AWAKENING OF CONSCIOUSNESS 2024 – A Conversation with Paul Karasik
The upcoming Awakening of Consciousness Conference, hosted by the Psychedelic Institute of Los Angeles, promises to be an immersive three-day event focused on the transformative power of psychedelics.
According to Paul Karasik, the CEO of the Institute, the event is designed to offer education and community experiences aimed at providing relief from widespread issues such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health challenges. With over 40 speakers from around the world, including leaders in psychedelic research, medicine, and community building, the event is packed with workshops and panels for both professionals and newcomers to the field.
One of the primary draws of the conference is its wide array of workshops that cater to various interests. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about growing mushrooms, working through trauma with psychedelics, and the latest research on substances like MDMA, cannabis, and ketamine. Karasik emphasizes that the conference is designed as a “buffet” of knowledge, where people can engage with topics that resonate most with their personal healing journeys. Whether you’re a professional looking to enter the industry or someone seeking healing, the Awakening of Consciousness Conference aims to create an inclusive environment where everyone can find something that appeals to their needs.
Community plays a central role in the event’s design. Karasik highlights how 80% of psychedelic healing happens within communities, making it essential for the conference to connect with attendees on a personal level. The event is about more than just information—it’s about forming relationships and building a support network around shared values of healing and relief from suffering. This community-centric approach is evident in both the structure of the conference and the types of activities offered, from hands-on workshops to informal networking sessions.
Music is another key element of the Awakening of Consciousness Conference. Curated personally by Karasik, the musical programming reflects the soul of the psychedelic experience. The music is intentionally unplugged to create a space where conversations can flourish while still offering an enriching auditory experience. The goal is for the music to support the experience of psychedelic healing and integration, adding depth to the overall event. As Karasik points out, “music comes from the soul,” and psychedelics help deepen that connection, resulting in what he calls “a wellspring of wonderful creativity.” Many of the musical acts will offer reflections on their own journeys, whether it’s dealing with personal challenges or integrating the lessons from psychedelic experiences.
In addition to the workshops and music, the conference will feature panels on important subjects such as sex and psychedelics, legal developments in psychedelic medicine, and the role of indigenous traditions in healing practices like ayahuasca ceremonies. Speakers like John McCorvy will provide cutting-edge insights into government-funded research on psychedelics, while others will discuss topics like choosing the right psychedelic for your personal healing process. The depth and range of expertise on display make the Awakening of Consciousness an ideal place to learn about both the science and the spiritual aspects of psychedelics. One of the standout guests this year is B-Real, the legendary leader of Cypress Hill, and a thought leader in both cannabis and psychedelics. According to Karasik, B-Real’s commitment to these fields predates much of the mainstream attention they now receive. A revolutionary figure in his own right, B-Real will be sharing stories about his experiences with psychedelics, including his artistic process and how these substances have influenced his music and life.
The conference kicks off on October 4th with a free pre-event day, followed by two days of intensive workshops and panels on October 5th and 6th. To wrap up the event, attendees are invited to a beach party on October 7th, offering a more relaxed environment to reflect and reconnect after the educational sessions. Karasik notes that the event draws a large number of returning participants and sponsors, a testament to the positive experiences attendees have had in previous years.
Tickets for the Awakening of Consciousness Conference can be purchased through the official website, psychedelic-awakening.com, and the event’s Instagram page, @PsychedelicInstitutelosangeles, offers ongoing updates and information on local gatherings and retreats. With its combination of groundbreaking research, practical workshops, and a focus on building a vibrant, healing community, the event is set to be an inspiring and transformative experience for all who attend.
