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MAPS Email Newsletter:
MDMA Arrives in Colorado;
Public Education Programs Expand
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June 18, 2013
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Medicine is one of the many places that the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is creating spaces for the legal, beneficial uses of psychedelics and marijuana. Our international program of research into the therapeutic use of MDMA is expanding at an unprecedented rate, with new developments in our MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD research in Colorado and Israel, and in our all-new study of MDMA-assisted therapy for social anxiety in adults on the autism spectrum.
Our international psychedelic harm reduction services—the Zendo Project—is another way we’re working to transform public perception of psychedelic drugs and reducing the harms associated with their use. Support the Zendo Project on Indiegogo!
We’re proud to announce the launch of the MAPS Forums on Bluelight, the world’s most popular open information and discussion board about psychedelics and other drugs. As MAPS Founder Rick Doblin wrote in his welcome letter:
Open, scientifically-informed conversations about the risks and benefits of psychedelics and marijuana pushes back the stigma that has built up around them, and allows us to create new, more just policies and a safer, more open cultural attitude to psychedelics, marijuana, and human consciousness in general. Read more…
There’s a lot more to learn in the June 2013 edition of the MAPS Email Newsletter, such as:
- The second subject is enrolled in our new Israeli study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD
- Even more videos are now available from Psychedelic Science 2013—subscribe to our YouTube channel, and help us transcribe and translate videos on Amara
- The Chronicle of Higher Education reviews Psychedelic Science 2013 explores the expansion of academic psychedelic research
- MDMA-assisted psychotherapy researcher Michael Mithoefer, MD, presents preliminary study results at the 24th International Trauma Conference
Join the conversation—connect with MAPS on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
Remember, we need your help to complete these studies and provide honest public education about the risks and benefits of psychedelics and marijuana.
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With gratitude,
 Brad Burge MAPS Director of Communications and Marketing |
- U.S. Boulder Study: First Subject E
nrolled, MDMA Encapsulated at Pharmacy - Israel: Second Subject Enrolled
- U.S. Veterans Study: Lead Investigator Presents Preliminary Results at International Trauma Conference
- Amended Protocol and Response Documents Submitted to FDA
- Your Donations Make Our Work Possible
- Chronicle of Higher Education, BBC News, Scientific American, and more…
- Current Drug Abuse Reviews Highlights New Research on Psychedelic Treatments
- Signed Hardcover First Edition of Albert Hofmann’s LSD: My Problem Child
- Psychedelic Science 2013 “Mind and Medicine” T-Shirts” Limited Edition Now Available
- Breaking Convention: July 12-14, London, England
- 15th International IONS Conference: July 17-21, 2013, Palm Springs, CA
- Ninth International Amazonian Shamanism Conference: July 21-27, Iquitos, Peru
- Job Opening: Postdoctoral Researcher at Johns Hopkins University
- Online Course: Psychedelic Mindview (College of DuPage)
- Spanish Journal of Transpersonal Research Invites Contributions for Peer Review
- Iboga Nights Documentary Film Seeks Funds for Completion
- Kickstarter: Marijuana Australiana Documentary
Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy:
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Social Anxiety in Autistic Adults:
Support MAPS:
Media:
MAPS Store:
Events:
More Announcements:
Alicia Danforth, PhD(c), discusses the MDMA and Ecstasy experiences
of autistic adults at Psychedelic Science 2013.
More videos available at psychedelicscience.org
TREATING PTSD WITH MDMA-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY
Learn more about MDMA-assisted psychotherapy on 
or at mdmaptsd.org.
The MDMA is measured and encapsulated for our new study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in Boulder, Colorado.
1. U.S. Boulder Study: First Subject Enrolled, MDMA Encapsulated at Pharmacy
On June 12, 2013, the first subject was enrolled in our new study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD taking place in Boulder, Colorado. Led by Clinical Investigator Marcela Ot’alora, this study is exploring the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for 12 subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD due to sexual assault, military combat, or other causes. This study is also investigating whether pairing intern psychotherapists with experienced co-therapists can be effective, help reduce the cost of treatment, and train the next generation of MDMA therapists. On May 21, the MDMA for the study arrived at the study pharmacy, and on June 7 it was compounded, encapsulated, packaged, and labeled in preparation for the study. We are continuing to screen subjects, and expect to treat the first subject in early July. Learn more…
$481,000 estimated study cost / $291,000 still needed
2. Israel: Second Subject Enrolled
On May 29, 2013, the second subject was enrolled in our ongoing Israeli study of treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. This study, led by Clinical Investigator Moshe Kotler, M.D., at Beer Yaakov Mental Hospital, will treat 10 subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. In addition to helping develop our treatment methodology, this study is providing comparative data about the effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy treatment for PTSD in a new cultural context. Learn more…
$468,000 estimated study cost / $428,000 still needed
On May 28, 2013, Clinical Investigator Michael Mithoefer, M.D., presented preliminary results from our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for U.S. veterans, firefighters, and police officers with PTSD at the 24th International Trauma Conference in Boston, Mass. The conference topic was “Psychological Trauma: Neuroscience,
Attachment, and Therapeutic Interventions.” Download the presentation…
$1,401,000 required to complete this study / $610,000 still needed
MDMA-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY IN AUTISTIC ADULTS
4. Amended Protocol and Response Documents Submitted to FDA
On June 4, 2013, we submitted to the FDA the amended protocol for our planned study of MDMA-assisted therapy for social anxiety in autistic adults, along with a detailed response to the April 30 Advice Letter from the FDA. The FDA approved the protocol design on April 30, requesting several changes to how long prior to the study subjects must stop taking other psychiatric medications and to the exclusion criteria. The amended protocol incorporates the changes about subject medications; we also submitted a response letter explaining we do not believe the exclusion criteria changes are necessary. Once the FDA has reviewed and approved an amended protocol, we will submit the protocol, informed consent form, and study materials for review by the Institutional Review Board at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center/Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute. Learn more…
$256,000 estimated study cost / $255,000 still needed
Help us make psychedelics and marijuana into prescription medicines—donate today!
The MDMA to be used in our new study of MDMA-asssisted psychotherapy for PTSD in Boulder, Colorado. The first subject was enrolled on June 12, 2013. Learn more…
SUPPORT MAPS
5. Your Donations Make Our Work Possible
Since last month’s fundraising report, 142 donors have contributed $41,482 to psychedelic research and education. Board member David Bronner generously continued his $25,000 quarterly gift, and Hilary Silver increased her support to $5,000 this year; both contributions were made for general operating support. An anonymous donor contributed $5,000 for our Boulder, Colorado study, and Lars Skovlund from Denmark gave $1,000 as the first restricted donation in support of our planned study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for social anxiety in autistic adults. Another 137 people gave a total of $4,829, mostly through easy monthly contributions. MAPS also processed an additional $24,285 as the non-profit fiscal sponsor for Bluelight and The Temple of Whollyness. If you have questions about our fundraising program, please contact Virginia Wright at virginia@maps.org.
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MEDIA
Explore MAPS in the Media for even more psychedelic and medical marijuana research news.
6. Chronicle of Higher Education, BBC News, Scientific American, and more…
The Chronicle of Higher Education: Psychedelic Academe | view | PDF
Zoë Corbyn | June 2, 2013
BBC News: Could Ecstasy Help Treat Soldiers with PTSD? | view
Sharon Weinberger | June 6, 2013
Motherboard: Is Ecstasy the Key to Alleviating Autism Anxiety? | view
Kelly Bourdet | May 30, 2013
Alternet: Gabor Maté on Psychedelics and Unlocking the Unconscious at Psychedelic Science 2013 | view
Gabor Maté | May 30, 2013
Scientific American: Hallucinogens Could Ease Existential Terror |
view
Erica Rex | June 2, 2013
East Bay Express: Can Pot Help Cure PTSD? | view
David Downs | May 22, 2013
The Fix: America’s Baby Boomer Potheads (interview with Rick Doblin) | view
Victoria Kim | May 31, 2013
Imperial College London: Drug Laws “Censor Science,” Say Researchers | PDF
Imperial College London | June 12, 2013
7. Current Drug Abuse Reviews Highlights New Research on Psychedelic Treatments
The current issue of the peer-reviewed journal Current Drug Abuse Reviews includes six articles on the therapeutic uses and cognitive effects of psychedelics, including three authored by MAPS staff and researchers:
- Can MDMA Play a Role in the Treatment of Substance Abuse? | Abstract | PDF
by Lisa Jerome, Shira Schuster, and Berra Yazar-Klosinski - Ayahuasca-Assisted Therapy for Addiction in Canada | Abstract | PDF
by Gerald Thomas, Philippe Lucas, N. Rielle Capler, Kenneth W. Tupper, and Gina Martin - Ibogaine In The Treatment of Substance Dependence | Abstract
by Thomas Kingsley Brown
The issue also includes articles on the psychopharmacology of Salvia divinorum, psilocybin in the treatment of alcohol addiction, and the cognitive effects of Ecstasy use.
MAPS STORE
All proceeds from the MAPS Store support psychedelic
and medical marijuana research and education!
Signed Hardcover First Edition of Albert Hofmann’s LSD: My Problem Child
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by Albert Hofmann Published 1980 First Edition signed by Albert Hofmann Published by McGraw-Hill These rare, limited edition collector’s items are signed by LSD discoverer Albert Hofmann, PhD, and translator Jonathan Ott. All proceeds will directly support $1,000 | Order online or contact brown@maps.org |
9. Psychedelic Science 2013 “Mind and Medicine” T-Shirts: Limited Edition Now Available
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Psychedelic Science 2013: “Mind and Medicine” T-Shirt This limited edition t-shirt includes Men’s and Women’s cuts (S, M, L, and XL), and is sure to go quickly. Order yours while supplies last and commemorate this historic event. Text on shirt (front only): $20.00 | Now available |
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EVENTS
Help us make psychedelics and marijuana into prescription medicines—donate today!
See our Events Calendar for more!
10. Breaking Convention: July 12-14, London, England
Join MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., MDMA-assisted psychotherapy researcher Michael Mithoefer, M.D., and dozens of other international experts on psychedelic science and culture at Breaking Convention.
11. 15th International IONS Conference: July 17-21, 2013, Palm Springs, CA
12. Ninth International Amazonian Shamanism Conference: July 21-27, 2013, Iquitos, Peru
MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS
13. Job Opening: Postdoctoral Researcher at Johns Hopkins University
Postdoctoral research fellowship available immediately in a stimulating, productive research program with excellent resources. Prepare as independent investigator. Human Laboratory: Behavioral and clinical pharmacology of abused hallucinogens (including DMT, psilocybin, salvinorin A, and dextromethorphan) examining abuse liability, self-administration, cognitive function, perceptual effects, and neuroimaging. Download the flyer…
14. Online Course: Psychedelic Mindview (College of DuPage)
This class will help bridge the gap between the information scholars and scientists have discovered and what the general public knows. At the end of the course, students will be familiar with the history of the use of psychedelics, the implications of the drug war on society, how psychedelics can be used to treat specific intractable conditions and their influence on art, politics, and creativity. Learn more…
15. Spanish Journal of Transpersonal Research Invites Contributions for Peer Review
The Journal of Transpersonal Research (JTR) (Investigación Transpersonal) is an international scholarly journal created in 2009 by the European Transpersonal Association and Oxígeme (formerly the Spanish Transpersonal Association) to encourage the publication of transpersonal empirical research and related disciplines as a way to integrate transpersonal psychology into the mainstream psychology. We invite professionals, researchers and scholars to submit their investigations. Learn more…
16. Iboga Nights Documentary Film Seeks Funds for Completion
MAPS is serving as non-profit fiscal sponsor for Iboga Nights, a feature-length documentary that follows addicts and ibogaine treatment providers, asking the question: How effective is this treatment, and are there dangers involved? Filmmaker David Graham Scott is seeking completion funds to cover the costs of editing a huge amount of footage, the sound dubbing, copyright on images and music, and some money towards distribution costs. Learn more…
17. Kickstarter: Marijuana Australiana Documentary
Marijuana Australiana is an indepenent feature documentary about Australia’s evolving relationship with the plant. An often humourous exploration of Australian recreational and medical cannabis use, prohibition, law enforcement, mental health, and harm minimisation. Watch the trailer…