DISABLING THE MOVEMENT: PSYCHEDELIC CENSORSHIP
A panel discussion about psychedelic censorship on social media companies and the threat it poses to research, harm reduction and policy reform
With Adam Waugh, Steve Rolles, Aimee Tollan and Rosalind Watts
Hosted by Anya Oleksiuk
In recent weeks, Meta (Facebook / Instagram) has removed the accounts of several UK organisations involved in psychedelic research, policy, and harm reduction. Additionally, they have banned or suspended the personal accounts of individuals working in this field.
Affected organisations include PsyAware, Breaking Convention, Psilocybin Access Rights (PAR), The Psychedelic Society, and the documentary film page for The Psychedelic Chronicles, amongst others. Numerous individuals linked to these associations have also had their pages removed.
A particularly challenging aspect is the lack of an appeal process. In many cases, organisations and individuals are either denied the right to appeal or have their appeals decided instantly by artificial intelligence. It is evident that these decisions are made by algorithms and AI, rather than by humans who understand the nuances and societal importance of harm reduction and drug policy debates.
Fortunately, due to connections we have at Meta, we have been able to have many of the accounts re-instated. However, it is still problematic, in that organisations have lost their accounts for days / weeks, but furthermore, the system should be equitable for all, and not rely on connections to people working in the company.
In response, we have convened a panel to discuss how such social media actions harm psychedelic science, research, and harm reduction. Additionally, we will explore steps the community can take to protect ourselves against this type of censorship.
Join us for an evening panel discussion, where we will address the problems this has caused and collectively focus on solutions to ensure that psychedelic research and harm reduction are safeguarded against algorithms and artificial intelligence.
Featuring on this panel are:
Adam Waugh (PsyAware)
Steve Rolles (Transform Drug Policy Foundation)
Aimee Tollan (Breaking Convention)
Rosalind Watts (ACER Integration)
The event is hosted by Anya Oleksiuk.
The video is free, but we will be encouraging donations and the funds raised will be ring-fenced for future educational talks and panels about harm reduction, drug policy and safeguarding the psychedelic community.
We have written an Open Letter to Meta, which we would encourage you to sign and share within your networks. PLEASE SIGN HERE
SPEAKERS
Adam Waugh - PsyAware
Adam is currently a Director and co-founder of PsyAware, a psychedelic safety and harm reduction organisation. His work focuses on drug policy and harm reduction, especially in relation to psychedelics and other club drugs. He also works for The Loop Drug Checking Service, where he leads on their drug training programme, as well as media and communication. He was previously a manager of PsyCare UK for nearly 5 years, where he oversaw the delivery of welfare, harm reduction and trip-sitting services at around 30 UK music festivals. His Master's degree dissertation from Durham University focused on psychedelic harm reduction.
Steve Rolles - Transform Drug Policy Foundation
Steve Rolles is Senior Policy Analyst for Transform Drug Policy Foundation, a UK based think tank and charity engaged in drug policy analysis and advocacy, where he has worked for over 20 years. Steve is the co-author of several guides to drug regulation including the transforms recent 'How to regulate psychedelics; A practical guide'; and has served as an adviser for the a number of Governments on cannabis regulation; has contributed expert testimony during numerous UN and other multilateral fora, and was lead drafter and technical coordinator for two reports for the Global Commission on Drug Policy.
Rosalind Watts - ACER Integration
Dr Rosalind Watts is a clinical psychologist and an influential voice in the psychedelic field. Her research focuses on how psychedelic therapy can increase ‘Connectedness to Self, Others and World’. Her 2017 Ted talk about psychedelic therapy had more than a million views but she has critiqued her earlier ideas, realising that these ways of working cannot be safe or effective until we create community infrastructure of care around them.
In order to start building a web of connectedness for people after psychedelic sessions, she co-founded a global online community, ACER Integration (‘Accept, Connect, Embody, Restore’) which takes a collective approach to personal growth, and encourages re-alignment to the wisdom of nature.
Aimée Tollan - Breaking Convention
Aimée has been involved in the psychedelic community for over a decade. She joined Breaking Convention as a Director in 2014 and also sits on the board as a Trustee. She manages the day-to-day running of the charity, curates the academic programme, manages the social media account and is the lead editor on the current edition of The Breaking Convention Collection of Essays. Previously, she has worked as Director of Screening at The Synthesis Institute where she managed the screening team. This team ensure the safety of every retreat attendee by assessing the possible contraindications with psilocybin truffles depending on the clients' physical and mental health histories. Aim√©e holds a BSc in anthropology from The University of Kent, and an MSc in psychology from The University of Greenwich, where she was also President of The University of Greenwich Psychedelic Society. She has conducted research into drug policy, and the cannabis-induced altered state of consciousness. She currently resides in East London.
HOST - Anya Oleksiuk
Anya Oleksiuk is a documentary filmmaker, event organiser, and educator. She is a co-founder and co-director of PsyAware, a not-for-profit organisation providing essential education and support systems in the psychedelic space. From 2018 to 2024, she co-directed the Psychedelic Society UK, leading education and harm reduction initiatives. She managed strategic planning, administration, and finances, and as a safeguarding officer, she played a crucial role in handling reports and establishing safe practice guidelines. She is a consultant for the Polish Psychedelic Society and an official advisor to the Global Psychedelic Society. She is also a director and producer of the Psychedelic Chronicles documentary.