What we're about
The Ottawa Psychedelic Education Network (OPEN) is a safe and supportive community for those interested in psychedelics, entheogens, plant medicines, plant teachers and non-ordinary states of consciousness.
Through community engagement and education on the nature of psychedelic experiences as well as the rapidly advancing scientific research into their potential for healing and personal transformation, we hope to break the stigma surrounding psychedelics and those who use them. We take a strong harm-reduction approach, and support the legalization and sensible regulation of psychedelic medicines.
Our events provide opportunities for members to explore, learn and share one's experiences with like-minded individuals and are aimed at providing a supportive environment where one can feel comfortable examining the various insights, impacts and challenges generated by these experiences. We also place a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, harm reduction and encouraging the open and safe use of psychedelic substances.
More information and community posts can be found on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ottpsychedelic/
Please Note:
We ask that all members respect other people’s privacy. The current stigmas and prohibitions make it difficult for some to be open about their interests in this subject matter.
We do not encourage or condone the purchase, sale, transfer, or use of any illegal substances; nor partaking in any unlawful activities related to such substances. Please do not bring, buy, sell, transfer, or arrive on any illicit substances, or swap information on how to acquire them at any of our events.
Upcoming events (2)
Join OPEN's online Discussion Circle for an unstructured and informal conversation around the weird and wonderful world of psychedelic experiences and non-ordinary states of consciousness.
There is no set topic for our Discussion Circles. Instead, the conversation will naturally evolve depending on the people gathered. Some of the topics that have come up in the past include: the reasons why people work with psychedelics, what is integration and/or integrating experiences from a recent trip, what is microdosing, what is the nature of the universe, harm reduction, etc.
Since what we end up talking about is driven by whoever joins, consider bringing a question or idea to propose for group discussion! (And no pressure-- we'll bring lots of ideas too.)
This is meant to be a safe and comfortable space both for seasoned journeyers to connect with others on a similar path, and for people new to psychedelics who want to listen to and/or ask others about their experiences.
Space is limited, so if you sign up to join and then find later that you cannot make it, it would be great if you can update your attendance so another person can join in your stead.
A Zoom link will be posted in the comments below, and emailed to attendees via Meetup (email settings must be enabled), shortly before the meeting begins.
**** IMPORTANT ****
We do not offer medical advice, nor advice on how to take psychedelics. Please do not attend this event with the intention of giving advice. Instead, we support one another with active listening and sharing harm reduction resources and personal experiences.
OPEN does NOT encourage, advise or condone any illegal activities, the purchase, sale, transfer, or use of any illegal substances, or partaking in any unlawful activities related to illegal substances. Please do not come to the Discussion Circle on any substance, nor with the aim to share or procure information about sourcing illegal substances.
We believe that all people need a supportive ground crew, and confidentiality and connection is an important part of the psychedelic experience. Thank you for respecting our safe community space.
- Pat W.
- Keren
- Michael
- 5 attendees
An integration circle is a safe, confidential space for community members to come together and seek/provide support in exploring past experiences of non-ordinary states of consciousness. You will have a chance to share, listen, and hold space for those on a similar journey. We will also explore what a personal integration process can look like, as well as how we can integrate these experiences into our concepts of who we are, our community, and our relationships.
As an intentional space created to integrate psychedelic experiences, we follow a more structured format which includes a quick round of introductions, an overview of the integration circle process, and a short meditation to arrive together with presence, all before opening the circle itself. Once in session, giving advice about people's individual shares are discouraged as part of the integration process, but support, affirmations and shares about one's own experience are very welcome.
Space is limited, so if you sign up to join and then find later that you cannot make it, it would be great if you can update your attendance so another person can join in your stead.
The zoom link for the event will be sent to registered participants about an hour before the circle starts.
**** IMPORTANT ****
We welcome all journeyers to our Integration Circles! However, for those who do not have experience with psychedelics and non-ordinary states of consciousness, our Discussion Circles may be a better place to start for an introduction to this space.
OPEN does NOT encourage or condone any illegal activities, the purchase, sale, transfer, or use of any illegal substances, or partaking in any unlawful activities related to illegal substances. Please do not come to the Integration Circle on any illegal substance, nor with the aim to share or procure information about sourcing illegal substances. Our events are also not for marketing commercial activities or promoting your business as a coach, guide, etc.
We do believe that all people need a supportive ground crew, and recognize that integrating a transformative experience needs care, love, understanding, and support. Confidentiality is therefore an important part of the Integration Circle experience. Thank you for respecting our safe community space.
- Amy
- Shelley M
- 2 attendees
Past events (253)
- Amy
- Chris
- Devon A.
- 9 attendees
