Journal Club #27: On Minimizing Risk and Harm in the Use of Psychedelics
Journal Club Community Leader
Tuesday 1 September, 2026 8PM CEST (7PM BST, 2PM ET, 11AM PST)
Online via Zoom
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Most psychedelic research is centred on therapeutic effects, mechanisms of action and changes in the brain. The field is pushed forward by groundbreaking findings on the efficacy of psychedelic therapy, neural pathways and therapeutical frameworks.
However, as psychedelics are gradually entering mainstream culture and healthcare systems, you could argue that at least as important as studying the mechanisms and efficacy, is minimizing the risks and adverse effects that can follow psychedelic experiences. Use of psychedelics can help people escape depression and live more fulfilling lives, but it can also cause tremendous and prolonged suffering. It is crucial to increase the likelihood of the former while reducing the risk of the latter.
This month’s paper is called On Minimizing Risk and Harm in the Use of Psychedelics and will be presented by valued Open Foundation Volunteer and Community member .
Jules Evans, the lead author of the article that will be discussed, is the director of the Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project (CPEP), an organisation that aims to learn more about post-psychedelic difficulties and what helps people recover from them; communicate those findings to the general public; and support those experiencing post-psychedelic difficulties. He is also the editor of the substack Ecstatic Integration.
Join us for another insightful presentation and lively discussion. You are invited to read the article in advance, but if you can’t find the time for it you are also quite welcome.
What is the OPEN Journal Club?
Journal Club is an online gathering on Zoom, happening every first Tuesday of each month at 8PM CEST, where a participant can either present a paper/article of their interest (simply get in touch with the Journal Club leads and if you’d want to give it a go), or sit back and enjoy researchers presenting their own work, followed by a Q&A.
For a more thorough description, check this post, and for a more interactive and direct exchange, you’re invited to our Signal group chat.
However, as psychedelics are gradually entering mainstream culture and healthcare systems, you could argue that at least as important as studying the mechanisms and efficacy, is minimizing the risks and adverse effects that can follow psychedelic experiences. Use of psychedelics can help people escape depression and live more fulfilling lives, but it can also cause tremendous and prolonged suffering. It is crucial to increase the likelihood of the former while reducing the risk of the latter.
This month’s paper is called On Minimizing Risk and Harm in the Use of Psychedelics and will be presented by valued Open Foundation Volunteer and Community member .
Jules Evans, the lead author of the article that will be discussed, is the director of the Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project (CPEP), an organisation that aims to learn more about post-psychedelic difficulties and what helps people recover from them; communicate those findings to the general public; and support those experiencing post-psychedelic difficulties. He is also the editor of the substack Ecstatic Integration.
Join us for another insightful presentation and lively discussion. You are invited to read the article in advance, but if you can’t find the time for it you are also quite welcome.
What is the OPEN Journal Club?
Journal Club is an online gathering on Zoom, happening every first Tuesday of each month at 8PM CEST, where a participant can either present a paper/article of their interest (simply get in touch with the Journal Club leads and if you’d want to give it a go), or sit back and enjoy researchers presenting their own work, followed by a Q&A.
For a more thorough description, check this post, and for a more interactive and direct exchange, you’re invited to our Signal group chat.