forth the voices, visions, and volumes that have shaped—and continue to shape—the psychedelic renaissance. We stepped into that portal with reverence, arms wide open and books in hand, in full support of the groundbreaking work MAPS has cultivated over decades of dedication and vision.

Some of the most memorable moments unfolded at the MAPS Bookstore, curated and managed in partnership with Synergetic Press. Beyond showcasing our expansive catalog, the space became a dynamic, living hub—home to intimate author signings, spontaneous meet-and-greets, and a vibrant Author Talk Stage, where conversations sparked, reflections deepened, and unexpected magic took root. It offered a softer, more personal rhythm within the broader pulse of the conference—a place where stories were exchanged, ideas were ignited, and the movement found its beating heart.

Leonard Pickard reads an excerpt from The Rose of Paracelsus, sharing poetic reflections from a life lived on the psychedelic edge.

Books, Ideas, and Electric Encounters

At the heart of our booth, beyond the neatly stacked tomes and the flicker of QR codes, something else was happening. Conversations. Invitations. Synchronicities. Our space became an oasis of insight—a literal mindfield—where one could stumble into a dialogue about the multiverse, trauma healing, Indigenous knowledge systems, or the pharmacology of frog venom. And at the center of it all were our authors: the myth-makers, the scientists, the dreamers.

 

Leonard Pickard: A Ghost from the Psychedelic Underground

Leonard Pickard’s presence at MAPS 2025 carried the unmistakable gravity of lived myth. Revered, enigmatic, and often shrouded in legend, Pickard emerged into the public light after serving nearly two decades in prison—his sentence the result of a now-infamous LSD manufacturing case that became one of the most widely reported busts in psychedelic history. But to reduce him to the headlines is to miss the multidimensional nature of the man. What he brought to the conference was not scandal—it was soul.

Appearing at the Synergetic Press booth with a quiet dignity, Leonard spoke not as a provocateur, but as someone who has walked through fire and returned bearing gifts. “There was no LSD in prison,” he shared candidly, “but there was heroin and fentanyl. That says something about our system.” It was a sobering reminder that the war on drugs, particularly psychedelics, is a war on consciousness itself—and the casualties are often those trying to expand it.

His book, The Rose of Paracelsus: On Secrets and Sacraments, is a literary enigma—a 650-page spiritual epic, dense with symbolism, coded language, and philosophical musings. Part memoir, part metaphysical riddle, it chronicles a clandestine network of alchemists who seek to preserve the sacrament of LSD through secret traditions and initiatory knowledge. The text reads like a transmission from another dimension, and those who have encountered it often speak of it as a spiritual experience unto itself.

To stand with Leonard was to be in the presence of living contradiction: a scientist and outlaw, a philosopher and prisoner, a man who once operated in the shadows of a hidden psychedelic elite, now stepping into the light to share what he’s learned. He did not come to glorify the past. He came to bear witness to what it cost—and why it still matters.

Sharing space with Leonard was like holding hands with the shadow of history while watching it begin to heal. His presence reminded us that the psychedelic path is not just about transcendence and beauty—it is also about risk, consequence, and the courage to keep loving the truth, even when it burns.

We are honored he joined us, and grateful for the opportunity to listen.

 

Dennis McKenna: The Plant Elder Speaks

Dennis McKenna, ever the botanical bard, reminded us that we are not the only intelligence walking this Earth. His presence at the Synergetic Press booth brought with it a wave of reverence—his grounded, poetic wisdom cultivated through decades of entheogenic inquiry and scientific rigor. As co-founder of the McKenna Academy of Natural Philosophy, Dennis has become one of the most respected voices in ethnobotany, advocating for the integration of Indigenous plant wisdom with modern scientific exploration.

At MAPS 2025, Dennis shared reflections on one of his most ambitious and important projects to date: the Ethnopharmacologic Search for Psychoactive Drugs (ESPD). First held in 1967 and later revived in 2017 and again in 2022, the ESPD conferences serve as groundbreaking symposia that convene some of the most brilliant minds in the fields of pharmacology, ethnobotany, anthropology, and Indigenous medicine. The most recent gathering, ESPD55—held virtually in 2022 to mark the 55th anniversary of the original event—was a convergence of 33 of the world’s foremost researchers and cultural stewards, delivering 37 deeply insightful presentations.

The upcoming ESPD55 book, to be co-published by Synergetic Press and the McKenna Academy, captures the depth and breadth of this intellectual and spiritual convergence. This anthology will feature topics ranging from the biochemistry of ayahuasca, psilocybin, and iboga, to the ceremonial use of psychoactive snuffs in the Amazon, the cultural revival of peyote traditions, and critical perspectives on the globalization of plant medicines. More than just a record of a conference, ESPD55 is a multidisciplinary tapestry of knowledge that honors the plants, their wisdom keepers, and the complex relationship between humans and the visionary flora of our planet.

In Dennis’ presence, you could sense the plants speaking too—through kinship, through ceremony, through research. With his lifelong dedication to honoring sacred medicines and the cultures that carry them, Dennis continues to guide the psychedelic renaissance not as a commercial trend but as a sacred continuity. His work reminds us that this movement is not only about healing the individual, but restoring our collective relationship to the natural world.

We are deeply grateful to Dennis for joining us at MAPS 2025 and for his unwavering commitment to preserving, protecting, and elevating the ancient intelligence of psychoactive plants. The psychedelic space is richer, more rooted, and infinitely more meaningful because of him.

 

Bia Labate, Clancy Cavnar and Ibrahim Gabriell: Weaving the Sacred Back In

From the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, anthropologist Dr. Bia Labate, psychologist Dr. Clancy Cavnar and Ibrahim Gabriell brought with them a necessary and unapologetic message: there is no psychedelic future without the inclusion—and deep respect—of Indigenous voices. Their presence at MAPS 2025 was more than symbolic; it was foundational.

Chacruna, as an organization, has long stood at the intersection of psychedelic science, cultural preservation, and social justice. Founded by Bia Labate, Chacruna has become a leading force in challenging the dominant Western narrative around psychedelics. The Institute is renowned for its work amplifying Indigenous perspectives, supporting grassroots communities, and examining the political, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of entheogenic use. Through articles, conferences, and educational programs, they invite us to look beyond the clinical and into the cultural.

Bia Labate, an internationally recognized scholar, has spent decades studying the use of ayahuasca and other psychoactive plants in traditional and contemporary contexts. Her work dissects the colonial entanglements of psychedelic practices and advocates for Indigenous-led leadership in the field. Dr. Clancy Cavnar, Chacruna’s co-founder and creative director, complements this work with her background in clinical psychology and a deep curiosity about identity, healing, and consciousness. Together, they embody a vision of psychedelia that is expansive, intersectional, and grounded in justice.

As they shared their insights at the conference, Bia’s words rang out like a call to action:

“Bringing ideas, changing hearts, opening minds, creating new paradigms, encouraging curiosity, collaboration across borders… between north and south, between different ways of knowing and seeing the world.”

Their talk emphasized the urgent need for ethical frameworks within psychedelic work—not just checklists for practitioners, but immersive, Indigenous-led pathways of knowledge transmission. Chacruna’s future programming includes certificates in psychedelic ethics, integration workshops informed by traditional knowledge holders, and the much-anticipated Psychedelic Culture Conference, set to take place in April 2026. This forthcoming event promises to expand the conversation beyond clinical trials and commodified treatments into something deeper: a cross-cultural exchange of wisdom, accountability, and healing.

In their vision, dialogue becomes ceremony. Research becomes relational. And healing becomes collective.

 

Dr. Bia Labate, Dr. Clancy Cavnar, and Ibrahim Gabriell of the Chacruna Institute present the Chacruna Anthology and Dennis McKenna in a heartwarming meet-and-greet with fans celebrating wisdom, connection, and psychedelic culture.
Betty Aldworth: Publishing as Revolution

In the heart of the MAPS pavilion, amidst shelves pulsing with the stories of our psychedelic lineage, stood Betty Aldworth—a guiding force behind MAPS’ publishing vision. With her characteristic clarity and warmth, Betty offered an intimate glimpse into the evolution of psychedelic literature as both a historical record and a revolutionary act. As we stood together, surrounded by the collected works of Stanislav Grof (Psyche Unbound), Albert Hofmann, Claudio Naranjo, and other luminaries of the psychedelic renaissance, the atmosphere was more than literary—it was ceremonial.

To publish in the psychedelic space is to engage with cultural transformation in real-time. It’s not simply about printing books—it’s about curating consciousness, preserving memory, and shaping the very language through which we explore mind, spirit, and healing. Betty reminded us that every title is a torch, lighting the path from ancient mysteries to modern frontiers.

Our collaboration with MAPS has been a deep honor—an evolving alliance built on shared values and visionary intent. Together, Synergetic Press and MAPS have created a platform where wisdom meets accessibility, where deep psychospiritual work meets public discourse. It is, in every sense, a publishing revolution—one led not by trends, but by truth.

 

Wendy Tucker and the Shulgin Legacy

Alongside Betty stood another keeper of the flame—Wendy Tucker of the Shulgin Foundation. If Betty’s work anchors the psychedelic canon, Wendy’s presence evokes its alchemical heart. Representing the legacy of Sasha and Ann Shulgin, Wendy brought stories that shimmered with both scientific brilliance and soulful devotion. The Shulgins, often referred to as the godparents of psychedelic chemistry, were not just pioneers of molecules—they were stewards of consciousness exploration, and fierce advocates for responsible, ethical use.

Wendy’s updates from the foundation painted a beautiful picture of preservation and renewal. From archiving Sasha’s extensive laboratory notes and personal writings, to organizing events that honor the sacredness of chemical exploration, her work reminds us that behind every compound is a philosophy—an intention to connect, to understand, to heal.

To know chemistry through the Shulgin lens is to know it as poetry. It’s not just about receptor sites and binding affinities—it’s about the soul’s yearning for union, for expanded awareness, for communion with the ineffable. Wendy reminded us that this legacy isn’t just something we look back on—it’s something we continue to build, collectively, with every conscious step forward.

Together, Betty and Wendy offered us more than updates. They offered us anchors—living testaments to the integrity, care, and brilliance required to carry the psychedelic renaissance forward. Through the power of story, stewardship, and sacred knowledge, they are helping us remember who we are… and who we are becoming.

Wendy Tucker, Doug Reil, and colleagues representing the Shulgin Foundation and Transform Press, alongside Betty Aldworth and Rachel Nuwer speaking on the Author Stage—celebrating legacy, literature, and the future of psychedelic publishing.

Tripping Through History and Future

Among the fresh wave of contemporary authors, Norman Ohler brought his literary fire with Tripped: Nazi Germany, the CIA, and the Dawn of the Psychedelic Age—a book that cuts deep into the political underbelly of psychoactive substances and state control. His sharp wit and historical insight lit up many conversations as readers discovered how psychedelics have long been intertwined with the darker currents of history.

Rachel Nuwer’s I Feel Love: MDMA and the Quest for Connection in a Fractured World touched tender hearts, bringing to light how the need for intimacy and healing is written into our very biology. Her voice is a reminder that healing is relational, and that MDMA is not just a molecule—it’s a mirror.

It wasn’t just about books. It was about being seen. Rhoney Gissen Stanley, Zach Leary (echoing his father Timothy’s cosmic call), Matt Zemon (reminding us of the needs of our veterans), Olga Chernoloz, Genesee Herzberg—each one brought with them a piece of the greater puzzle. A living library of revolutionaries in human form.

Together, we laughed, we cried, we signed books, and we stared into the glowing eyes of strangers who quickly became kin. We discussed ethics and metaphysics, brainwaves and archetypes, laughter and lineage.

Synergetic Press is not just a publishing house. We are the mycelium—subtle, ancient, and quietly alive beneath the surface of culture. Our work weaves through the roots of consciousness, connecting nodes of wisdom across time, space, and discipline. Like the fungal networks that feed the forest, we exist to nourish ideas, foster symbiotic relationships, and turn the invisible into fruit: books that heal, provoke, and awaken.

Our presence at MAPS 2025 was more than a booth—it was a living, breathing organism. A gathering point. A pulse. People didn’t just stop by to shop—they came to remember. To remember that books are portals. That stories are medicine. That knowledge, when held with reverence and shared with integrity, is a form of ceremony.

This was not about sales. It was about soul. About placing sacred texts into the hands of seekers. About spontaneous heart-to-hearts with strangers who somehow already felt like kin. About watching tears well up when someone stumbled upon a book that spoke to the exact moment they’re in.

The psychedelic revolution is not coming—it’s already here. It’s here in the cross-pollination of scientists and shamans, veterans and therapists, Indigenous wisdom keepers and policy reformers. It’s here in our stories, our research, our dreams.

At Synergetic Press, we are committed to continuing this work—not as trend-chasers, but as time travelers. We walk with the ancestors and speak to the future, one page at a time.

And if you missed us this time, don’t worry. The story is still unfolding. The network is still growing. And we’ll be right here, weaving the words that help make this moment unforgettable.


The Synergetic Press team above: Founder and Director Deborah Parrish Snyder, Guy Gaffney, Fernanda Baraybar, Abe Ogden, and our amazing volunteers—grateful for the heart and dedication behind every moment at MAPS 2025.

Forthcoming Publication of Ethnopharmacologic Search for Psychoactive Drugs [ESPD55]

Forthcoming Publication of Ethnopharmacologic Search for Psychoactive Drugs [ESPD55]

Exploring ESPD55: The Next Chapter in the Ethnopharmacologic Search for Psychoactive Drugs

In 2022, the McKenna Academy of Natural Philosophy hosted the third conference of the Ethnopharmacologic Search for Psychoactive Drugs (ESPD) symposium—ESPD55, marking 55 years since the original landmark conference in 1967 held in San Francisco sponsored by the U.S. Department for Mental Health. The third conference brought together some of the most respected voices in ethnobotany, pharmacology, anthropology, and Indigenous medicine to explore the evolving science and cultural relevance of psychoactive plant medicines.

An essential reference on the research and social impacts shaping the future of psychedelic science.

Synergetic Press is proud to publish the proceedings of the 2022 conference where over thirty papers were presented covering a wide spectrum of topics, including ancient and contemporary uses of psychoactive substances, the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern science, pharmacology, conservation, law and policy, and the cultural and spiritual significance of these compounds.

The conference program was organized into thematic “spheres”—Ethnosphere, Phytosphere, Mycosphere, and Sonosphere—highlighting the diverse ways psychoactive plants, fungi, and even sound have shaped human societies and consciousness. Presentations ranged from archaeological evidence of ancient plant use and indigenous perspectives on coca and ayahuasca, to modern neuroscience, sound as a psychoactive medium, and the evolving legal landscape for psychedelics.

ESPD55 also fostered collaboration between established experts and emerging voices, emphasizing the importance of biocultural conservation, respect for indigenous wisdom, and responsible innovation in psychedelic science. 

With contributions from luminaries like Dennis McKenna, Paul Stamets, David Nutt, Monica Gagliano, Wade Davis, and many more, this publication will serve as a vital resource for researchers, practitioners, and anyone curious about the profound role psychoactive plants play in human health, consciousness, and culture. 

Stay tuned for the release of ESPD55, a co-creation between Synergetic Press and the McKenna Academy for Natural Philosophy

 

Stay in the Loop — Please leave us your contact details, we will send you information about the release of ESPD55 this Summer. 

7 + 15 =

Speakers and Participants in the Ethnopharmacologic Search for Psychoactive Drugs Conference, hosted by the Mckenna Academy, May 2022

The Nature of Drugs: History, Volume 2 to publish June 28, 2022

The Nature of Drugs: History, Volume 2 to publish June 28, 2022

 

SANTA FE, N.M. —

With a focus on understanding and navigating the complexities of drug experiences, Nature of Drugs Vol. 2 is set to become a significant resource in the ever-evolving conversation surrounding psychoactive substances and their place in human culture. As the interest in exploring the diverse and complex nature of drugs continues to grow, Transform Press and Synergetic Press are proud to announce the publication of “The Nature of Drugs Vol. 2” on June 28th, 2023. This groundbreaking book serves as an essential guide, delving into the multifaceted aspects of various drugs and their effects on human consciousness and society, offering valuable insights for both professionals and enthusiasts alike. 

“The Nature of Drugs: Volume 2” is a captivating book authored by Alexander Shulgin, with Shulgin’s extensive knowledge and experience as a renowned chemist and psychopharmacologist, the book explores a wide range of drugs, their chemical structures, and their potential applications in therapeutic contexts. Shulgin’s meticulous research and insightful analysis provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of drugs and their profound impact on the human mind.

Dionysian Buddhism: Guided Interpersonal Meditations in the Three Yanas by Claudio Naranjo to publish July 12, 2022

Dionysian Buddhism: Guided Interpersonal Meditations in the Three Yanas by Claudio Naranjo to publish July 12, 2022

SANTA FE, N.M. —

A work of sequenced and guided meditations for exploring emotional landscapes, Dionysian Buddhism: Guided Interpersonal Meditations in the Three Yanas by the late Dr. Claudio Naranjo will be released by Synergetic Press July  12, 2022.

Naranjo, a renown psychotherapist and early practitioner of the “Enneagram of Personality”, structured the meditations in Dionysian Buddhism to guide individuals towards acceptance of what is,  to meet pain with joy, expand awareness into consciousness, and to learn how to share in the full presence of others. 

The “Dionysian” context of Buddhism provides a lens in which to interpret non-attachment through non-interference with the stream of life. In Dionysian Buddhism, Naranjo draws on a wide range of Buddhist traditions, from Theravada to Vajrayana, in order to create a work that emphasizes both the experiential and multifaceted aspects of meditation. 

Naranjo first wrote Dionysian Buddhism in Spanish (Ediciones La Llave, 2013) and translated it himself into English.  “Only a change of consciousness might save our world,” Naranjo wrote. “And that in view of this collective shift in consciousness there is nothing more relevant we can do than start with ourselves.”


About Synergetic Press: For over 35 years as an independent publisher, our mission has been to promote mindful discussion of humankind’s present and future lives. We publish unique and paradigm-shifting ideas in subjects such as ecology, sustainability, psychedelics, consciousness, and environmental and social justice that inspire both individual and social change.

Now Available As Ebook: ‘The Rose of Paracelsus: On Secrets and Sacraments’ By William Leonard Pickard

Now Available As Ebook: ‘The Rose of Paracelsus: On Secrets and Sacraments’ By William Leonard Pickard

SANTA FE, N.M. — Synergetic Press is pleased to announce the ebook release of The Rose of Paracelsus: On Secrets and Sacraments, by William Leonard Pickard. The release, on March 29, 2022, marks the first-ever ebook publication of this 654-page work of psychedelic literature. 

Handwritten over four years from maximum-security federal prison cells, The Rose explores the potential of human cognition. This book, first published as a paperback in 2015, is a psychedelic biography of its author, William Leonard Pickard, a former Harvard chemist who served 20 years in prison for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute LSD. 

The Rose follows the narrator, a Harvard graduate student and researcher, as he uncovers an intricate, global psychedelic network through encounters with “the Six,” clandestine LSD chemists who synthesize planetary-scale batches of the substance, traversing states of consciousness and advancing human evolution. 

From Cambridge to Moscow, Oxford to Zürich, Princeton to Mazar-i-Sharif and Bangkok, this book illuminates lifestyles within a rare and elusive organization, one that has evolved special gifts: advanced capacities of thought, memory and perception.


About Synergetic Press: For over 35 years as an independent publisher, our mission has been to promote mindful discussion of humankind’s present and future lives. We publish unique and paradigm-shifting ideas in subjects such as ecology, sustainability, psychedelics, consciousness, and environmental and social justice that inspire both individual and social change.

Revised edition of ‘The Secret Chief Revealed: Conversations with Leo Zeff, Pioneer in the Underground Psychedelic Therapy Movement’ to publish May 3, 2022

Revised edition of ‘The Secret Chief Revealed: Conversations with Leo Zeff, Pioneer in the Underground Psychedelic Therapy Movement’ to publish May 3, 2022

SANTA FE, N.M. — Synergetic Press and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) are breathing new life into a classic book that details the work of an underground psychedelic-assisted therapy trailblazer. The Secret Chief Revealed: Conversations with Leo Zeff, Pioneer in the Underground Psychedelic Therapy Movement, revised second edition will be released on May 3, 2022.

The Secret Chief Revealed is an in-depth, first-hand account of Leo Zeff, Ph.D., a pioneering psychedelic therapist who conducted MDMA-assisted therapy sessions pre- and post-prohibition. Originally published by MAPS in 2004, The Secret Chief Revealed is written as a transcription of an interview conducted in the 1980s with Zeff about his research, studies, and practice with psychedelic-assisted therapy. The revised 2nd edition maintains much of the 2nd edition release, including thoughtful contributions from leaders and researchers in the psychedelic movement such as Albert Hofmann, Ph.D., a chemist, the inventor of LSD, and author as well as Stanislav Grof, M.D., a psychiatrist and founder of transpersonal psychology, LSD psychotherapy, and holotropic breathwork. 

“I am thrilled that Leo Zeff’s wisdom and expertise are continuing to reach new audiences through this revised second edition of The Secret Chief Revealed,” said Rick Doblin, Ph.D., founder and executive director of MAPS. “The therapeutic use of MDMA was first pioneered by Leo Zeff in 1976, after a courageous career providing psychedelic-assisted therapy in underground settings. Leo’s contributions to psychedelic therapy and mentorship towards my study of the benefits of using MDMA as adjunct to psychotherapy, and sitting for me for several of my own psychedelic therapy sessions, had a critical, foundational role to the formation of MAPS.”

The Secret Chief Revealed, revised 2nd edition includes contributions in the form of sentimental, narrative-style tributes to Zeff, with notable words from Ann & Alexander (Sasha) Shulgin, renowned psychedelic researchers and authors of the how-to chemistry book, PIHKAL: A Chemical Love Story. Sasha Shulgin once called Zeff  “a most courageous and skillful psychologist, the person who effectively introduced MDMA into the medical arena of psychotherapy.”

The Secret Chief is the story of a great man whose story has come due,” author and editor Tom Lyttle wrote of the original work. “[Zeff’s] influence on a great part of psychedelic thinking is unquestionable and seminal. Our laws must eventually loosen up regarding the uses of psychedelics in therapy …  Applause to Myron Stolaroff for bringing this story to light, and for revealing the hidden history of psychedelic therapy and its elders.”

This revised second edition of The Secret Chief Revealed contains corrected errata, updated links to sources cited in the 2004 edition, and a new design. 


About Synergetic Press: For over 35 years as an independent publisher, our mission has been to promote mindful discussion of humankind’s present and future lives. We publish unique and paradigm-shifting ideas in subjects such as ecology, sustainability, psychedelics, consciousness, and environmental and social justice that inspire both individual and social change.

About MAPS: Founded in 1986, MAPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS is sponsoring the most advanced psychedelic therapy research in the world: Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Since its founding, MAPS has raised over $130 million for psychedelic and marijuana research and education and has earned both the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency and a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.

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