Darren Le Baron is returning to Edinburgh for two powerful in-person events in partnership with Scottish Psychedelic Research Group (SPRG) and Psychedelic Integration Community Ties Scotland (PICTS).

*a combo ticket is available with discount for those attending both the presentation and workshop.

Psychedelics in Africa: The Untold Story (12PM/2PM)

After spending three months in Southern Africa among the San Bushmen, Zulu, and Himba communities, Darren returns to share insights by revisiting his popular series "Psychedelics in Africa: The Untold Story."

This series takes a closer look at the ancient history , mythology , and **scientific studies ** surrounding psychoactive compounds found in Africa. For millennia, these powerful plants and fungi have been used by Africa's earliest indigenous peoples for spiritual and community growth —a practice that remains largely overlooked by modern scholars.

Many communities across Africa still use these sacred plants in their rites of passage, initiation ceremonies, spiritual communication, healing and daily rituals.

This presentation encompasses both African and Diasporic cultures, offering valuable information through academic references, highlighting correlations in symbolism and references in language which reveal thought-provoking insights.

Shroomshop: Mushroom Cultivation for Beginners (2.30PM/5.45PM)

Come and learn the basics of mushroom cultivation and explore various techniques for growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. This will be a hands-on experience and will cover everything you need to know to get you started.

Mushrooms' therapeutic value has been prized in indigenous cultures for thousands of years. In the past few decades, they have become even more popular for their medicinal qualities in the West, as a result of an expanding body of scientific research supporting their numerous health benefits.

You will gain valuable insights into the world of mushrooms and unlock the potential for producing your own food and medicine. You will learn practical knowledge that empowers you to cultivate these remarkable organisms for your well-being.

YOU WILL LEARN:

• What are Mushrooms?
• How do Mushrooms grow?
• How do you grow Mushrooms at home?
• How to make your own grain spawn
• How to make a fruiting tub?
• Mushroom Aftercare
• Where to get everything?
• Each participant will leave with a grow kit

TIMINGS

• 12pm: Doors opens
• 12.15pm: Africa Untold Talk
• 14.00pm: Talk finishes
• 14.30pm: Shroomshop Workshop
• 5.45pm: Ends

VENUE

Old College, The University of Edinburgh

YOUR FACILITATOR

Darren Le Baron

Darren Le Baron is an educator specialising in mycology and psychedelic research, and is based between the UK and the Caribbean.

Known around the world for his Shroomshop Master classes and mushroom educational programs, he is a keen cultivator and teacher. His achievements include launching the UK's first accredited Mycology and Mushroom Cultivation course for schools and young people in 2021, providing hands-on experience to empower school children and at-risk youth.

A respected voice in the global psychedelic community, Darren is a regular speaker at major conferences and festivals including Breaking Convention, All Things Fungi, Ozora, and Lightning in a Bottle. Through his work with The Psychedelic Society and other organizations, he continues to inform and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to cope with social challenges and contribute to community development as well as self-improvement in an innovative, creative, culturally-aware style.

@darren\_le\_baron

OUR TEAM

Carlotta Artuso

Carlotta is an Event Coordinator at The Psychedelic Society, with a deep passion for nature, personal and collective growth, mystical experiences and food (Italian roots play a big role here!).

Psychedelics have profoundly transformed her life, opening her mind to new perspectives and deeper self-awareness, allowing her to break free from the 9-5 grind and to launch her own PR and Events company - Carlotta PR.

She believes in their potential to heal and transform, and she's passionate about advocating for their safe, intentional use to inspire positive change and open new pathways of consciousness.

@carlotta.artuso