Summer 2013 Vol. 23, No. 2 Research Edition
Motherboard, July 3, 2013
“Can a Low Dose Go a Long Way?” by Brian Anderson.
Motherboard explores the concept and effects of “micro-dosing” with psychedelic substances such as LSD. Psychedelic researcher and author James Fadiman is profiled and quoted in the article, adding further insight into this under-explored area of research.
The Joe Rogan Experience, June 30, 2013
“Joe Rogan Experience #371 – Rick Doblin” by Joe Rogan.
Rick Doblin and Joe Rogan talk about the politics of psychedelic research, human rights, the future of psychedelic therapy, and the importance of awe-inspiring moments on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
The New York Times, June 21, 2013
“Molly: Pure, but Not So Simple” by Irina Aleksander.
The New York Times shares the history of research into MDMA as an adjunct to therapy while exploring how “Molly” has become more prominent in popular culture. “As we move more and more electronic, people are extremely hungry for the opposite: human interaction on a deeper level where you’re not rushing around,” explains MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin. He adds, “The rise of Molly is in tune with how people are feeling emotionally.”
Time, June 14, 2013
“Drug War Blocking Potential Treatments for Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Journal Claims” by Maia Szalavitz.
Time explains how potential treatments for Alzheimer’s, cancer, depression, and more are facing obstacles preventing scientific research. ““People have not even realized how much research and how many possible new treatments have been blocked by drug laws,” says Professor David Nutt, author of a newly published paper about drug laws and how they affect science and medicine.”
Smithsonian Magazine, June 10, 2013
“Could “Magic” Mushrooms Be Used to Treat Anxiety and Depression?” by Joseph Stromberg.
Smithsonian Magazine’s blog looks at the potential medical benefits of using psilocybin mushrooms, including how the substance may provide benefits to people suffering from depression and anxiety when administered to volunteers in a clinical setting. The abundance of research into psilocybin and other psychedelics presented at Psychedelic Science 2013 is highlighted, revealing an optimistic perspective on the future of psychedelic studies.
Policymic, June 7, 2013
“The Raver’s Cure – Soldiers’ PTSD Could Be Treated With MDMA” by Roy Klabin.
Policymic comments on the current state of MDMA research, going into detail about how soldiers and veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD may eventually benefit from research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. The article points out that public perception of MDMA is beginning to shift from thinking of it as a party drug to thinking of it as a way to efficiently help heal people with serious trauma.
BBC News, June 6, 2013
“Could Ecstasy Help Treat Soldiers with PTSD?” by Sharon Weinberger.
BBC News explores research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), highlighting quotes from researchers, professors, and a veteran who participated in an ongoing study.
Scientific American, June 2, 2013
“Hallucinogens Could Ease Existential Terror” by Erica Rex.
Scientific American examines research into psychedelics including LSD and psilocybin as therapeutic adjuncts for helping people alleviate anxiety associated with advanced-stage illnesses, reviewing current and past research conducted by major psychedelic research organizations.
The Chronicle of Higher Education, June 2 , 2013
“Psychedelic Academe” by Zoë Corbyn.
The Chronicle of Higher Education provides a comprehensive review of Psychedelic Science 2013, featuring a summary of the event, a profile on researcher Charles Grob, and informative thoughts about the current and past state of psychedelic research.