Inside the Mind of the Acid King
A rare evening with a living legend of the psychedelic underground
Join us for a powerful night of storytelling and connection as Leonard reflects on his years in the psychedelic underground, the two decades in prison that reshaped him, and what the future holds for him.
In 2000, Leonard Pickard was arrested while moving a clandestine laboratory linked to what became the largest LSD case in history. The verdict was two life sentences without parole. For the next twenty years, he lived behind bars far from his family, friends, and the life he had known.
For Leonard, the hardest part was not the prison walls, but the absence of the people he loved. That separation became his rock bottom.
What to Expect:
A warm, welcoming space to connect with others through meaningful conversation, free of cheesy icebreakers
An intimate fireside chat and open Q+A with Leonard on resilience, loss, and what it means to come home to yourself
Light bites, a nourishing dinner, and something sweet to close the night
An evening that will leave you feeling connected and inspired
About Leonard Pickard:
William Leonard Pickard’s life has spanned elite academia, the psychedelic underground, and two decades in federal prison. Before his arrest, he served as deputy director at UCLA’s Drug Policy Analysis Program and a fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School. In 1996, he predicted the fentanyl epidemic years before it began.
While incarcerated, Leonard handwrote The Rose of Paracelsus: On Secrets & Sacraments, a philosophical work blending memoir and fiction. Today, he serves as a senior advisor to JLS Fund II LP and Fireside Project, and as a research affiliate at Harvard Law School’s Petrie-Flom Center.
His story has been featured in major outlets including Rolling Stone, VICE, the documentary Psychedelic Revolution: The Secret History of the LSD Trade directed by Seth Ferranti, among other notable publications and podcasts.
About Open Spaces:
The world has a connection problem. We’re here to change that.
Open Spaces brings people together to connect around our challenges, struggles, and life ruptures—the things that make us human. Join our movement and discover the power of shared experiences in fostering growth, resilience, and connection.
Therapy Disclaimer:
Open Spaces is a community-driven event designed to foster connection and healing through shared stories and open dialogue, and is not psychotherapeutic in nature. While we aim to create a supportive environment, please be aware that sensitive topics, including personal struggles and mental health challenges, may arise. Open Spaces does not intend to replace or provide mental or medical health services, treatment, or advice.
Please note that Open Spaces facilitators and special guests are not licensed mental health providers, and Open Spaces is not a replacement for professional mental health care. If you are in need of support, we recommend seeking guidance from a licensed mental health professional or therapist.