Therapist Training Program Expands in Preparation for Phase 3 Trials
Zendo Project provides psychedelic harm reduction services for over 340 festival attendees (and counting)
June 10, 2016
Dear friends and supporters,
Right now, more government-approved research is taking place into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics than at any time in history. For the last 30 years, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has worked tirelessly to open doors for psychedelic and medical marijuana research, and to enhance public understanding of the risks and benefits of these potent pharmacological tools. Thanks to your support, we are getting results.
We are now preparing the data from our international series of six Phase 2 trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the United States, Canada, Israel, and Switzerland. We will submit the data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this summer, and meet with the FDA in Washington, D.C., this fall to plan the Phase 3 studies required to make MDMA-assisted psychotherapy an approved treatment for PTSD.
Our Phase 3 trials—starting in 2017—will require training of many new therapists in the techniques of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Last month, 19 therapists participated in a one-week training to learn the modality of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as outlined in our newly updated Treatment Manual, watch videos of therapy sessions, and enhance their understanding of the therapeutic approach. Learn more about our Therapist Training Program.
Also in the June 2016 edition of the MAPS Email Newsletter:
- The ninth participant is treated in our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening illness in Marin, Calif.
- The 2016 festival season has arrived—so far this year, the Zendo Project has provided psychedelic harm reduction services for over 340 attendees at large festivals in Costa Rica, South Africa, and California
- MAPS’ psychedelic and medical marijuana research is featured in Popular Science, NBC, Medical Daily, Silicon Valley’s Metro Active, and more
- New books are now available in the MAPS Store, including Psychedelic Drug Treatments: Assisting the Therapeutic Process by Dr. Ben Sessa and Eileen Worthley, and Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences by William A. Richards
Stay informed by following MAPS on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, < strong>reddit, Tumblr, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
With your continued support, we can achieve our mission to restore psychedelics and marijuana to a legitimate place in science, medicine, spirituality, and culture—creating a brighter, healthier future for our families, our communities, our planet, and ourselves.
Upwards together,
Brad Burge
MAPS Director of Communications and Marketing
Contents
Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy
1 Therapist Training Study: 12th Participant Enrolled
2 Therapist Training Program: Group Training Takes Place in Colorado
3 Updated Treatment Manual Now Available Online
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety Associated with Life-Threatening Illness
4 Marin: Ninth Participant Treated; One More Enrolled
Psychedelic Harm Reduction
5 Zendo Project Report: Costa Rica, South Africa, and California
Support MAPS
6 May Giving Report: Raising Awareness in Silicon Valley
Media
7 Popular Science, NBC, Medical Daily, Metro Active and more…
MAPS Store
8 Psychedelic Drug Treatments: Assisting the Therapeutic Process by Dr. Ben Sessa and Eileen Worthley
9 Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences by William A. Richards
Events
10 Women’s Visionary Congress: June 17-19, 2016, Petaluma, Calif.
11 Sumiruna Awakenings Conference: June 23-26, 2016, Bucharest, Romania
12 Float Conference: August 20-21, 2016, Portland, OR
13 Beyond Psychedelics: September 30-August 2, 2016, Prague, Czech Republic
14 Psychedelic Psychotherapy Forum: October 14-15, 2016, Victoria, BC
15 World Ayahuasca Conference: October 17-22, 2016, Rio Branco, Brazil
16 Psychedelic Science 2017: April 19-24, 2017, Oakland, Calif.
Watch the entire MAPS 30th Anniversary Banquet and Celebration online now.
Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy
Therapist Training Study: 12th Participant Enrolled
On May 6, 2016, the 12th participant was enrolled in our ongoing Phase 1 study of the psychological effects of MDMA when taken in a therapeutic setting by healthy volunteers. We are limiting enrollment in this study to therapists in training to work on MAPS-sponsored clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, with enrollment by invitation only. The Principal Investigator of this study is Michael Mithoefer, M.D. On May 27, in preparation for expanding our MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD development program into Phase 3, we submitted a series of amendments to the study protocol to the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The amendments include increasing total enrollment to 100 participants and adding a second site in Boulder, Colorado, under the direction of Marcela Ot’alora, M.A., L.P.C., in order to increase enrollment to cover training needs over the next five years. Learn more…
| $428,000estimated study cost | $35,000raised to date | $393,000still needed |
Donate Nowhelp fund this study |
Therapist Training Program: Group Training Takes Place in Colorado
From April 24-May 1, 2016, 19 therapists participated in a one-week training in the techniques of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in Fort Collins, Colorado. Led by MAPS-sponsored researchers Michael Mithoefer, M.D., Annie Mithoefer, B.S.N., and Marcela Ot’alora, M.A., L.P.C. trainees learned the modality of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as outlined in the Treatment Manual, watched videos of therapy sessions from Phase 2 trials, and dialogued with therapists in training about the therapeutic approach. MAPS’ four-part training program includes two in-person trainings, and is required for co-therapists who will be working on MAPS’ Phase 3 trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy PTSD, which are planned to start in 2017. In-person trainings will be provided in September 2016, October 2016, and January 2017 to accommodate the co-therapists preparing for Phase 3 trials. Learn more…
Updated Treatment Manual Now Available Online
On May 25, 2016, MAPS issued the 8th edition of our Treatment Manual for MDMA-Assisted Therapy in the Treatment of PTSD. The Treatment Manual provides researchers with a standardized method of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to be used as a model in conducting manualized clinical trials. This manual is intended only for use with subjects of an approved clinical trial who have provided their informed consent. Download | Learn more…
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety Associated with Life-Threatening Illness
Marin: Ninth Participant Treated; One More Enrolled
On May 9, 2016, the ninth participant was treated in our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening illness in Marin, Calif. The 10th participant was enrolled on May 12 (after the previous 10th participant relocated and dropped out). Led by Principal Investigator Phil Wolfson, M.D., with co-therapist Julane Andries, LMFT, this study is gathering preliminary data about the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety in 18 subjects diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. “I can live my life right now,” explains study participant Wendy Donner. “That is such a gift for me.” Watch the video | Learn more…
| $627,000estimated study cost | $204,000raised to date | $423,000still needed |
Donate Nowhelp fund this study |
Learn more about current and upcoming research at maps.org.
Psychedelic Harm Reduction
Zendo Project Report: Costa Rica, South Africa, and California
In the first half of 2016, the Zendo Project has provided psychedelic harm reduction for over 340 attendees at large events in Costa Rica, South Africa, and California.
The Zendo Project is an onsite psychedelic harm reduction service that provides a safe space and professionally trained staff to care for individuals at festivals, concerts, and other events where psychedelic substance use may be present. Zendo Project staff and volunteers also work closely with event security, medical response teams, and festival organizers to provide comprehensive psychedelic first aid services. Thank you to all our staff, volunteers, festival organizers, and guests for all your support this festival season!
- From February 25-28, Zendo Project volunteers provided compassionate support for 116 guests at Envision Festival in Costa Rica, and provided water and a space t
o rest for dozens more. - From April 24-30, Zendo Project staff and volunteers traveled to South Africa to help provide psychedelic harm reduction at AfrikaBurn, the world’s largest regional Burning Man event. Zendo Project volunteers partnered with Rangers and local supervisors to create the Sanctuary, which was staffed by over 30 volunteers and utilized by 88 guests over the seven-day event.
- From May 26-30, Zendo Project staff and volunteers to provide psychedelic harm reduction services for 137 guests at Lightning in a Bottle, a four-day event in Bradley, Calif. We also offered a public training and two workshops, including an Intention Ceremony and an Integration Workshop. These services are part of our effort to further develop community engagement, education, and awareness about psychedelic experiences and harm reduction.
Interested in providing psychedelic harm reduction services at this year’s Burning Man? Zendo Project Volunteer Applications are currently open for Burning Man 2016. We will be accepting applications until June 26th. In addition to sitters, we are looking for individuals interested in building and deconstructing the Zendo structure. If you are interested in joining the build or strike crew, please fill out the standard application and then email us directly at zendo@maps.org. Learn more about the Zendo Project at zendoproject.org.
Learn about psychedelic harm reduction by signing up for the Zendo Project Email Newsletter, and following the Zendo Project on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Support MAPS
May Giving Report: Raising Awareness in Silicon Valley
In May 2016, MAPS received nearly $78,000 in donations from over 365 supporters. MAPS participated in Silicon Valley Gives Day on May 3, a 24-hour fundraising event to raise donations and awareness for non-profits serving the Silicon Valley area. On Silicon Valley Gives Day, we raised $7,706, including a $5,000 matching grant from Dr. Bronner’s, to help fund our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening illness.
We extend a special thanks to those who so generously supported MAPS this past month:
General Support
- TinMan Fund (pledged $10,000)
- Paul & Emily Eastham ($3,000)
- Anonymous ($1,000)
- Donald Mack ($1,000)
- Stephen Milstein ($1,000)
- Frederick Burks ($1,000)
- Christopher Lindstrom ($1,000)
- Dan Mottsman ($1,000)
- C Dusty Yao ($1,000)
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety Associated with Life-Threatening Illness
- William Melton ($10,000)
- Dr. Bronner’s ($5,000)
GMP MDMA
- Evolver ($1,580)
- Kevin Herbert ($1,097)
- Robert Barnhart ($1,008)
- Magaly Mauer ($1,000)
Marijuana for PTSD Study
- Adam Denmark Cohen ($2,500)
Marijuana for Opioid Addiction
- David Tuttleman ($5,000)
MAPS relies on the generosity of individual donors to achieve our mission. Psychedelic science is again being conducted under federal guidelines, but no funding is yet available from governments or major foundations. Learn how to include MAPS in your will or estate plans. Learn about hosting a Global Psychedelic Dinner to gather your community and support MAPS.
The Spring 2016 Special Edition of the MAPS Bulletin is now available online, featuring over a dozen original articles on the growing role of psychedelics and marijuana in business, philanthropy, commerce, and innovation. Cover art by Cameron Gray.
Media
Popular Science, NBC, Medical Daily, Metro Active and more…
FEATURED
Metro Active
Federal Approval Brings MDMA From Club to Clinic
Jennifer Wadsworth | May 11, 2016
FEATURED
Popular Science
DEA Approves First Trial of Medical Marijuana for PTSD
Christine Jun | May 16, 2016
The Science Explorer
In a Historic Move, DEA Grants Full Approval for First-Ever Clinical Marijuana Trial for PTSD
Kelly Tatera | May 17, 2016
NBC 5 Colorado
Brie Groves | May 11, 2016
NBC 3 Las Vegas
Researchers Hope to Break Down Medical Marijuana Research Barriers to Help Vets with PTSD
Christy Wilcox | May 24, 2016
Medical Daily
The War on Drugs May Have Misrepresented Psychedelics
Stephanie Kossman | May 13, 2016
Explore MAPS in the Media for more psychedelic and medical marijuana research news.
MAPS Store
Psychedelic Drug Treatments: Assisting the Therapeutic Process by Dr. Ben Sessa and Eileen Worthley
 |
Paperback | 211 pages | Mercury, 2016
This book will introduce you to the way in which the chemical compounds known as psychedelics affect the brain, provide definitions of key terms, describe the specific disorders that may be relieved through treatment with psychedelics, and offer information about current research.
$24.95 | Now available
Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences by William A. Richards
 |
Paperback |
280 pages | Columbia University Press, 2015
“An inspiring testament to half a century of scientific research and personal exploration into the responsible, beneficial use of psychedelic substances. William A. Richards’s work is visionary, personal, and transpersonal, instilled with kindness, deep humanity, and quiet wisdom.” —Don Lattin, author of The Harvard Psychedelic Club
$28.99 | Now available
Events
Women’s Visionary Congress: June 17-19, 2016, Petaluma, Calif.
Join the Women’s Visionary Congress this June for the 10th annual Women’s Visionary Congress. The three-day event features conversations with researchers, healers, activists and artists who examine heightened states of awareness and modes of healing that link us to female wisdom keepers and traditional users of plant medicines throughout history. The Congress will take place at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) Earthrise Retreat Center in Petaluma, Calif., about forty minutes north of San Francisco. Register…
Sumiruna Awakenings Conference: June 23-26, 2016, Bucharest, Romania
As the first Eastern European conference about expanded states of consciousness and visionary art, the Sumiruna Conference brings together some of the world’s leading authors, visionaries, artists, researchers, and teachers to Romania, to discuss what can be gained and to share the latest research and techniques for exploring consciousness. Learn more and register…
Float Conference: August 20-21, 2016, Portland, OR
MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., will present at the the world’s largest float tank event. Join experts from around the world and discuss new research being conducted with float tanks, the current state of regulations, as well as marketing strategies used by the biggest and most successful floatation centers. Register…
Beyond Psychedelics: September 30-August 2, 2016, Prague, Czech Republic
MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., will present at Beyond Psychedelics, the first global psychedelic forum in Czech Republic. The event will provide outside-the-box discussions on the approaches to working with psychedelics and the positions these substances hold in our modern society. Register…
Psychedelic Psychotherapy Forum: October 14-15, 2016, Victoria, BC
MAPS Founder and Executive Direector Rick Doblin, Ph.D., will give the keynote address at this year’s forum. Highlighted topics will include the current state of MDMA research for alleviating PTSD; ayahuasca therapy to treat eating disorders; psilocybin studies and their implications for cancer patients and end-of-life issues; training possibilities for psychedelic psychotherapists; and how to support clients in successfu
lly integrating the psychedelic experience. Register…
World Ayahuasca Conference: October 17-22, 2016, Rio Branco, Brazil
MAPS is a proud co-sponsor of the 2016 World Ayahuasca Conference. Two years after the first World Ayahuasca Conference, held in Ibiza, Spain, the international ayahuasca community will come together in the spirit of the dialogue and exchange of knowledge and experience initiated in the first edition. In times of a rapid globalization of the use of ayahuasca, the dialogue about cultural recognition and protection of traditional practices worldwide is more important than ever. Call for Abstracts…
Psychedelic Science 2017: April 19-24, 2017, Oakland, Calif.
TICKETS ON SALE SOON
Join us from April 19-24, 2017, in Oakland, Calif., for Psychedelic Science 2017, a five-day global gathering featuring three days of conference programming, full-day workshops, an evening cruise on the San Francisco Bay, a celebratory banquet, a free and expansive marketplace of goods and ideas, and much more. The three-day conference will include three simultaneous tracks of presentations by leading and up-and-coming international researchers in the fast-growing field of psychedelic science and medicine. Psychedelic Science is expected to sell out early, so be sure to get your tickets early. Volunteer opportunities and a call for presentations and posters will be announced soon. For past conference information, speaker videos, and more, visit 2013.psychedelicscience.org. Psychedelic Science 2017 is presented by MAPS and The Beckley Foundation. Psychedelic Science is expected to sell out early, so be sure to get your tickets early—advance tickets will be on sale soon. Learn more…