Summer 1994 Vol. 05, No. 1 Politics and Protocols: In Search of a Balance
Good news regarding the continuation of our studies in the field of experimental psychosis in Germany: We have finished the study with psilocybin (N=12 volunteers, double blind with placebo). The aim of the study was to assess the changes of facial expression and cognitive functions during the drug’s action, and to evaluate psilocybin metabolism and pharmocokinetics. The results will be published in different well-known journals.
We are now beginning comparative studies with psilocybin, MDE, methamphetamine, and placebo using Positron Emission Tomography (PET), VEP, and different neuropsychological assessment strategies.
Another pilot study (8 volunteers, double blind) will be conducted with R and S- enantiomers (isomers) of MDMA using functional Magnetic Resonance techniques and different psychometric scales in order to understand the basic differential mechanisms of action of the entactogens. We assume that the S-MDMA represents the pure entactogenic effects and can be distinguished from the racemic MDMA (Hermle, Spitzer, and Kovar).
Editor’s note: Every molecule is actually a composite of its R- and S-enantiomers, two identically structured molecules which are the mirror image of each other. Because of the exquisite sensitivity of the human brain, the R- and the S- enantiomer of a particular molecule often have different effects. Racemic MDMA refers to MDMA in which both enantiomers are present in equal proportions. Racemic MDMA is what is being used in Dr. Grob’s research, and is also what is sold in the illicit market.
