Newsletter: June 2022 - Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies

Support Psychedelic Therapy During PTSD Awareness Month

Netflix releases trailer for How To Change Your Mind series

June 23, 2022

Every day, but especially during PTSD Awareness Month, we are reminded of the urgency and importance of our work to develop novel treatments for the more than 350 million people who live with posttraumatic stress disorder and its sometimes debilitating symptoms.

We’re also filled with gratitude for your generosity — your gifts power this work. Support PTSD research with a generous gift today.

Whether caused by accident, war, or interpersonal violence, PTSD treatment options are not sufficient for everyone, and many still suffer from PTSD after treatment. This is why we are focused on developing MDMA-assisted therapy into a legal prescription treatment for PTSD: our research suggests that MDMA is capable of inducing unique effects including decreased feelings of fear and defensiveness, increased feelings of wellbeing, increased sociability and extroversion, increased interpersonal trust, and an alert state of consciousness. This makes it a promising treatment for the symptoms of PTSD, which can include anxiety, depression, fear, anger, or feelings of detachment from other people.

The safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy is currently under investigation. This treatment is not yet approved by the FDA, does not work for everyone, and carries risks even in therapeutic settings. If you or someone you know is in need of support, our list of resources may be a helpful first step.⁠

Watch Trailer for How to Change Your Mind Netflix Series
Netflix has officially announced How to Change Your Mind, a new series about psychedelics based on the best-selling book by author Michael Pollan. Watch the trailer below, mark your calendar for the series debut on Tuesday, July 12, and stay tuned for some exciting ways you can be part of the premier!

MAPS Appoints Jeff George and Dan Grossman to MAPS PBC Board of Directors
MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC) is proud to announce the appointment of Jeff George and Dan Grossman, Ph.D., to serve on its Board of Directors, effective June 2, 2022. The non-profit Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Board of Directors is responsible for appointing members to the MAPS PBC Board of Directors, an important feature of the public benefit model.

Jeff George brings over two decades of experience in global healthcare and corporate leadership across North America, Europe, and emerging markets. He is currently Managing Partner of Maytal Capital, a healthcare-focused private equity and venture capital firm he founded in 2017, and a Partner at Bridge Builders Collaborative, an early-stage venture firm focused on mental health.

Dan Grossman is a Managing Director & Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), one of the world’s preeminent management consulting firms. He has nearly 20 years of experience in BCG’s Health Care Practice Area, working with leading biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies on issues of corporate strategy, pipeline development, and commercializing innovation globally.

MAPS and Christie’s to Host NFT Auction to Benefit Psychedelic Research
Christie’s is pleased to present Cartography of the Mind, a Curated NFT Sale to Benefit the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in collaboration with Ryan Zurrer, founder of Dialectic and Vine Ventures. The sale will offer collectors a chance to bid on more than two dozen NFTs from a select group of the world’s most prominent digital artists, including Beeple, Sarah Meyohas, Alex Grey, Refik Anadol, Mad Dog Jones, IX Shells, and more. From June 21-28, 2022, the artwork is on view at an exhibition powered by Atomic Form at Christie’s New York galleries and open for bidding online on christies.com. Sale proceeds will generously be donated to support MAPS-sponsored research and education.

MAPS, MAPS PBC, and MAPS Europe Are Hiring
Refer a friend or apply for one of our many open job positions. All of our organizations — MAPS, MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, and MAPS Europe — are hiring for full-time roles including Director of Strategy, Major Gifts Officer, and Fiscal Sponsorships and Patient Access Program Officer. We’re always adding new jobs, so be sure to check our Careers page regularly for opportunities in psychedelic research!

Register for Psychedelic Science 2023

Psychedelic Science 2023 takes place from June 17-25, 2023, in Denver, Colorado! MAPS members, researchers, students, clinicians, therapists, political leaders, leaders and shareholders of for-profit psychedelic companies, and psychedelic enthusiasts will gather from around the world to discuss the latest advances in psychedelic research, art, and culture. Sign up for exclusive email updates to receive news, schedules, and more details.

Special MAPS Discount Code for Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research 2022 in Haarlem, Netherlands

You’re invited to attend the 5th annual Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research from September 22-24, 2022, in Haarlem, Netherlands! ICPR features world-leading researchers from many academic disciplines, including psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, ethnobotany, and philosophy. Use the code MAPS100 to receive a €100 discount on all tickets!

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