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MAPS Email Newsletter:
Canadian Study Officially Begins;
MAPS Bulletin Now Available Online
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December 13, 2013
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2013 is ending, and the path ahead is clear. All four of our remaining Phase 2 studies are now underway (with two completed), paving the way for the larger Phase 3 studies required to make MDMA-assisted psychotherapy into a Food and Drug Administration-approved prescription treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The all-new Winter 2013 MAPS Bulletin is now available online. This 60-page edition includes our 2013 Annual Financial Report, breathtaking cover art by Brian Scott Hampton and Peter Bynum, and insightful original articles from some of today’s leaders in psychedelic and medical marijuana research.
Our Indiegogo campaign to raise the funds necessary to complete our largest study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy ends December 31 at midnight PST. If everyone who receives this newsletter donates just $2, we will easily reach our goal.
Here are more highlights from the December 2013 edition of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Email Newsletter:
- An Institutional Review Board approves the protocol for our new brain imaging and heart rate study of the effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy
- The Drug Enforcement Administration inspects the study pharmacy for our upcoming study of MDMA-assisted therapy for social anxiety in autistic adults
- Manifesting Minds: A Review of Psychedelics in Science, Medicine, Sex, and Spirituality, edited by Rick Doblin and Brad Burge, is now available for pre-order on the MAPS Store
- MAPS hosts an “Ask Me Anything” session on reddit, generating over 2,000 questions and more than 75 answers about the scientific and medical potential of psychedelics and marijuana
- The 11th subject is enrolled in our ongoing observational study of ibogaine-assisted therapy for opioid dependence in New Zealand
Stay connected to psychedelic and medical marijuana research on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Google+.
This holiday season, share the gift of knowledge by doing your holiday shopping on the MAPS Store. All proceeds support our continued work to promote research and increase public awareness about the risks and benefits of psychedelics and marijuana for science, medicine, healing, and creativity.
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For growth and sustainability in 2014 and beyond,
 Brad Burge MAPS Director of Communications and Marketing |
- U.S. Veterans: IRB Approves New Brain Imaging and Heart Rate Sub-Study
- Israel: Third Subject Begins Treatment
- Boulder: Fourth Subject Enrolled and Treated; Fifth Subject Enrolled
- Canada: Subject Screening Begins
- DEA Inspects Study Pharmacy for Schedule I License
- New Zealand: 11th Subject Enrolled
- Help Complete Our Study on Indiegogo
- Your Help Makes the Conversation Possible
- MAPS Now Accepts Bitcoin Donations
- Healthline, Mixmag, WNPR, and more…
- Manifesting Minds: A Review of Psychedelics in Science, Medicine, Sex, and Spirituality edited by Rick Doblin and Brad Burge
- LSD: Problem Child and Wonder Drug Documentary DVD
- Dr. Richard Rockefeller and Dr. Larry Brilliant Discuss Treating Trauma at the Commonwealth Club
- Participate in the 2013 Global Drug Survey
- Global Ibogaine Therapist Alliance Seeks Patient Advocate Interns
- Call for Papers: Journal of Transpersonal Research Special Issue on Holotropic Breathwork
- Now Available: The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Transpersonal Psychology
Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Social Anxiety in Autistic Adults
Ibogaine-Assisted Therapy for Drug Addiction
Support MAPS
Media
MAPS Store
More News
TREATING PTSD WITH MDMA-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY
1. U.S. Veterans: IRB Approves New Brain Imaging and Heart Rate Sub-Study
On December 3, 2013, the Copernicus Institutional Review Board approved the protocol for our new sub-study of the mechanisms of action of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, which will enroll subjects from our ongoing study in 24 U.S. veterans, fire fighters, and police officers. In this exploratory sub-study, we will use heart rate variability (HRV) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure the physiological effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and explore correlations between those effects and clinical outcomes. Our goals for this study are to contribute to the evidence base for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, add to existing knowledge about the physiological correlates of PTSD, identify therapeutic processes within our treatment method, and gather preliminary data for a grant application to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The sub-study will be conducted in collaboration with researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Smith College, and the New School for Social Research. Help complete this study on Indiegogo…
$1,395,000 estimated study cost • $988,000 raised • $407,000 still needed
2. Israel: Third Subject Begins Treatment
On November 27, 2013, the third subject began treatment in our ongoing Israeli study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for 10 subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. Goals for this study include (1) gathering evidence for the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for subjects with PTSD mostly related to war and terrorism, (2) comparing the effectiveness of different doses of MDMA for therapy and double-blind, (3) working in direct association with the Israeli Ministry of Health, and (4) exploring the use of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in other cultural contexts. Learn more…
$463,000 estimated study cost • $39,000 raised • $423,000 still needed
Watch “The Future of Psychedelics: What’s Next?” panel presentation from the 2013 International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Denver, CO. More videos available on YouTube and at reformconference.org.
3. Boulder: Fourth Subject Enrolled and Treated; Fifth Subject Enrolled
On December 6, 2013, the fourth subject began treatment in our ongoing Boulder, Colorado, study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for 17 subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. This subject was enrolled on November 18, and the fifth subject was enrolled on November 20. Two subjects have now completed their one-month follow-up evaluations. Goals for this study include (1) gathering evidence for the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for
subjects with PTSD from a variety of causes, (2) comparing different doses of MDMA for therapeutic effectiveness and ability to create a successful double-blind, (3) exploring whether using intern co-therapists can reduce costs while maintaining treatment effectiveness, and (4) training the next generation of psychedelic psychotherapists. Learn more...
$582,000 estimated study cost • $193,000 raised • $389,000 still needed
4. Canada: Subject Screening Begins
On November 22, 2013, the first telephone screening took place in our new Canadian study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for 12 subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. This marks the official start of this study, for which we worked for over five and a half years to obtain the necessary clearances from Health Canada. Goals for this study include (1) gathering evidence for the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for subjects with PTSD from a highly skilled co-therapist team, (2) comparing different doses of MDMA for therapeutic effectiveness and ability to create a successful double-blind, and (3) initiating the first Canadian research into the potential benefits of psychedelic psychotherapy in over 40 years. Learn more...
$592,000 estimated study cost • $16,000 raised • $576,000 still needed
Learn more about MDMA-assisted psychotherapy on 
or at mdmaptsd.org.
MDMA-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY IN AUTISTIC ADULTS
“What to do with exposure to the wonders of Oz? You’ve seen ‘a horse of a different color’—now what?“—Alicia Danforth, Ph.D.
5. DEA Inspects Study Pharmacy for Schedule I License
On December 13, 2013, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration inspected the pharmacy where the MDMA will be stored for our upcoming study of MDMA-assisted therapy for social anxiety in autistic adults. This inspection is required before the DEA will grant the pharmacy a Schedule I license. Principal Investigator Charles Grob, M.D., who is leading the study along with Alicia Danforth, Ph.D., applied for his Schedule I license on October 9 and has already received it. Goals for this study include (1) gathering evidence for the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted therapy for autistic adults diagnosed with social anxiety, (2) determining if additional studies in this area are warranted, and (3) initiating a new program of research into a possible beneficial use of MDMA building on collected case accounts. Learn more...
$302,000 estimated study cost • $1,000 raised • $301,000 still needed
IBOGAINE-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR DRUG ADDICTION
6. New Zealand: 11th Subject Enrolled
On October 29, 2013, the 11th subject was enrolled in our ongoing New Zealand observational study of ibogaine-assisted treatment for opioid dependence. In this study, Principal Investigator Geoff Noller, Ph.D., is collecting follow-up data from up to 30 subjects undergoing treatment at an independent ibogaine center in New Zealand. Learn more…
SUPPORT MAPS
7. Help Complete Our Study on Indiegogo
Since we launched our Indiegogo campaign on Veterans Day, over 170 funders have given $9,190 (and counting!)to help us complete our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for U.S. veterans, firefighters, and police officers with PTSD. In addition to raising the funds necessary to complete the study and advance the research, this campaign is helping raise public awareness and support for research into more effective PTSD treatments. If everyone who receives this newsletter donates just $2, we will easily reach our goal. Learn more…
8. Your Help Makes the Conversation Possible
In November 2013, 323 people gave $42,436 to support our mission. 116 of those donors made a contribution through our Indiegogo campaign, 139 people made a monthly gift, and 68 gave online, at an event, or through the mail. The Sarlo Foundation of the Jewish Community Federation Endowment Fund gave a first-time grant of $10,000 for our MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD program. Carey and Claudia Turnbull gave $5,000 for our Boulder, Colorado MDMA-assisted psychotherapy study. Sahajia Sarkisian gave $2,000, June and Lee Stein gave $1,800, and Florence Kuhlmann gave $1,000 in unrestricted gifts. We also accepted 31 gifts totaling $9,618 for our fiscal sponsor projects. Every gift is a generous gift, and we at MAPS and our study participants are extremely grateful for your support. Your contributions help encourage honest and rational public conversations about psychedelics, and bring healing to those who are suffering. Thank you!
Help us make psychedelics and marijuana into prescription medicines—donate today!
9. MAPS Now Accepts Bitcoin Donations
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Bitcoins (BTC) are a new type of digital currency that you send and receive instantly over the internet, then exchange to local currency, with much lower fees than other routes. Learn more….
Please be advised: To avoid scams, donate BTC via the MAPS website only. We will always ask for BTC donations only via the MAPS website, and never through a third-party wallet address. Questions/comments? Contact Brian Brown at brown@maps.org or call +1 (831) 429-6362.
MEDIA
10. Healthline, Mixmag, WNPR, and more…
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"Ask Me Anything" with Rick Doblin and MAPS | view
reddit | December 3, 2013
Mixmag: MDMA Could Become a Prescription Drug by 2021 | view
Mixmag | December 9, 2013
Healthline: Four Illegal Drugs That Might Be Medicines | view
Rachel Barclay | November 30, 2013
The Dish: Ask Rick Doblin Anything: How to Experience Psychedelics? | view
Andrew Sullivan | December 6, 2013
City Pages: How Ayahuasca Can Revolutionize Psychotherapy | view
Olivia LaVecchia | November 20, 2013
WNPR: The Agony and Utility of Ecstasy | listen
Chion Wolf | November 21, 2013
Being Bipolar Podcast: Psychedelics and Mental Health | listen
Bret Bernhoft with Brad Burge | December 4, 2013
Alternet: 10 B
est Answers to Questions about Psychedelics | view
April M. Short | December 4, 2013
Reality Sandwich: Psychedelics and Ecology | view
Daniel Pinchbeck | November 22, 2013
MAPS STORE
11. Manifesting Minds edited by Rick Doblin and Brad Burge
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Manifesting Minds: edited by Rick Doblin, Ph.D., and Brad Burge 304 pages | Published by North Atlantic Books Featuring essays and interviews with Timothy Leary, Aldous Huxley, Ram Dass, Albert Hofmann, Sasha Shulgin, Daniel Pinchbeck, Tim Robbins, Arne Naess, electronic musician Simon Posford, and many more, plus groundbreaking research and personal accounts, this anthology is a “best of” collection of articles and essays published by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). $19.95 | Now available for pre-order Release date: January 7, 2014 |
12. LSD: Problem Child and Wonder Drug DVD
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LSD: Problem Child and Wonder Drug 60 minutes | Released 2008 LSD: Problem Child and Wonder Drug captures the fascinating story of LSD as told by Dr. Albert Hofmann at his 100th birthday conference. With interviews and presentations by Rick Doblin, Alex Grey, Ralph Metzner, Carl Ruck, Goa Gil, and others, this historic message from the father of LSD is a timeless relic and an immediate source of inspiration. $18.00 | Now available |
MORE NEWS
13. Dr. Richard Rockefeller and Dr. Larry Brilliant Discuss Treating Trauma at the Commonwealth Club
The excitement was palpable at the Commonwealth Club of California in San Francisco, when on December 9 Dr. Richard Rockefeller shared the results of our first completed Phase 2 study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and discussed its strong potential for transforming the lives of people suffering from PTSD around the world. Many of the 230 attendees stayed for a reception following the talk, and study participant Rachel Hope held back tears as she shared her hopes that others, too, would be able to benefit from the treatment (video coming soon). Learn more…
14. Participate in the 2013 Global Drug Survey
You’re invited to participate in the Global Drug Survey, the largest global survey of international drug use patterns. The survey is anonymous, confidential, and available in 14 languages. This year’s survey focuses on cannabis, drug policy, prescription drug use, workplace drug testing, new drug trends, the Internet, alcohol, tobacco, and harm reduction practices. Learn more…
15. Global Ibogaine Therapist Alliance Seeks Patient Advocate Interns
The Global Ibogaine Therapist Alliance (GITA) is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to supporting the sacramental and therapeutic uses of iboga, as well as its alkaloids and their analogs, through sustainability initiatives, scientific research, education, and advocacy. GITA is looking for several unpaid Patient Advocate interns to work with clients and ibogaine clinics or providers. Learn more…
How does clinical psychedelic research support human rights? (Above: The universal human rights logo.) 16. Call for Papers: Journal of Transpersonal Research Special Issue on Holotropic Breathwork
Deadline: December 15. The Journal of Transpersonal Research is preparing a special issue on Holotropic Breathwork and other hyperventilation techniques. Authors interested in submitting an article may submit a one-page abstract (in English or Spanish) explaining the objectives and scope of the paper, or may send the final paper if it is ready. Submissions may go to contact@transpersonaljournal.com.
17. Now Available: The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Transpersonal Psychology
The newly published 700-page Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Transpersonal Psychology is the largest and most comprehensive volume published to date on the transpersonal field. Contributors to the field also include more women and international scholars than ever before. Learn more…
Looking for more ways to get involved? Check out our Student Resources page!