My name is Ekaterina Henyan, the passion behind Open Minds: Psychedelic Wellness Expo and leader of Olympia’s plant entheogens and fungi decriminalization movement. This August, our city council passed a resolution marking a significant step toward decriminalizing these natural allies, and just last weekend, we celebrated this progress through the inaugural Open Minds: Psychedelic Wellness Expo in Olympia, Washington. I am thrilled to share the positive feedback and powerful experiences that made this event unforgettable!

A Transformative Gathering
The Open Minds Expo was created with a vision to explore the transformative power of psychedelics—not just as tools for individual healing but as catalysts for cultivating empathy, community resilience, and collective growth. At the heart of our work lies a belief that true societal betterment is achieved when we have the freedom to explore consciousness, expand our minds, and connect with others. This year, we reached a major milestone by bringing together an inspiring community that upholds these values.
Attendees, vendors, non-profits, volunteers, and speakers alike reported having deeply enriching experiences. With workshops on integration practices, speaker panels exploring the latest psychedelic research, and a marketplace showcasing a variety of wellness tools, the Expo provided not only a wealth of knowledge but also a safe space to foster open, meaningful conversations.
Positive Feedback from Every Corner
The response to the Expo was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees expressed their appreciation for the educational content, which shed light on topics ranging from the use of psilocybin and ayahuasca for healing addiction conditions to practical integration practices that promote lasting personal growth. Many voiced gratitude for the openness of the environment, which allowed them to explore these concepts without judgment.
The Open Minds Expo workshops provided tools that many have been seeking for years, and the sense of community was like nothing experienced before.
Vendors, Community-Based Organizations, Facilitators, and Volunteers—Thank You!
Our dedicated vendors and organizations, facilitators, and volunteers brought their passion and expertise to make the event a success. From informative displays to educational sessions on psilocybin and end of life, these contributors enriched the Expo with their unique insights and services. The Expo helped bridge the gap between traditional mental health practices and holistic, psychedelic-based healing modalities. Volunteers expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the pride they felt in being part of an event that prioritizes respect, safety, and inclusion.
As few vendor remarked, “This Expo created a much-needed space for those of us [who work with plant medicines] to connect with people who are genuinely curious and open-minded." and "It feels like coming out of a closet.”
Lessons Learned and the Path Ahead
This year’s Expo, though well-received, also provided valuable lessons on how we can improve. Aside from logistics, our community is eager for a variety of in-depth workshops, expanded networking opportunities, and a broader inclusivity. These insights help us shape a vision for 2025, where we can make this purposeful gathering even more impactful, accessible and collaborative.
A Shared Journey of Growth
At its core, the Open Minds event is more than a celebration of plant and fungi allies; it’s a gathering that reminds us of our fundamental right to explore consciousness and seek healing in our own ways. By cultivating environments where people can learn about psychedelics and other transformative practices, we are fostering a culture of empathy and self-care. When young people see their community members engage in these practices with respect, they learn about mental health and self-care in a way that demystifies these crucial conversations.
I’ve seen firsthand how altered states of consciousness can dismantle barriers and allow us to connect more deeply—not only with ourselves but also with each other. In an era of mental health challenges and existential uncertainty, these practices serve as tools to explore new pathways for resilience, empathy, and collective growth. It’s about creating a world where every journey is honored and everyone’s healing path is validated.
Moving Forward Together
Olympia has made strides in decriminalizing entheogens, but our journey is just beginning. The Open Minds Expo underscored the power of community-driven efforts in advocating for safer environments where individuals can access these tools without fear. Through my involvement with the Thurston County Chamber, I aim the bridge over the divide between traditional healthcare systems and alternative healing modalities, so we can build a holistic approach to mental wellness that embraces the new alongside the science.
As we look ahead, I encourage each of you to continue exploring, learning, and connecting with others. Remember, this journey isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about creating a legacy of empathy, community resilience, and shared healing that will inspire generations to come.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to building an even stronger, more connected community in the years ahead. Together, let’s continue to pave the way for open minds and open hearts.
Stay tuned ...
コメント