Jacksonville, FL – The North Florida Entheogenic Conference is proud to announce that William Leonard Pickard, one of the most influential and thought-provoking voices in psychedelic research and drug policy, will serve as the keynote speaker at this year’s event, taking place July 12-13, 2025, at The Glass Factory in Jacksonville, Florida.
Imprisoned for two decades for allegedly producing 90% of the world’s LSD, profiled by Rolling Stone, discussed on Joe Rogan, cited by RAND for correctly forecasting the future fentanyl epidemic from way back in 1996, and the subject of several articles, books & documentaries, William Leonard Pickard, has a thrilling and unique story to tell. “We are living in a psychedelic renaissance,” says Pickard. “Deeply honored to be at the conference soon and meet all of you.”
Dubbed the “Acid King” by the DEA, 79-year-old Pickard is a Harvard University researcher and author of modern-day psychedelic masterpiece, The Rose of Paracelsus: On Secrets and Sacraments. He is known for his deep insights into the cultural, ethical, and scientific dimensions of psychedelic substances. His life and work have become emblematic of the complex relationship between entheogens, the state, and human consciousness.
This year’s conference will bring together researchers, activists, therapists, students, and seekers from across the USA to explore the growing role of entheogens in medicine, spirituality, and society. With current shifts in legislation and a resurgence of academic interest, Pickard’s keynote address is expected to be a powerful moment of reflection and inspiration for the psychedelic community.
“Leonard’s journey—from cutting-edge research to enduring incarceration, and now to global thought leadership—symbolizes both the promise and peril of psychedelics in a changing world,” says Dr. Lola O. Ohonba, Director of the North Florida Entheogenic Conference. “His presence at the conference is not only timely, but also transformational. Entheogenic plants and agents are the gift of life and love from mother-nature to our dying world.”
The North Florida Entheogenic Conference is open to the public, with registration now available at https://northfloridaentheogenicconference.com/. Attendees can expect an exciting weekend of panels, workshops, art installations, and community gatherings centered on celebration, education, integration, and policy reform.
About the North Florida Entheogenic Conference
The North Florida Entheogenic Conference (NFEC) is a powerful grassroots gathering that seeks to foster safe, informed, and inclusive conversations around the use of entheogenic plants and substances. Rooted in science, community healing, and respect for indigenous wisdom, the conference is a catalyst for conscious evolution in the region and beyond. The NFEC is a women and minority owned event run by WCI Health, a non-profit organization.
