Newsletter: June 2021 - Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies

MAPS Celebrates California Senate Passage of Groundbreaking Psychedelic Reform Bill

June 29, 2021

Dear friends and supporters,

It’s an honor to bring you the latest in psychedelic news for the month of June!

On June 1, 2021, the California Senate passed a first-of-its-kind psychedelic decriminalization bill. California Senate Bill 519 could decriminalize the personal use and possession of certain psychedelic substances and establish a task force to recommend regulatory systems California could adopt for safer personal use of psychedelic substances. The historic Senate vote on June 1, 2021, advanced the most broad psychedelic policy reform to pass through a state chamber. The bill would also automatically move Schedule 1 drugs into a lower schedule to permit prescription use in California after FDA and DEA rescheduled. Currently, a new law must be passed in CA each time. If passed, this bill will enable MDMA-assisted therapy to automatically become rescheduled in CA after FDA and DEA reschedules. For more information on the bill, visit the state legislature webpage or read our press release.

On June 4, MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., made his third appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, one of the most popular podcasts in the world. Listen to the long-form podcast episode for a dynamic overview of MAPS’ recent accomplishments in the field of psychedelic science and how you can sustain MAPS’ mission moving forward.

Joe Rogan wore one of our new Psychedelic Research Department shirts during his interview with Rick Doblin, Ph.D.

Buy Now

On May 25, we excitedly announced our new co-publishing relationship with Synergetic Press. This partnership will greatly expand the availability of education about psychedelic therapy. Synergetic Press has been a leading publisher of cutting-edge books in the field of psychedelics and consciousness, and this collaboration will make these authors’ knowledge more accessible to a broader world-market.

“Now that the psychedelic renaissance has overcome political obstacles to research, public education is the most important need,” says Rick Doblin, Ph.D., founder and executive director of MAPS. “MAPS is delighted to partner with Synergetic Press to expand the reach of our publications so that people all over the world will be better prepared as psychedelics move into the mainstream.” Read our press release here.

MAPS has been featured in major media outlets this month including TIME, Good Housekeeping, Discover Magazine, The Harvard Gazette, and more. Check our media webpage to stay-up-to-date on the latest MAPS news.

Our team is 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 should contact the study coordinators at each site on the clinicaltrials.gov entry for our study. All 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 grateful that the newest Psychedelic Science Webinar Series was such a success! Did you miss the live webinars? You can still explore the latest advancements in psychedelic research, medicine, and policy with leaders in the field through our store. Stay tuned to the MAPS Newsletter for more information.

We’re continuing to hire for new job opportunities at MAPS, MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), and MAPS Europe. New positions at MAPS include In-House Corporate Counsel; Full Charge Bookkeeper; Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (“JEDI”) Officer; Senior Communications Associate; and Organizational Health Intern. MAPS PBC is hiring a Director/Associate Director of Clinical Operations (based on experience), Access and Strategy Intern, Executive Assistant, Clinical Trial Leader, Study Coordinator, Regulatory Medical Writer, and many more. MAPS Europe is hiring an Independent Rater, Clinical Research Associate, and Clinical Trial Leader.

One hundred and fifty-six years ago on June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and ensure all enslaved people be freed. Nearly three years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, the day marked the official end to slavery in the United States. Now, Juneteenth is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

This year marked the first time Juneteenth will be recognized as a federal holiday. We hope the MAPS community took the day to reflect on the history of the holiday and learn some of the many ways we can continue to honor this holiday. For more information and resources, visit the Juneteenth website.

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

Save the date: MAPS is hosting Psychedelic Science 2023, a conference taking place from June 18-25, 2023, in Denver, Colorado
Quantified Citizen is conducting a microdosing study
The Way of the Psychonaut audiobook is available on Audible and is also available in the MAPS Store

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

We hope you’re having a wonderful and psychedelic summer!

With appreciation,

Amy Mastrine
MAPS Web and Email Marketing Associate

Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy

First Participant in Israel Enrolled in Phase 3 MDMA-Assisted Therapy Study

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

MDMA Therapy Training Program Update: June 2021

Support MAPS

May 2021 Giving Report: MAPS Raises Over $826,000 for Psychedelic Research and Education

We’re Hiring!

Policy and Advocacy

California State Senate Takes Step To Dismantle Psychedelic Prohibition

MAPS in the Media

MAPS Store

Proudly show your support for psychedelic science and harm reduction with our new t-shirts!• 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.

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

This week-long, MAPS-hosted 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.

More News

Microdosing Study

Simulating Psychedelic Experiences

Thank you to Dr. Bronner’s for their company’s support of the MAPS Newsletter!