When one thinks of a large gathering of psychedelic enthusiasts, thoughts typically turn to Burning Man rather than a group of doctors and scientists. This week, however, what’s being called the largest psychedelics gathering in history is happening in Oakland, as the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and the UK-based Beckley Foundation co-host the Psychedelics Science conference.

Starting Wednesday, more than 2,600 doctors, professors, health-industry professionals, and psychedelic experts from around the world convene at the Oakland Marriott City Center for the five-day event. Psychedelic Science 2017 features more than 100 presentations regarding the therapeutic uses of psychedelics, the neuroscience behind this research, the spread of psychedelic culture into the mainstream, and more. The main thrust of the event will be about legally moving psychedelics into the field of medicine and sharing information about how substances like ayahuasca, ibogaine, MDMA, peyote, psilocybin, LSD, ketamine, and marijuana show promise in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and a wide range of other mental and physical illnesses.

Located in the adjacent Oakland Convention Center, the conference’s Psymposia Stage is free and open to the public throughout the weekend and will feature talks, live podcasts and more from artist Android Jones, psychedelic feminism advocacy group Cosmic Sister, psychedelic pioneer Dennis McKenna and many more.