Meditation & Psychedelics: A Grounded Conversation

Psychedelics and meditation are often talked about together — but rarely in a clear, responsible, and grounded way.

This public event is an educational conversation exploring what meditation and psychedelics each offer, where they overlap, and where they fundamentally differ. The focus is understanding, discernment, and integration — not peak experiences or persuasion.

What We’ll Explore:

• What meditation actually trains and develops over time
• What psychedelics reliably do — and what they don’t
• The difference between experience and integration
• Why insight without stability can be destabilizing
• The myth of “awakening in a weekend”
• How long-term meditation practice changes how altered states are understood and integrated

Event Flow:

We’ll begin with a short guided meditation to help everyone arrive and settle.

From there:
– A clear introduction to meditation (attention, awareness, insight)
– An introduction to psychedelics from a chemist’s perspective
– A live panel conversation on where these paths intersect and diverge
– Open audience Q&A

Important Framing:

This is an educational discussion, not medical or legal advice.
We are not encouraging illegal activity or substance use.
Meditation and psychedelics are discussed as tools — not shortcuts or identities.

The tone will be grounded, respectful, and experience-focused rather than hype-driven.

This event is ideal for people who are curious, thoughtful, and interested in depth over novelty.

Come with questions, curiosity, and an open but discerning mind.

Speakers

Brandon Mehrgut
Founder, MeditationCommunity.org (Nonprofit)

Brandon is the founder of MeditationCommunity.org, a nonprofit dedicated to making high-quality meditation training accessible through structured programs and community-based practice.

He has spent over a decade in contemplative training and has led meditation and mindfulness programs internationally. His teaching emphasizes long-term stability over peak experiences, disciplined attention over novelty, and integration over inspiration.

Nicholas Mortillaro
Biotech/Cannabis Consultant and Deal Broker

Nicholas is a process design and product development engineer with a strong track record in biotechnology and cannabis. His expertise includes biosynthesis, extraction, and formulation of cannabinoid therapeutics, as well as commercial scale-up and operations.

He launched Evokanna Labs in 2018, securing cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution licenses, and served as COO until exiting in 2023. He now consults entrepreneurs in capital raising, licensing, operations, and multi-state expansion, and is an owner/investor in several cannabis-related ventures.