Celebrating Community, Connection, and Psychedelic Policy at the 4th Annual Gathering of the Pearl

Last week, I had the honor of joining The Pearl Institute for their 4th Annual Gathering of the Pearl at the Highland Events Center in Asheville, NC, a night of connection, celebration, and renewal.

The evening kicked off with a special gratitude party for sponsors on the rooftop and we enjoyed Asheville’s finest musicians and artists, a memorable dance party, and an evening curated by emcees Jackie Dobrinska and Dr. Raymond Turpin. The keynote addresses were delivered by W. Bryan Hubbard and Rick Doblin, capping off a night of inspiration and unity in Appalachia. 

Advancing Psychedelic Policy Through Community

As a Pearl Board member and Founder of the North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition (NCPPC), I was thrilled to share insights on our psychedelic policy and advocacy work in North Carolina. Through this coalition, we’ve cultivated a state-unified movement rooted in collectivism and bipartisanship, bringing together clinicians, researchers, Veterans, patients, community leaders, and policymakers from both sides of the aisle to ensure North Carolina has a voice as psychedelic medicines move toward legalization.

Since 2022, the NCPPC has helped introduce two psychedelic bills—HB727 and SB568— positioning North Carolina as a national leader in psychedelic policy and advocacy. These successes, and the ability to show up quickly for legislative meetings, would not be possible without the Pearl’s consistent support and leadership.

Gratitude and Renewal

The Gathering of the Pearl reminded us that resilience is fostered through community, especially in the wake of challenges like Hurricane Helene and the delayed FDA decision on MDMA. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such inspiring speakers, fellow Pearl board members, and NCPPC partners as we co-create a vision of healing, education, and policy reform in North Carolina.

Together, we continue building a movement where community, science, and advocacy intersect, ensuring that these life-changing therapies are accessible, safe, and informed by evidence.