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MAPS Email Newsletter:
LSD Study Accepted for Publication;
Workshop Videos Now Available Online
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January 10, 2014
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2013 was a momentous year for psychedelic research. From hosting over 1,900 attendees at the Psychedelic Science 2013 conference and fundraising that exceeded our expectations, to almost doubling our Facebook following and planning for the prescription approval of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we made some outstanding strides.
2014 is off to an excellent start, with the results of our completed Swiss study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening illness accepted for publication in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease. This will be the first new study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy published in over 40 years, and will help open the door for further research into the beneficial uses of LSD.
Here are more highlights from the January 2014 edition of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Email Newsletter:
- Our ongoing studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in Colorado and Israel continue treating subjects.
- Videos from the Psychedelics Track at the 2013 International Drug Policy Reform Conference are now available on our YouTube channel.
- Dr. Sue Sisley sets the record straight about how the National Institute on Drug Abuse prevents research to make marijuana into a prescription medicine.
- Dr. Richard Rockefeller speaks with Dr. Larry Brilliant about healing trauma with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy at the Commonwealth Club of California.
- The all-new anthology Manifesting Minds: A Review of Psychedelics in Science, Medicine, Sex, and Spirituality, released January 7, 2014, is now available on the MAPS Store.
Join the growing conversation about psychedelic and medical marijuana research—join our 60,000+ Facebook followers and connect with us on YouTube, Twitter, and Google+.
As we make such clear and undeniable progress towards our mission, we deepen our commitment to creating safe contexts for the beneficial uses of psychedelics and marijuana. Thank you for being part of this change.
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For creating spaces,
 Brad Burge MAPS Director of Communications and Marketing |
- Switzerland: Paper Accepted for Publication in Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
- Boulder: Fifth Subject Treated; DEA Approves Expanded Protocol
- Israel: Third Subject Receives Second Experimental Treatment Session
- New Zealand: 12th Subject Enrolled
- Indiegogo Campaign Raises Over $44,000 for Ongoing Study in Veterans
- December Giving: A Reason to Celebrate the New Year!
- Donor Will Double the Next 10 Bitcoins Raised
- Medscape, Alternet, Midwest Real, and more…
- Manifesting Minds by Rick Doblin and Brad Burge (Eds.)
- Neurons to Nirvana: Understanding Psychedelic Medicines DVD
- Confrontation with the Unconscious by Scott J. Hill
- Volunteers Needed for Zendo Project at Envision Festival in Costa Rica
- Aya: Awakenings Film Screening and Q&A: February 8, Santa Cruz, CA
- Ethnobotanical Stewardship Council Leads Webinar on the Ayahuasca Dialogues
- Claudio Naranjo to Lead First Enneagram Workshop in the U.S. in 40 Years
- Change.org Petition for YouTube to Restore KnowDrugsdotnet Videos
LSD-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety
Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy
Ibogaine-Assisted Therapy for Drug Addiction
Support MAPS
Media
MAPS Store
Psychedelic Harm Reduction
Events
More News
David Nichols, Ph.D., and Franz Vollenweider, Ph.D., present the latest advances in psychedelic neuroscience in an all-day workshop at Psychedelic Science 2013. More workshop videos…
LSD-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR ANXIETY
1. Switzerland: Paper Accepted for Publication in Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
On December 23, 2013, the results of our completed Swiss study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening illness were accepted for publication in the peer-reviewed Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease. This will be the first paper published about a new study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy in over 40 years! The paper will be available for free download once it is published. This double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study in 12 subjects found positive trends in the reduction of anxiety following two LSD-assisted psychotherapy sessions. The study results also indicate that LSD-assisted psychotherapy can be safely administered in these subjects, and justify further research. To learn more about the history and significance of this study, see Principal Investigator Dr. Peter Gasser’s update in the Spring 2013 MAPS Bulletin. Learn more…
This study is complete and has been fully funded.
TREATING PTSD WITH MDMA-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY
2. Boulder: Fifth Subject Treated; DEA Approves Expanded Protocol
On December 20, 2013, the fifth subject received their first experimental treatment in our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in Boulder, Colorado. The same day, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration approved an amended protocol for the study (which we submitted on November 18) adding five subjects for a third dose group of 100 mg, increasing the size of study from 12 to 17 subjects. The second subject dropped out after one treatment session due to scheduling difficulties, and reported that they felt somewhat improved. The amendment was approved by an independent review board on November 6, and cleared the 30-day FDA review period on November 25. Learn more…
$582,000 estimated study cost • $193,000 raised • $389,000 still needed
Watch the What Can Psychedelics Teach Us About Drug Misuse and Addiction? panel from the 2013 International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Denver, CO. More videos available on YouTube.
3. Israel: Third Subject Receives Second Experimental Treatment Session
On January 2, 2014, the third subject received their second experimental treatment in our ongoing Israeli study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for 10 subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. The first subject was treated on April 17, 2013. Learn more...
$463,000 estimated study cost • $39,000 raised • $423,000 still needed
Learn more about MDMA-assisted psychotherapy on 
or at mdmaptsd.org.
IBOGAINE-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR DRUG ADDICTION
4. New Zealand: 12th Subject Enrolled
On December 13, 2013, the 12th subject was enrolled in our ongoing observational study of ibogaine-assisted treatment for opioid dependence in New Zealand. 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
5. Indiegogo Campaign Raises Over $44,000 for Ongoing Study in Veterans
Between Veterans Day, November 11, and December 31, 2013, more than 420 contributors from 19 countries raised over $44,000 out of our ambitious $50,000 goal to help complete our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for veterans, firefighters, and police officers with PTSD. Direct contributions through Indiegogo totaled $28,799, and Mr. René A. Ruiz and Dr. Susan M. M. Ruiz gave an inspiring $10,000 matching donation. The campaign’s momentum also inspired a bitcoin donation worth $5,000, and an additional matching pledge of 10 bitcoins from a supporter inspired by our campaign. All these funds will help complete our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for veterans, firefighters, and police officers with PTSD. Thank you to everyone who donated or spread the word to help complete this study and spread awareness about MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treating PTSD. Learn more...
6. December Giving: A Reason to Celebrate the New Year!
In December 2013, 679 donors gave $333,701 and 19.55815116 bitcoins for a total of $346,432 to support MAPS’ research and education programs. This year-end effort took us over the $1-million-dollar mark for funds raised for our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for veterans with PTSD—only $372,000 left to raise!
Download the all-new Winter 2013 MAPS Bulletin, featuring our 2013 Annual Report, original articles, and much more.
Our gratitude goes out to everyone who gave to our year-end campaigns, to the Riverstyx Foundation for its $80,000 gift for our MDMA-assisted psychotherapy drug development program, and to the Mental Insight Foundation for a $50,000 grant for our veterans study. Thanks to Board members John Gilmore for his $30,000 gift and David Bronner for his fourth $25,000 gift this year, both for general use. Anton Bilton gave $25,000 for our veterans study, and Mr. René A. Ruiz and Dr. Susan M. M. Ruiz gave a $10,000 matching gift to inspire Indiegogo gifts for our veterans study. Carey & Claudia Turnbull gave the final $5,000 of their $25,000 pledge for the Boulder study. Carolyn Kleefield gave $5,000 in honor of MAPS Founder Rick Doblin. Jeffrey Crawford gave $5,000, Alexander Haskell gave $4,500, Jeremy Tarcher gave $3,500, Devera and Michael Witkin gave $2,500, and Florence Kuhlmann gave $1,500, all for general use. Mack Fuhrer gave $2,000 for marijuana research, an anonymous donor gave $1,800 for the veterans study, and Julie Holland gave $1,141 for marijuana and MDMA studies. Thanks to everyone who gave $1,000: Jerry Greenfield, Paul Eastham, Richard Louis Miller, Pam and Don Lichty, Leigh Marz and Michael Ziegler, Mitchell Haworth, Anne St Goar, and Micah Elizabeth Scott and Robb Allan for our veterans study through Indiegogo. We are also grateful to the 20 people who generously gave between $500 and $999, for a total of $10,918, and to the 587 people who gave between $1 and $499 for a total of $31,993. An additional 14 people gave $29,990 to our fiscal sponsorship projects, including the Ethnobotanical Stewardship Council, Neurons to Nirvana, Bluelight, Project CBD, and Yawanawa.
While our staff and volunteers do a great deal of the work, none of it could happen without our donors. Thank you for helping us make our shared dreams real!
Help us make psychedelics and marijuana into prescription medicines—donate today!
7. Donor Will Double the Next 10 Bitcoins Raised
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Inspired by the $10,000 matching grant for our Indiegogo campaign, a generous supporter has offered to match the next 10 bitcoin donations! This is your chance to double your support of MAPS while showing how your bitcoins really can help change the world. Learn more….
Note: To avoid scams, donate BTC via the MAPS website only. We will only ask for BTC donations via the MAPS website, and never through third-party wallet addresses. Questions/comments? Contact Brian Brown at brown@maps.org or call +1 (831) 429-6362.
MEDIA
8. Medscape, AlterNet, Midwest Real, and more…
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Medscape: Tuning In to Psychedelics’ Therapeutic Potential | view
Nancy A. Melville | December 30, 2013
AZ Capitol Times: Study of Marijuana Use for Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Remains Frozen | view
Dr. Sue Sisley | December 23, 2013
Midwest Real: Man Plans God Laughs | listen
Michael Nelson | December 16, 2013
AlterNet: Why the Miraculous Healing Properties of Weed Are Driving a Decorated Veteran on a Mission | view
April Short | December 17, 2013
Medscape: Psychedelic Medicine Worth the Trip? | view
Dr. David Nutt and Dr. Bret Stetka | December 13, 2013
Entheoradio: Manifesting Minds Interview with Brad Burge of MAPS | listen
Hugh T. Alkemi | January 7, 2014
SantaCruz.com: Santa Cruz Group Scrutinizes Powerful Psychedelic | view
Maria Grusauskas | January 7, 2014
MAPS STORE
9. Manifesting Minds by Rick Doblin and Brad Burge (Eds.)
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Manifesting Minds: edited by Rick Doblin, Ph.D., and Brad Burge 304 pages | Evolver Editions | Released January 7, 2014 “The varieties of psychedelic experience are boundless and beyond words, but this enlightening anthology manages to map much of that ineffable territory. Thank you, MAPS, for helping us understand the science and the spirit that support this endless journey.” $19.95 | Now available |
10. Neurons to Nirvana: Understanding Psychedelic Medicines DVD
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Neurons to Nirvana: 60 minutes | Mangusta Productions | 2013 Through interviews with the world’s foremost researchers, writers, psychologists and pioneers in psychedelic psychotherapy, Neurons to Nirvana: Understanding Psychedelic Medicine explores the history of five powerful psychedelic substances—LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, ayahuasca, and cannabis—and their previously established medicinal potential. $25.00 | Now available |
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11. Confrontation with the Unconscious by Scott J. Hill
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Confrontation with the Unconscious: by Scott J. Hill, Ph.D. 250 pages | Muswell Hill Press | 2013 Confrontation with the Unconscious intertwines psychedelic research and depth psychology to explore the value of C.G. Jung’s work for understanding difficult psychedelic experiences and promoting safe and effective psychedelic exploration and psychotherapy. “The wisdom in this book offers hope that we can heal the psychological wounds and political divisions of the past, objectively assess the benefits as well as the risks of psychedelics, and move toward a more informed and mature application of these valuable substances.” $24.95 | Now available |
PSYCHEDELIC HARM REDUCTION
12. Volunteers Needed for Zendo Project at Envision Festival in Costa Rica
Join MAPS Harm Reduction Coordinator Linnae Ponté, Co-Coordinator Sara Girón, and Zendo Project volunteers at Envision Festival in Uvita, Costa Rica, from February 20-23, 2014. Volunteers will be available around the clock to provide compassionate emotional support for anyone having a difficult psychedelic experience. A public harm reduction training will take place onsite on February 20. If you are comfortable helping others work through non-ordinary states of consciousness and are interested in volunteering, contact zendo@maps.org for more information. Download the Zendo Project Harm Reduction Manual. Learn more…
EVENTS
13. Aya Awakenings Film Screening and Q&A: February 8, Santa Cruz, CA
Join Aya: Awakenings director Rak Razam and MAPS on Saturday, February 8, from 7:00 to 10:00 PM at the Pacific Cultural Center in Santa Cruz, CA, for a screening and Q&A. Aya: Awakenings is a narrative documentary into the world and visions of ayahuasca shamanism. Buy tickets now or RSVP on Facebook.
MORE NEWS
14. Ethnobotanical Stewardship Council Leads Webinar on the Ayahuasca Dialogues
MAPS is the non-profit fiscal sponsor to the Ethnobotanical Stewardship Council (ESC), a new organization dedicated to assuring the sustainability and safe use of traditional plants. On January 20, 2014, at 6PM EST, join Dennis McKenna, Rick Doblin, and the founder of the ESC for a detailed webinar overview of the ESC’s flagship project, the Ayahuasca Dialogues. Learn how the ESC plans to work with the global ayahuasca community through the Ayahuasca Dialogues to establish consensus on the sustainability and safe use of this ancient medicine at the retreat center level. Learn more…
Learn about Rating Adherence and Training Therapists in MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD Research in the Winter 2013 MAPS Bulletin.
15. Claudio Naranjo to Lead First Enneagram Workshop in the U.S. in 40 Years
Chilean psychiatrist Claudio Naranjo will host his first Enneagram/Seekers After Truth (SAT) Program workshop in the United States since 1971 from March 10-19, 2014, at the Saratoga Springs Retreat Center in California. The SAT Program, based on the Enneagram personality system, is a comprehensive training program aimed at promoting human psycho-spiritual development. The registration price for the 10-day workshop includes the course fee plus accommodation. Learn more…
16. Change.org Petition for YouTube to Restore KnowDrugsdotnet Videos
From KnowDrugs.net: In December 2013, YouTube removed all but five of our videos after one, from a professional ibogaine treatment provider discussing the traditional use of the plant medicine in West Africa, was flagged. This, despite telling us we were ‘not in violation of our Terms of Service.’ Years of hard work were destroyed with the touch of a button and no reasonable explanation. We are asking that our videos, all of them with attached comment threads, be returned. Learn more…
Looking for more ways to get involved? Check out our Student Resources page!