In 2024, I (Stone) was holding space for a lot of people. I found it difficult to refer clients anywhere for integration work because there was very little psychedelic-friendly community. It was also lonely — I had been doing this deep work alone during the pandemic and had no one to talk to.
So I felt called to start a psychedelic community: the Hamilton Psychedelic Society. We celebrated 4/19 Bicycle Day (the discovery of LSD) and 6/20 World Psychedelic Day, and they continue to be our annual traditions of celebration. The organization was renamed in 2025 to align with a more inclusive and expansive community vision.
I'm grateful for the initial planning team of this group: Jamison, Oni, Drake, Arshia, Chaunti, and James.
I'm also grateful to everyone who has contributed to HCC: Esther, Nina, Drake, Arshia, James, Melissa, Daniel, Nadia, Tori & Evan, Kat, Michael & Chantelle, Jeff, Chris, Andrea & Cody, Shalom, Melissa & Jesse, Ian & Glynnis, Tracy, Katie & Andrew, Paul, Divya, Pamela, and many more.
For HCC to be sustainable, we need a rotational leadership model — one that invites more responsibility, ownership, and participation from the full community.
Committee members can make decisions within their area of responsibility. If a decision impacts others, those impacted will be consulted. This creates more space for voices to be heard, increases belonging, and reduces burnout.
All members are encouraged to contribute at least 4 hours a month. Sub-committees cover every aspect of operation.
You are called to steward one of these committees. There are opportunities to be a leader and practice your skills.
Managing newsletters, announcements, and group messaging.
Onboarding new members and nurturing pathways for participation.
Organizing circles, gatherings, and relationship-building activities.
Planning and coordinating events, workshops, and ceremonies.
Website maintenance, automation, and digital infrastructure.
Developing relations with local businesses and practitioners.
As HCC has grown past 70 members, we are exploring more intentional pathways for participation — not exclusivity, but clarity around how members can grow their involvement, contribution, and connection.
These ideas are still evolving and will be shaped collaboratively with the community and incoming planning team.
Shifting from an event-running organization to intentional community building. Recurring weekly gathering places throughout the city, led by circle leaders at different hubs. Collaborating with existing practitioners rather than reinventing the wheel.
Emphasizing psychedelic harm reduction workshops with a goal of training at least 10 trip sitters by end of year. Supporting safer, more ethical, frequent, and accessible peer-guided inner work within the community.
To be confirmed and voted on by the community.
We commit to regular in-person gatherings to foster connection and mutual care — including eating and cooking together!
Quarterly internal medicine circles (trusted members only).
Regular study groups and book clubs.
Embodiment practices like yoga and dance.
Members invent new rituals: singing, forest walks, park hangs, and more.
Regular weekly gathering spaces throughout the city to foster deeper connections.
Seasonal celebrations to honour our growth, mark transitions, and deepen community bonds.
For the past two years, Stone has taken on most administrative tasks on top of a full-time job as a therapist and caring for two kids. Before burnout sets in, HCC is asking aligned community members to help hold these responsibilities together.
In similar communities, membership fees typically range from $25–$100, with weekly events priced around $25–$50. These contributions are entirely voluntary — how well HCC functions depends on community participation and shared leadership.
If you've read this far — thank you. ❤️ HCC is built by people who show up. If any of this resonates, here's how you can take the next step.
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