In the last few weeks, Psychedelics Today has been in conversation with leadership at the Church of Sacred Synthesis about their sacrament and their perspective on the critiques that were leveled against them.
In light of these recent discussions surrounding the Church of Sacred Synthesis in connection with the findings published in the preprint of the research publication by Usona, we recognize the importance of caution and context when publishing about clinical judgments based on preliminary data, like preprints. Preprints are valuable for early dissemination but lack the rigorous peer review needed to confirm findings. Relying on unverified reports can lead to misconceptions. Due diligence, careful consideration, and peer-reviewed evidence are crucial for the foundation for clinical or scientific conclusions.
At Psychedelics Today, we acknowledge that we could have presented this story in better adherence to scientific standards and by including the voices of the church leaders as the conversation was developing. We believe we should have made efforts to give church leadership a platform to comment from their perspective. We see this as a learning experience and remain committed to thorough, balanced reporting and fostering open dialogue within the community and plan to continually improve how we show up with integrity and balanced perspectives in the psychedelic space.
Joe Moore is the co-founder and CEO of Psychedelics Today, a leading media and education platform covering the evolving world of psychedelics. Since 2016, Joe has helped shape the conversation around psychedelic science, healing, and culture through podcasts, courses, and community engagement. With a background in philosophy and a deep curiosity about consciousness, his work is informed by the writings of Stanislav Grof, experiences in breathwork, and nearly two decades of exploration in the psychedelic space.
Joe co-developed Vital, a yearlong training program for psychedelic practitioners that bridges clinical frameworks with transpersonal and Indigenous-informed perspectives. He is also a passionate advocate for drug policy reform, digital security for activists, and building ethical, resilient ecosystems within the psychedelic movement.
Based in Breckenridge, Colorado, Joe frequently lectures on psychedelic safety, the history of psychedelic research, and the future of psychedelic-assisted healing. He serves on the board of the non-profit Psychedelics and Pain Association and the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition. He also collaborates with leaders across disciplines to foster responsible growth in the field.
Through Psychedelics Today, Joe continues to elevate diverse voices, promote safety and accessibility, and challenge the mainstream to reimagine our collective relationship with altered states and mental health.
