Psychedelics for Chronic Pain: A Game-Changer with Kevin & Bob

This week The District House buzzed with energy as we welcomed Bob Wold and Kevin Lenaburg to the stage for an eye-opening presentation on the revolutionary role of psychedelics in treating chronic pain. The room was packed to capacity, and the conversation struck a deeply personal chord with our audience.

When Bob and Kevin asked, “How many of you suffer from chronic pain?” and “How many of you know someone who does?” more than half the hands in the room shot up—an emotional reminder of just how pervasive and debilitating these conditions can be. Chronic pain isn’t just a statistic; it’s a lived reality for so many of us.

Bob and Kevin delved into the promising use of psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT in moderate doses—not microdoses and not macrodoses—to mitigate severe conditions like cluster headaches, which are often called “suicide headaches” due to their excruciating intensity. They shared insights into the Mechanisms of Action that these substances are believed to activate in the brain, explaining how they help break pain cycles, improve neuroplasticity, and reduce inflammation.

This is nothing short of a miracle compared to many conventional medications, which often fail to provide meaningful relief for chronic pain sufferers. As Kevin shared, “For those living with relentless, life-altering pain, psychedelics aren’t just an alternative—they’re hope.”

The presentation also provided historical context, tracing research on psychedelics for pain back to a mescaline/peyote study in 1896. From these early beginnings to today’s cutting-edge studies at institutions like Harvard and McGill, psychedelics have been a quiet, often overlooked ally in the fight against pain. Bob shared inspiring anecdotes of people who’ve experienced life-changing relief through these treatments, further humanizing the science with powerful personal stories.

Attendees left with actionable knowledge about doses, schedules, and adjunctive therapies. Bob and Kevin emphasized that this is not about reckless experimentation but rather a thoughtful, informed approach to integrating psychedelics into a broader toolkit for chronic pain management.

Meet the Experts

Both speakers brought unparalleled expertise to the table:

• Bob Wold, Executive Director of Clusterbusters, has dedicated over 40 years to advocating for those with cluster headaches. His organization has grown into the largest U.S. nonprofit supporting this condition, pioneering research alongside institutions like Yale and Harvard.

• Kevin Lenaburg, Executive Director of the Psychedelics & Pain Association, has spent more than a decade shaping policies and coalitions to reduce suffering for chronic pain patients. His work bridges the gap between advocacy, research, and responsible access to groundbreaking therapies.

Why This Matters

At District216, our mission is to normalize and expand access to psychedelics as tools for healing and transformation. Last night’s event wasn’t just about raising awareness; it was about igniting hope and fostering community. Chronic pain affects us all—directly or indirectly—and exploring innovative solutions like psychedelics gives us a reason to believe in a better future.

Thank you to Bob, Kevin, and every one of you who joined us for this inspiring conversation. Together, we’re helping to rewrite the story of chronic pain.

If you missed the event, don’t worry—we’ll be adding this presentation to our online membership library soon! Stay tuned, and don’t forget to join us for more transformative discussions at The District House.

✨ Psychedelics are changing lives. Let’s keep the conversation going. Share this post if you know someone who might benefit from this groundbreaking knowledge.

🌿 Together, we heal.

What resonated most with you about Bob and Kevin’s presentation? Let us know in the comments! 💬