Newsletter: April 2021 - Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies

April 2021: A Historic Month for Psychedelic Science

April 28, 2021

Dear friends and supporters,

April is a historic month for psychedelic science. On April 19, we celebrated Bicycle Day, a curated event hosted by psychedelic advocates within our community, for the 78th anniversary of the discovery of the psychedelic properties of LSD. Dr. Albert Hofmann first suspected the psychedelic effects of LSD through a possible accidental exposure to the substance on April 16, 1943, then conducted a planned experiment on April 19 to test his hypothesis that his experience on April 16 was from LSD. After April 19, 1943, LSD quickly became recognized for its possible therapeutic effects.

Throughout this month, MAPS is continuing to celebrate our 35th anniversary, which took place on April 8! Since 1986, MAPS has spent over three and a half decades researching new modalities for mass mental health. As we look towards the future, we will continue to transform minds and build a global community which collectively values healing for all. In the spirit of this, we are excited to share the reimagined MAPS logo.

We are still seeking research volunteers for Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Trials are recruiting in Charleston, South Carolina; Boulder, Colorado; Fort Collins, Colorado; Boston, Massachusetts; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Madison, Wisconsin; San Francisco, California; and Tel Aviv, Israel. Volunteers will help contribute to scientific knowledge and will help us better understand if MDMA-assisted therapy works for treatment of PTSD. MAPS conducts clinical trials under the guidance and regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in collaboration with 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.

We’re excited to offer a commemorative enamel pin to the first 1,500 monthly MAPS donors. Wear your psychedelic support on your sleeve! This pin is exclusively available to our most dedicated supporters. All proceeds support psychedelic research and education. Become a monthly donor today to receive this unique offer.

Take a look at our new video that illustrates the history of MAPS, our mission, and our work. The video includes details about our efforts to gain FDA approval for MDMA-assisted therapy, establish research sites, train therapists, and provide education about psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Mark your calendars for upcoming Psychedelic Science events by MAPS!

Starting next month, MAPS will host the next edition of the Psychedelic Science Webinar Series, taking place from May 13 – June 17. Explore the latest advancements in psychedelic research, medicine, and policy with leaders in the field as they share insights into the latest research into the medical and therapeutic uses of psychedelics. Topics include psychedelics for sports-related injuries, psychedelics for palliative care, cultural considerations, integration, and more.

Psychedelic Science 2023 takes place from June 18-25, 2023, in Denver, Colorado. Be a part of the psychedelic renaissance and join MAPS members, researchers, students, clinicians, advocates, patients, therapists, political leaders, and psychedelic enthusiasts from around the world at this revolutionary event. With a projected 10,000 attendees, Psychedelic Science 2023 is a week-long event featuring three days of lectures from leaders and visionaries from the psychedelic space, pre- and post-conference workshops, an exhibit hall, and a marketplace featuring artists, musicians, and other vendors from around the world.

New job opportunities are available with MAPS, MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), and MAPS Europe! We’re seeking candidates to join our team, including Full Charge Bookkeeper and Senior Accountant. MAPS PBC is hiring a Regulatory Medical Writer, Associate Director of Clinical Operations, Associate Director of Quality Assurance, and many more. MAPS Europe is hiring an Independent Rater.

In this edition of the MAPS Newsletter, you’ll also learn:

The updated MAPS Store has new MAPS merchandise
You can donate to MAPS in cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Monero
Tune in to the Jewish Psychedelic Summit on May 2

The Way of the Psychonaut audiobook is now available on Audible, along with the MAPS Store. The print book and Kindle version of The Way of the Psychonaut is also available for purchase.

Buy Now

Follow MAPS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and reddit.

We have much to celebrate this spring. Thank you for being here with us!

With appreciation,

Amy Mastrine
MAPS Web and Email Marketing Associate

Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy

Multiple Sites Receive IRB Approval for Multi-Site Open-Label Extension Study of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD

Phase 3 Trials of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD: Seeking Research Volunteers

First Session Conducted in Open-Label, Phase 2, Multicenter Feasibility Study of Manualized MDMA-Assisted Therapy with an Optional fMRI Sub-Study Assessing Changes in Brain Activity in Subjects with PTSD in Europe

Study Starting: Long-Term Safety and Persistence of Effectiveness of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD Treatment

MDMA Therapy Training Program Update: April 2021

Support MAPS

March 2021 Giving Report: MAPS Raises Over $1.4 Million for Psychedelic Research and Education

We’re Hiring!

MAPS in the Media

MAPS Store

Proudly show your support for psychedelic science and harm reduction by shopping our new MAPS apparel and accessories in the MAPS Store! Featuring new t-shirts, eco-fleece hoodies, stickers, hats, pins, eye masks, tote bags, and more.• Buy Now

The Way of the Psychonaut audiobook is now available on Audible, along with the MAPS Store. The print book and Kindle version of The Way of the Psychonaut is also available for purchase.

Events

Browse our Event Calendar page for more opportunities.

Jewish Psychedelic Summit, May 1-2, 2021, Online

Join us for two days of panels and discussion featuring psychedelic Jewish luminaries, rabbis, therapists, mystics, and scholars discussing the past, present, and future of psychedelic Judaism. Explore the rituals, history, and healing potential of psychedelics within Jewish practice during our two-day online summit. This conference is virtual and global, meaning that you can participate from anywhere in the world. You can watch it live and network with other conference go-ers, or watch the videos at your own leisure, with access to them after the summit is over. • Learn More

Psychedelic Science Webinars, May 13 – June 17, 2021

In the Psychedelic Science 2021 Webinar Series, you’ll join leaders of the psychedelic renaissance for insights into the latest research into the medical and therapeutic uses of psychedelics. We’ll also get a sneak peek at key issues affecting the wider availability of psychedelics for healing and spirituality, and explore new approaches to harm reduction, and broaden our collective understanding of psychedelics. • Learn More

Polaris Insight Center: Trainings for Clinicians, Now – June 2021, San Francisco, California

Polaris Insight Center provides didactic, experiential, and residential trainings in ketamine-assisted therapy. These programs are designed to provide interested physicians, psychologists, therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals with principles and procedures of KAP and how to use ketamine in combination with psychotherapy in a clinical setting. • Learn More

Telluride Mushroom Festival, August 18-22, 2021, Telluride, Colorado

Since 1981, the Telluride Mushroom Festival has been celebrating all things mycological, from the newest advancements in mushroom science to our famous wild foods dinner demo. Held annually in Telluride, Colorado, TMF is a can’t miss event with a colorful history in one of the most beautiful locations on earth. • Learn More

Psychedelic Science 2023, June 18-25, 2023, Denver, Colorado

With an estimated 10,000 attendees, this week-long event will feature three days of lectures from leaders and visionaries from the psychedelic space, pre- and post-conference workshops, an exhibit hall, and a marketplace featuring artists, musicians, and other vendors from around the world. • 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 MDMA/PTSD trial participant enrollment is now open. Please bookmark our Participate in Research page and check it frequently for updates.