Discover how SPAN is leading the way in psychedelic harm reduction, safety, and education. In this exclusive Talking Joints Memo interview, co-founders Dr. Breanna Reeser and Jenny Chen-Robertson share their mission, personal journeys, and upcoming initiatives to make psychedelic education accessible, non-biased, and community-driven.
SPAN recently caught the attention of Talking Joints Memo, a publication focused on cannabis, psychedelics, and drug policy reform. Journalist Jack Gorsline, known for covering emerging trends in plant medicine, reached out to interview SPAN Founders Dr. Breanna Reeser and Jenny Chen-Robertson about SPAN’s mission, their approach to harm reduction, and their perspectives on New England’s evolving psychedelic landscape.
The interview highlights why psychedelic safety is more important than ever, especially as interest in plant medicines grows while regulations remain uncertain. Talking Joints Memo wanted to amplify voices working on the front lines of harm reduction and education, making SPAN a natural fit for their coverage.
The Talking Joints Memo interview highlights why psychedelic safety is more important than ever, especially as interest in plant medicines grows while regulations remain uncertain. Talking Joints Memo and journalist Jack Gorsline approached SPAN to amplify voices working on the front lines of harm reduction and education, making SPAN a natural fit for their coverage.
The Safer Psychedelics Association of New England (SPAN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to harm reduction, psychedelic safety, and education. Founded Brea and Jenny, SPAN provides evidence-based resources, training, and community outreach to ensure that individuals engaging with psychedelics can do so safely, responsibly, and with informed decision-making.
Regardless of your knowledge, experience, or opinions on psychedelic use, accurate information is critical. SPAN’s mission is to be a trusted resource that cuts through misinformation and stigma to provide non-partisan evidence-based education on psychedelics to all no matter their beliefs or afiliatons.
With the psychedelic space evolving rapidly—whether through decriminalization efforts, clinical research, or underground community use—the need for accessible, unbiased, and accurate information has never been greater. Brea and Jenny founded SPAN to bridge that gap, offering a non-political, non-judgmental approach that prioritizes safety, education, and community well-being over hype or misinformation.
Dr. Breanna Reeser, co-founder of SPAN, holds a PhD in integrated behavioral health, a field that bridges physical and mental wellness. Her academic and professional journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to understanding the mind-body connection and how holistic approaches can support healing. However, Brea’s passion for psychedelic safety and harm reduction is also deeply personal.
The loss of her sister (who was struggling with mental health) was a turning point in her life—one that underscored the urgent need for accessible, well-informed, and responsible approaches to substance use. This experience ignited her dedication to ensuring that psychedelics, which hold immense therapeutic potential, are used safely and responsibly. Through SPAN, Brea works to dismantle misinformation, provide evidence-based education, and create a safer landscape for those exploring psychedelics for personal growth, healing, or spiritual exploration.
“My background in behavioral health and my personal experiences with loss made it clear—education and harm reduction around psychedelics are essential. If people are going to use them, they deserve access to safe, accurate information.” - Brea
Jenny Chen-Robertson, co-founder of SPAN, brings a rich background in policy advocacy and community engagement. Before launching SPAN, she was actively involved in the Question 4 campaign, a pivotal movement that brought the question of legalizing plant medicine to Massachusetts. Her experience in legislative advocacy has given her firsthand insight into how drug policies are shaped, how stigma influences public perception, and how education can be a powerful tool for change.
With SPAN, Jenny is focused on bridging the gap between policy, public education, and community safety in the evolving landscape of psychedelic use. She believes that the best way to reduce harm and maximize benefits is through open, informed discussions that include all voices—from policymakers to individuals exploring psychedelics for the first time. Her goal is to make sure that psychedelic education is inclusive, accessible, and free from misinformation, allowing individuals to make informed choices that prioritize safety and well-being.
“After participating in our policy making process, it highlights how much stigma and misinformation still exist around psychedelics. This is why we started SPAN, to provide clear, evidence-based education for accessible to all” - Jenny
Together, Brea and Jenny’s expertise, passion, and dedication fuel SPAN’s mission to provide non-biased, evidence-based psychedelic education and harm reduction resources.
Dr. Breanna Reeser shared that her background in behavioral health and personal family experiences, including the tragic loss of her sister who was struggling with mental health, deeply influenced her commitment to harm reduction and safe access to psychedelics. Her journey from curiosity about psychedelics to advocating for their safe use underscores the importance of education and accessibility in this field.
Jenny Chen-Robertson discussed her transition from volunteering with the Question 4 campaign, which focused on broader psychedelic legalization, to co-founding SPAN. Her experience in policy advocacy and business operations highlighted the need for comprehensive education and community engagement in the realm of psychedelics, leading her to focus on harm reduction and safety through SPAN.
SPAN has a series of public appearances and partnerships lined up for this year, including participation in events like “Portal to: Plants and Other Medicines” at New Dia Cannabis Co., a panel at NECANN Boston on psychedelic policy, and a community partnership with the MAPS Psychedelic Science conference in Denver. These initiatives aim to promote safe practices and foster a well-informed community regarding psychedelic use.
These were just some of the highlight of the interview, but you can also read the full feature on SPAN and their work in the psychedelic space in Talking Joints Memo.
SPAN (Safer Psychedelics Association of New England) is a nonprofit dedicated to harm reduction, psychedelic safety, and public education. It was founded by Dr. Breanna Reeser and Jenny Chen-Robertson to provide accessible, evidence-based resources that help people engage with psychedelics safely and responsibly.
SPAN remains a-political and non-judgmental, focusing strictly on scientific research, harm reduction strategies, and community-driven education. The organization does not push any political agenda or specific ideology—just education on psychedelic safety. SPAN is also benefits from the wisdom and accountability of the professionals on their board and advisory council.
SPAN’s education is designed for everyone—from curious newcomers and experienced psychedelic users to medical professionals, policymakers, and community organizers looking for reliable information on psychedelic safety.
SPAN is actively involved in public education and community engagement, explore SPAN’s upcoming events here.
To learn more, explore SPAN’s additional articles. If you’d like to support psychedelic education, consider donating or attending an upcoming event!
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