Hero banner of The Kentucky Summit

From the Organizing Partner of Psychedelic Science 2023, comes The Kentucky Summit on Exploring Breakthrough Therapeutic Potential for Opioid Use Disorder, a significant event bringing together practitioners, researchers, policy makers, caregivers, and members of the community. Taking place in November in La Grange, Kentucky, this conference aims to address the pressing issues surrounding opioid use disorder (OUD) and delve into innovative therapeutic approaches to combat this crisis. Participants can expect thought-provoking discussions on evidence-based treatments, cutting-edge research, and effective policy strategies to address the complexities of OUD.

Expert speakers will present breakthrough therapeutic potentials, including novel medications, psychotherapeutic interventions, harm reduction initiatives, and community-based support systems. With a diverse range of stakeholders in attendance, the conference seeks to foster a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and communities affected by OUD, encouraging collaborative efforts towards a compassionate and effective response.

What is Ibogaine?

Ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in plants that offers hope in reversing neurological damage caused by Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Backed by clinical research, Ibogaine holds the potential to not only address physical dependencies but also create profound spiritually restorative moments for individuals seeking recovery. This unique substance has shown promise in restoring personal autonomy, paving the way for individuals to regain control over their lives. Experience a holistic approach to healing through Ibogaine—a beacon of possibility for those on the path to recovery.

Register for The Kentucky Summit >

Summit Mission Statement

The mission statement of the summit is to foster collaboration among practitioners, healthcare providers, treatment centers, caregivers, policy makers, life sciences companies, and community members to collectively strive to explore new avenues of treatment and forge a path towards a brighter and healthier future for those affected by opioid use disorder.

With Kentucky tragically grappling with fatal overdose rates, where more than 9,000 individuals have lost their lives to drug overdoses since 2018, there is a pressing need to explore innovative solutions. Many state officials recognize the potential of ibogaine as a therapeutic option to combat addiction and wish to invest in its clinical exploration. This summit promises to be a beacon of knowledge and hope, providing attendees with cutting-edge scientific, clinical, and policy updates concerning ibogaine and its potential in treating opioid use disorder. Moreover, it offers a platform for those who have experienced healing, either as recipients or providers of these treatments, to share their inspiring stories with the community.

Speaker Highlights

Doc Askins

Position: Kentucky Army Veteran, Physician Assistant
Author, “Anti-Hero’s Journey”
Categories: Speakers
Location: Speakers

Doc is no one. He is Banksy’s erudite elder brother, a Deadpool wannabe, and the Shadow of the world’s most interesting man. When artificial intelligence has a fever dream, it dreams of being Doc. He is a son, brother, husband, father, veteran, psycho, therapist, and friend. He is the grinning embodiment of the Duchenne marker, all of his lies are true, and he writes his books with tears in his eyes for you and only you.

Ben Askins has an eclectic background with degrees in Outdoor Education, Intercultural Studies, Physician Assistant Studies, and Divinity. He has nearly two decades of experience practicing and teaching wilderness, tactical, and expeditionary medicine in the military. In civilian life, he is a Psychiatric Physician Assistant with an evidence-focused and integrative approach to mental health that includes extensive experience providing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, medicine management, and spiritual direction. He is certified with the Multidisciplinary Association on Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Ben is a member of the Wilderness Medical Society, the William Blake Society, a National Outdoor Leadership school alum, a veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, and has completed postgraduate training in Neuropsychiatry and Genomics.

Doc Askins

Kentucky Army Veteran, Physician Assistant
Author, “Anti-Hero’s Journey”

Doc is no one. He is Banksy’s erudite elder brother,...

headshot of Amber Capone

Amber Capone

Position: Executive Director
VETS, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, Inc.
Categories: Speakers
Location: Speakers

Amber Capone
Co-Founder / Chief Executive Officer of VETS: Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions

Amber has a history of fixing, building, and tenaciously seeking solutions to complex challenges.
After meeting her husband Marcus at Southern Illinois University, she spent over a decade
supporting his military career as a U.S. Navy SEAL.

As her own personal and professional life began to unravel upon Marcus’ separation from the
military, Amber became determined not to become a victim, but rather to pursue victory for
her own family, as well as countless others. Amber has successfully built and led the VETS
organization from a grassroots movement into a nationally recognized nonprofit organization.
Her strategic approach, keen intuition, and knack for team building have been key components
in assisting 500+ veterans, raising over $6MM, adding to the growing body of psychedelic
research, and successfully advocating for policy change across the U.S.

Amber is a devoted wife and mother, admires strong leadership, and is fiercely principled and
deeply passionate about issues facing veteran families. She possesses a heart for serving others
and a steadfast determination to make a difference.

Amber Capone

Executive Director
VETS, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, Inc.

Amber Capone Co-Founder / Chief Executive Officer of VETS: Veterans...

Ben Greenzweig

Position: Executive Producer, Psychedelic Science 2023 Co-Founder
Momentum PBC
Categories: Speakers
Location: Speakers

Benjamin Greenzweig is a seasoned events veteran, entrepreneur, and the founder of Momentum Events with a deep passion for destigmatizing the conversation on both the diagnosis and treatment of mental health, including psychedelic-assisted therapy. Greenzweig served as the Executive Producer of Psychedelic Science 2023, the world’s largest psychedelics conference, and Momentum proudly played the role of show organizer. Open about his personal wellness journey, Greenzweig passionately believes that everyone has the right to find their mental health balance, and he works tirelessly to create learning and community-building opportunities that can open minds and change hearts.

Ben Greenzweig

Executive Producer, Psychedelic Science 2023 Co-Founder
Momentum PBC

Benjamin Greenzweig is a seasoned events veteran, entrepreneur, and the...

W. Bryan Hubbard (Invited)

Position: Chair and Executive Director, Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission Special Counsel to the Attorney General's Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control
Categories: Speakers
Location: Speakers

W. Bryan Hubbard (Invited)

Chair and Executive Director, Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission Special Counsel to the Attorney General's Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control

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Deborah Mash

Position: Professor Emeritus
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine University
Categories: Speakers
Location: Speakers

Deborah Mash is a neuroscientist, inventor, and one of the world’s foremost experts on the anti-addiction drug ibogaine. She is the CEO and Founder of DemeRx Inc., a clinical stage drug development company advancing ibogaine and its active metabolite noribogaine for the treatment of opioid use disorder. DemeRx has partnered with ATAI Life Sciences — a global biotech platform with a special focus on psychedelic medicine — to develop ibogaine for those suffering from opioid use disorder. Building on the extensive human data available around ibogaine, DemeRx and atai will submit Clinical Trial Applications for a Phase II study in opioid-dependent patients. This joint venture will develop screening procedures, dosing guidelines, and best practices for treating opioid use disorder following detoxification to ensure patient safety.

Deborah Mash

Professor Emeritus
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine University

Deborah Mash is a neuroscientist, inventor, and one of the...

Headshot of Srinivas Rao

Srinivas Rao

Position: Chief Scientific Officer & Co-founder
atai Life Science
Categories: Speakers
Location: Speakers

Srinivas Rao is the Chief Scientific Officer at atai Life Sciences AG. Dr. Rao
has over 19 years of professional experience in the pharmaceutical and
biotechnology industries. Prior to atai, Dr. Rao has held the titles of Chief
Scientific, Medical, or Executive Officer at companies ranging from venture
backed startups to vertically-integrated, publicly traded pharmaceutical
companies.

Dr. Rao completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Yale-New Haven
Hospital. He received his Ph.D. in neurobiology from Yale Graduate School
and his M.D. from Yale School of Medicine. He holds both a Bachelor of
Science and Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Yale
College and Yale Graduate School, respectively.

Srinivas Rao

Chief Scientific Officer & Co-founder
atai Life Science

Srinivas Rao is the Chief Scientific Officer at atai Life...

Headshot of Kerry Rhodes

Kerry Rhodes

Position: Former NFL Player
Musician/ Writer/ Director/ Producer/ Actor
Categories: Speakers
Location: Speakers

Kerry Rhodes, is a former NFL-All Pro football player, who played for the NY Jets and Arizona Cardinals. He’s since transitioned to the entertainment world and is now a successful actor, producer, writer, and musician. In that transition there were hard times. Times where the feeling of aloneness and depression started to take over. Along that journey he’s found healing for himself through alternative methods, such as ayahuasca and found that sitting with that medicine changed his life forever for the better. Helped him to evolve to be the best man he can and to be a champion of compassion, for not only him but for his fellow man. His mission in life is to lead with love and to create safe spaces for others dealing with suppressed trauma and depression to live their lives fully with gratitude. He believes we all deserve that life and it’s available.

Kerry Rhodes

Former NFL Player
Musician/ Writer/ Director/ Producer/ Actor

Kerry Rhodes, is a former NFL-All Pro football player, who...

Angela Terhune, MHA

Position: Senior Director, Elligo Health Research
Ibogaine Advocate
Categories: Speakers
Location: Speakers

Angela Terhune, MHA

Senior Director, Elligo Health Research
Ibogaine Advocate

Who Should Attend

  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Primary Care And Other Physicians
  • Nurses
  • Addiction Counselors
  • Social Workers
  • Medical Educators
  • Administrators
  • Policymakers
  • Public Health Researchers
  • Faith Based Leaders And Supporters
  • Veterans And First Responders
  • Indigenous Community Leaders
  • Consumers
  • Family Members
  • Other Behavioral Health And Wellness Stakeholders

Community Partners

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Southeast Coalition of Psychedelic Practitioners
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