Israel Embraces Research on MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD
March 31, 2020
Dear friends and supporters,
On February 26, 2020, the first two participants completed treatment in our Phase 3 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Israel. The Phase 3 studies, taking place at two sites in Israel, are part of the international series of Phase 3 clinical trials sponsored by MAPS, intended to make MDMA-assisted psychotherapy a legal prescription treatment for PTSD under U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. The combined results of the Phase 3 trials, from 15 sites in the U.S., Canada, and Israel, are expected by the end of 2021. Israel is also the first government to approve a Compassionate Use program for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, which will allow 50 patients to receive the treatment outside of Phase 3 clinical trials. The Israeli Ministry of Health granted $500,000 in medical and hospital services to MAPS in support of the Compassionate Use of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in Israel.Read our press release here.
Tickets for our Psychedelic Science 2020 Webinar Series are now available! Explore the latest advancements in psychedelic research, medicine, and policy with host Bia Labate, Ph.D., and leaders in the field of psychedelic research. We’ll explore the medical and therapeutic uses of MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and more. All sessions will be live, and will take place on Thursdays between April 9 and May 21, 2020, from 12:00 PM PDT to 1:30 PM PDT. You’ll have the chance to ask your questions and have them answered in real time. All registration proceeds help expand psychedelic research and education.
$35 – Individual Session
$150 – Full Series (Save $95!)
On March 11, 2020, an episode of the 3rd hour of TODAY on NBC features Rachel Yehuda, Ph.D., PTSD researcher and Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience and Vice-Chair for Veteran Affairs at the Icahn School of Medicine. “We’ve just opened up a center at Mt. Sinai, The Center For Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma … in order to be able to harness therapeutic properties of psychedelics,” explains Rachel Yehuda, Ph.D. Learn more about Rachel Yehuda’s research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics on May 21, 2020, as part of the Psychedelic Science 2020 Webinar Series session, Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy.
On March 21, 2020, MAPS Director of Research Development and Regulatory Affairs Berra Yazar-Klosinski, Ph.D., will be presentingMAPS research at Pushing the Envelope in Psychiatric Treatments hosted by The Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, California. The event has been moved to a webinar.
Videos from the Entheogeneration speaker series are now available online. Hosted by MAPS and the Zendo Project at Burning Man 2019, the series covers a wide variety of educational presentations featuring topics that explore the latest research and healing opportunities for humanity, how to address issues of inclusion and access, strategies to protect indigenous plant medicine traditions and more, from the brightest leaders active in the field today.
We are continuing to accept applications for research volunteers for MAPS-sponsored Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. However, due to the Covid-19, the research itself has been paused to new volunteers but we can still start the screening process. Volunteers in this study will help us better understand if MDMA-assisted psychotherapy works for the treatment of PTSD. MAPS conducts clinical trials under the guidance and regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in collaboration with all federal regulators, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). For more information on study participation, please visit our website.
The Way of the Psychonaut by Stanislav Grof, M.D., Ph.D., is available for purchase in the MAPS Store and on Amazon. One of the most important books ever written about the human psyche and the spiritual quest, this comprehensive work is possibly Grof’s greatest contribution. Purchase the two-book paperback set in the MAPS Store or buy eBook Volume 1 and eBook Volume 2 on Amazon.
In this month’s edition of the MAPS Newsletter, you’ll also learn:
- MAPS and MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC) have newly available career opportunities
- Digital versions of MAPS-published books are available on Kindle and can be purchased on Amazon!
- The twenty-ninth participant receives experimental treatment in our ongoing study of the effects of MDMA on the startle response
Follow MAPS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and reddit.
We wish you safety and ease during these potentially stressful times.
With appreciation,
Amy Mastrine
MAPS Web and Email Marketing Associate
Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy
Phase 3 Trials of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD: Now Enrolling
We are currently seeking research volunteers for Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Volunteers will help contribute to scientific knowledge and will help us better understand if MDMA-assisted psychotherapy works for the treatment of PTSD. MAPS conducts clinical trials under the guidance and regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in collaboration with all federal regulators, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). To learn more about our clinical trials or apply to be a study participant, visit our website: mdmaptsd.org.
Startle Testing with MDMA: Twenty-Ninth Participant Receives Experimental Treatment
On March 11, 2020, the twenty-ninth participant completed experimental treatment in our ongoing study of the effect of MDMA on startle testing in healthy volunteers. Led by Principal Investigator Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D., this study is conducted at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. • Learn More
MDMA Therapy Training Program Update: February 2020
Happy spring from the MDMA Therapy Training Program! The Training and Supervision Department is currently focused on supervision, adherence rating, and video programs to support Phase 3 studies in the U.S., Canada, Israel, and European Union (E.U.). The training team is supporting preparations for the Expanded Access program for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD and is focusing on curriculum development to support the growth of the training program for the years ahead. There are no dates scheduled for 2020 trainings yet. Dates, locations, and tuition fees for the 2020 training year will be announced through the MDMA Therapy Training Program Newsletter. Stay tuned to the Training Newsletter for more updates.
Sites in the U.S. and U.S. territories interested in consideration for the MDMA/PTSD protocol may now apply with MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC) to assess eligibility and obtain the prerequisite training to administer MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. The basic requirements of a qualified site are 1) treatment facility conducive to MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, 2) therapy team, qualified and able to complete MDMA Therapy Training Program, and 3) prescribing physician who can obtain a DEA Schedule I license for MDMA.
Additional site and practitioner requirements are posted on the MAPS PBC website. Each site must submit one site questionnaire and all applicants interested in training need to complete a therapy training application for providers. Only applicants affiliated with a qualifying site can be considered for training at this time. MAPS PBC will review applications on an ongoing basis, as they are received. The MAPS PBC Therapy Provider Connect Portal is a community discussion forum for therapy providers, physicians and facilities to connect with one another to develop a site or treatment staff, in order to become eligible to participate in a MAPS PBC MDMA/PTSD protocol.
The MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC) Training and Supervision Department is hiring a Video Systems Developer (Contractor) to support the implementation of new features, provide support with the optimization of existing systems, and develop scalable, fast, and robust web-based solutions. Please visit our careers webpage to read more about the position and apply.
Sign up for the Training Program Newsletter to receive updates on upcoming trainings. • Learn More
Zendo Project: Event Cancellations
Given current community health recommendations surrounding COVID-19, we have cancelled the psychedelic peer support training scheduled for April 25 in Nashville, TN. We hope to reschedule this training event in Nashville in the coming 3-6 months as the situation improves. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as we move through these times and find the best date to reschedule this event.
Lightning in a Bottle has been cancelled for Memorial Day weekend. More information can be found here.
All relevant Zendo Project event and application updates will be sent via our newsletter and announced on our website. Any changes to our summer events calendar will be communicated via these routes.
Support MAPS
February 2020 Giving Report: MAPS Raises $92,773 in Donations and Pledges
In February 2020, we raised $92,773 in new donations and pledges from 678 supporters. Of that amount, $90,679 was for general support, $253 for Phase 3, $809 for harm reduction, and $250 for ibogaine research. Additional funds were raised for fiscal sponsorships ($96,877).
We extend a special thanks to those who so generously supported MAPS last month:
General Support
- Frank & Susan Kavanaugh via The Kavanaugh Philanthropy Fund – $25,000
- Claudine Liss – $10,000
- George Wiel – $10,000
- Dr. Jeff Crawford via the Edward C. Crawford Family Memorial Fund – $5,000
- The Ettinger Foundation – $5,000
- Donovan Kearns via Elevation Chemicals in partnership with RollSafe.org – $4,815
- Darren Fortunato – $2,000
- Gerry Ohrstrom – $1,500
- Jo Ann Uttal-Gold via the Gold Charitable Fund – $1,000
- Eva & Brendan Dillon – $1,000
- Carly Taylor – $1,000
- Clifford Perlman – $1,000
Fiscal Sponsors
- Spencer Stewart & Stephanie Ansin – Visions of the Forest ($60,000)
- Frank & Susan Kavanaugh via The Kavanaugh Philanthropy Fund – VETS ($25,000)
- Dr. Bronner’s – Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines ($6,000)
- Auryn Fund – Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines ($3,000)
- Philip Ryan – VETS ($1,000)
MAPS relies on the generosity of individual donors to achieve its mission. Psychedelic science is again being conducted under federal guidelines, but no funding for psychedelic psychotherapy research is yet available from governments or major foundations.
Together, we can legalize psychedelic medicine.
Donate now at maps.org/donate. Learn how to include MAPS in your will or estate plans.
We’re Hiring!
MAPS, MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), and MAPS Europe are currently hiring!
MAPS:
- Financial Controller
Santa Cruz, California, or Oakland, California, Remote Considered
MAPS Public Benefit Corporation:
- Chief Financial Officer
Santa Cruz, California, or Oakland, California, Remote Considered - Financial Controller
Santa Cruz, California, or Oakland, California, Remote Considered - Director of CMC
Remote - Manager, CMC Regulatory
Remote - IMP Supply Manager
Remote - Administrative Assistant for Clinical Operations
Oakland preferred or Santa Cruz, California - Clinical Study Assistant
Oakland preferred or Santa Cruz, California - Clinical Research Associate
Remote - Video Systems Developer (Contractor)
Remote with occasional visits Santa Cruz, California - Study Coordinator
Fort Collins, Colorado
MAPS Europe:
- Clinical Research Associates
Finland, Germany, and Portugal - Independent Rater
Norway, Portugal, Germany and Finland - Video Systems Support Specialist
European Union - Clinical Program Lead
European Union, Remote
You can support psychedelic science by referring qualified applicants to these open positions.
Media
Featured Media: March 2020
MAPS in the Media:
- PRESS RELEASE: Israel Embraces Research on MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD
- Written on February 26, 2020
- Untangle Podcast: Rick Doblin – How Legal Psychedelics Work to Deepen Our Self Awareness
- February 19, 2020
- Mount Sinai: Five Things to Know About MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD
- February 20, 2020
- Forbes: Podcast Host Joe Rogan Is Steadily Documenting A Psychedelic Record Of The 21st Century
- February 27, 2020
- EDM Identity: Zendo Project and MAPS Release Entheogeneration Speaker Series From Burning Man
- February 29, 2020
- Brut MDMA as a Treatment for PTSD
- March 7, 2020
Psychedelic News
- The American Journal of Psychiatry: Psychedelics and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
- February 26, 2020
- The Growth Op: Psychedelics Therapy Is Promising, But Need Exists to Guard Against Sexual Abuse in MDMA Therapy
- March 4, 2020
MAPS Store
Digital versions of MAPS-published books are available on Kindle and can be purchased on Amazon!
- The Ketamine Papers
- The Manual of Psychedelic Support
- The Healing Journey
- LSD: My Problem Child
- Honor Thy Daughter
- The Secret Chief Revealed
- Healing With Entactogens
- Ketamine Dreams and Realities
- The Way of the Psychonaut Volume 1
- The Way of the Psychonaut Volume 2
Events
Browse our Event Calendar page for more opportunities.
Fantastic Fungi Film Screenings, Online, International
Fantastic Fungi, a new documentary directed by Louie Schwartzberg, is an important scientific exploration of the little-known realm of fungi, featuring interviews with well-known figures like Paul Stamets, Michael Pollan, and Andrew Weil, M.D. Watch the film online. • Learn More
Head Talks with Shane Mauss Tour, United States
Shane Mauss is an award-winning stand-up comedian, science podcaster and a psychedelic advocate. Head Talks is his new tour where he is joined by a psychedelic researcher in each city for a show combining all three of his worlds into one two-hour show. You’ll get psychedelic comedy, a science talk, a Q&A, and a community meet & greet in one event. • Learn More
Fantastic Fungi Film Screening, March 26, 2020, London, United Kingdom
The Psychedelic Society is proud to share Fantastic Fungi with the world on Fantastic Fungi Day. On March 26th, 2020 , Fantastic Fungi Day is bringing the fungi kingdom and all of its inspiration and beauty above ground for a one-of-a-kind immersive consciousness-shifting screening event that will interconnect global communities as we mirror the wisdom of the underground mycelium network and connect with one another. Fantastic Fungi will screen in 500+ venues across the globe followed by a conversation with award-winning Director Louie Schwartzberg , renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, and other luminary special guests.•Learn More
The Future of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, Online, April 3, 2020
After decades of stalled progress, a new wave of clinical research involving psychedelic compounds shows promising results for treating depression, addiction, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. MDMA is at the forefront of this psychiatric research. This evening talk for the general public will use the presenter’s experiences as MDMA research therapists to introduce and explore this exciting new frontier in mental health care, including discussing drug effects, the accompanying psychotherapy protocol, and the MAPS research program. • Learn More
Psychedelics 101 and 102, April 4-5, 2020, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
This 2-day online training offered by psychologists Ingmar Gorman and Elizabeth Nielson is designed for clinicians and healthcare providers who want to learn more about current psychedelic research and clinical practice, including how to work with patients who have a history of psychedelic use or have expressed an interest in using psychedelics. This interactive training includes role plays, demonstrations, case examples, and experiential learning opportunities. • Learn More
Meditation and Psychotherapy: Learning from Non-Ordinary States, May 1-2, 2020, Boston, Massachusetts
Non-ordinary states of consciousness have played an important role in psychotherapy since its inception. This course will explore the history, science, neurobiology, and ethical and legal issues that arise when working with non-ordinary states of consciousness, especially psychedelics. It is intended for mental health, medical, and other professionals who want a deeper understanding of non-ordinary states and their therapeutic potential. • Learn More
The Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research, September 24-26, 2020, Haarlem, The Netherlands
This is the fourth edition of the Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research. ICPR 2020 takes place from Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26, 2020, in the beautiful city of Haarlem, The Netherlands. ICPR 2020 is an academic conference focused on high quality scientific and scholarly research into psychedelics. Many academic disciplines have important contributions to make within the field of psychedelic studies. ICPR aims to bridge and connect these disciplines, and to facilitate a dialogue between the diverse academic fields and researchers involved in the study of psychedelics. • Learn More
Participate in Psychedelic Research
MDMA Studies Sponsored by MAPS
MAPS sponsors clinical trials around the world that offer volunteers the opportunity to participate in our research studies. Our studies have strict enrollment criteria based on the goal of the study and the condition the study is investigating.
Phase 3 trial participant enrollment is now open. Please bookmark our Participate in Research page and check it frequently for updates.
University College London (UCL) Psychedelic Survey
Researchers based at University College London (UCL) are aiming to better understand the relationship between psychedelic drug use and characteristics of people who have used them at least once. We are firstly interested to learn about both the ‘mystical’ and challenging experiences which can occur. We are also interested in psychedelic drug use in people who do and do not meditate, and finally in whether psychedelic use is related to mental health. • Take the Survey
More News
Military and Veteran Perceptions of Psychedelics
Researchers at Austin Peay State University are looking for United Stated active duty and veteran military members from all branches to participate in an online research study. The study will take about 40 minutes and assess military and veteran perceptions of psychedelics. Participation is completely voluntary and your answers will be kept anonymous. For questions please contact principal investigator, Roxanne Hallisey (rhallisey@my.apsu.edu) or Dr. Emily Pica (picae@apsu.edu). • Learn More
The Psychedelic Renaissance Documentary Film Series
The crowdfunding campaign for The Psychedelic Renaissance documentary film series is re-launching! Watch the crowdfunding video and help us to co-create this timely and important project. Contribute funds or share the campaign with your network via email, social media, and word of mouth. By sharing and contributing to this project, you’ll directly support removing harmful stigma from psychedelic substance use, and contribute to making these valuable substances available for everyone. • Learn More
Liberate Plant Teachers: Help Grow the Ayahuasca Defense Fund
The ICEERS Ayahuasca Defense Fund (ADF) helps people who have been arrested by uniting state-of-the-art legal, scientific, community, and public policy expertise. In addition to providing educational information to prevent legal incidents, we promote best practices and sensible policy that respects indigenous cultural heritage and human rights. • Learn More
The Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research: Europe’s Psychedelic Science Renaissance Has Started
The past decade has seen a new wave of academic research into psychedelicsThis piece gives the most complete overview of the current wave of psychedelic science happening on the European continent. • Read the Article
Job Opening: Associate Director of the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research Certificate Program at California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)
California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco, California, is hiring an Associate Director of the Psychedelic Therapies and Research Certificate Program (CPTR). This is a multidimensional role; the Associate Director will be responsible for administration of the communication, educational, and technological needs of the Center and for oversight of the operation of the certificate program in collaboration with the Center Director. • Learn More
Thank you to Dr. Bronner’s for their company’s support of the MAPS Newsletter!