This month, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is excited to announce the approval of our newest study, a surprising and welcome gift from our online supporters, the expansion of our posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) research program, and much more.
MAPS and nine other non-profits are chosen by the reddit community to receive $82,765 from reddit donate initiative.
On Friday, March 13, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration approved our study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening illness in Marin, Calif. This will be the first clinical trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for this indication.
Alongside our research, public support for our work is also growing. On February 26, the news website reddit awarded $82,765.95 to MAPS and nine other non-profits chosen by the reddit community. MAPS was ranked #6 out of the top 10 non-profit organizations, chosen from over 8,000 nominees. Thank you to the reddit community for supporting psychedelic and medical marijuana research!
Also in the March 2015 edition of the MAPS Email Newsletter:
- New subjects are treated in our studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Canada and Colorado
- Our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted therapy for social anxiety in autistic adults in Los Angeles, Calif., is halfway through enrollment
- The U.S. Public Health Service approves our study of smoked marijuana for symptoms of PTSD in U.S. veterans—for the second time
- MAPS Founder Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is interviewed on Bulletproof Executive Radio with Dave Asprey
Stay connected with the psychedelic and medical marijuana research community by following us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and reddit. PLUS: We’re now on Tumblr, Pinterest, and Google+!
Thanks to your support, we are making incredible strides toward a world where psychedelics and marijuana are safely and legally available for science, medicine, spirituality, and personal growth. Make the most of your gift—ask your employer if they will match your donation to MAPS!
|
With gratitude and excitement,
 Brad Burge MAPS Director of Communications and Marketing |
- Marin: DEA Approves Schedule I License; Study Prepares for Initiation
- Canada: Third Subject Treated in Vancouver Study
- Boulder: 17th Subject Treated; Participant Shares Experience on reddit
- MDMA Annual Report Submitted to FDA
- Social Anxiety in Autistic Adults: 6th Subject Treated; Study Enrollments Halfway Complete
- Public Health Service Approves Amended Protocol
- February Giving Report: New Reasons to Get Excited
- MAPS Receives $82,000+ Award as One of reddit’s Top 10 Charities
- Nonprofit Quarterly, Bulletproof Executive, Tucson Weekly, and more…
- Donate Your Relic, Service, or Art to Support Psychedelic Research!
- LSD: My Problem Child by Albert Hofmann, Ph.D. (Autographed)
- MAPS Hooded Fleece NEW
- Generation PsYchedelic at Evergreen State College: April 17-19, 2015, Olympia, WA
- American Psychiatric Association 168th Annual Meeting: May 18, 2015, Toronto, Canada
- Johns Hopkins Survey: Have You Encountered “God” or a “Higher Power” When Using Psychedelics?
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety Associated with Life-Threatening Illness
Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Social Anxiety in Autistic Adults
Medical Marijuana Research
Support MAPS
Media
MAPS Store
Events
More News
WATCH: Dave Asprey of Bulletproof Executive Radio and MAPS Founder Rick Doblin, Ph.D., talk about integrating psychedelics into science, medicine, and spirituality.
MDMA-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR ANXIETY ASSOCIATED WITH LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS
1. Marin: DEA Approves Schedule I License; Study Prepares for Initiation
On March 13, 2015, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration approved the Schedule I license for Phil Wolfson, M.D., the Principal Investigator for our upcoming study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening illness. This was the final regulatory approval needed for the study, which was approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) on September 16, 2014, the Research Advisory Panel of California (RAPC) on December 15, 2014, and by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on November 13, 2014. Located in Marin, Calif., this study will gather preliminary data about the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety in 18 subjects diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The study site is now preparing for initiation and to begin screening subjects. Learn more…
$587,000 estimated study cost • $176,000 raised • $411,000 still needed
TREATING PTSD WITH MDMA-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY
2. Canada: Third Subject Treated in Vancouver Study
On March 14, 2015, the third subject received their first experimental treatment in our Canadian study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. The second subject received their first treatment on Feb 8, 2015. Led by Principal Investigator Ingrid Pacey, M.D., in Vancouver, B.C., this Phase 2 study will treat up to 12 subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD from sexual assault, violent crime, military service, or any other cause. “The touch of Spring and new growth have a special meaning for the participants in our study,” reports Sub-Principal Investigator Richard Yensen, Ph.D. “We have begun experimental sessions with the first two subjects, both individuals seeking relief from intractable PTSD. The therapy is ongoing, and we are optimistic. It is a profound honour to carry this exciting research forward in Canada.” Learn more…
$444,000 estimated study cost • $43,000 raised + $15,000 raised by partners • $386,000 still needed
3. Boulder: 17th Subject Treated; Participant Shares Experience on reddit
On February 13, 2015, the 17th subject was treated in our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in 23 subjects with PTSD from sexual assault, violent crime, war, natural disasters, or any other cause, taking place in Boulder, Colorado. The 19th subject was enrolled on March 2. On February 11, a study participant shared their experience on reddit, writing: “I completed the Boulder MAPS study in November. Saved my life… They [the therapists] assured me that I would set the pace and tone and their job was to gently prompt me if they saw I needed it. I was fully and thoughtfully supported the entire time.” Learn more…
$726,000 estimated study cost • $313,000 raised • $413,000 still needed
Learn about our Funding Priorities.
4. MDMA Annual Report Submitted to FDA
On February 24, 2015, MAPS submitted the updated MDMA Annual Report to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as required by FDA drug development regulations. Annual reports give the FDA an overview of completed, ongoing, and planned studies for specific Investigational New Drug (IND) applications. This report covers the period from October 2, 2013, throu
gh October 1, 2014, and provides a cumulative listing of all studies using MDMA under our U.S. IND #63,384, including a comprehensive analysis of MDMA’s risk/benefit profile when used in conjunction with psychotherapy for PTSD. Download the MDMA Annual Report | Learn more…
Learn about our work to make psychedelics and medical marijuana into prescription medicines at the redesigned maps.org.
MDMA-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY IN AUTISTIC ADULTS
5. Social Anxiety in Autistic Adults: 6th Subject Treated; Study Enrollments Halfway Complete
On February 28, 2015, the sixth subject was treated in our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted therapy for social anxiety in 12 adults on the autism spectrum. Now halfway through treatment, this study is exploring whether MDMA combined with therapy can enhance functional skills and quality of life in autistic adults with social anxiety. Sponsored by MAPS, this is a collaborative study between MAPS, the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, and researchers at Stanford University. “As the first study of its kind in this population, we’re excited for the second half of this study,” said MAPS Clinical Research Scientist Berra Yazar-Klosinski, Ph.D. “Preliminary results from the primary outcome measure on social anxiety are promising.” Learn more…
$336,000 estimated study cost • $1,000 raised + $15,000 raised by partners • $320,000 still needed
MEDICAL MARIJUANA RESEARCH
6. Public Health Service Approves Amended Protocol
On February 25, 2015, in a letter dated February 11, the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) cleared the revised protocol for our planned study of smoked marijuana for symptoms of PTSD in 76 U.S. veterans. The first historic approval from PHS for the study came in March 2014. The protocol was amended for our successful grant to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which has awarded more than $2.1 million to MAPS for the study. The revised protocol includes an additional research site at Johns Hopkins University led by Co-Investigator/Site Principal Investigator (PI) Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D.; a private practice site for Co-Investigator/Site PI Sue Sisley, M.D.; the addition of Marcel O. Bonn-Miller, Ph.D., as Coordinating PI; and the addition of Co-Investigator Paula Riggs, M.D., to help ensure scientific integrity for the study. We are currently waiting for NIDA to provide information about the cost and availability of marijuana needed for the study. In addition, the study has been submitted for approval to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and three Institutional Review Boards. The Johns Hopkins group has already received its Schedule I license from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Dr. Sisley will apply after the other approvals are in place. Once these final approvals are received, the study will be cleared to proceed. Learn more…
SUPPORT MAPS
7. February Giving Report: New Reasons to Get Excited
Each and every month, we have new reasons to get excited about the amazing generosity of all our supporters. This month, we are especially excited and grateful for the largest corporate gift we have ever received—the $82,765 donation from reddit.
In February 2015, in addition to reddit, 204 donors gave $49,480 to support psychedelic research and education. This includes a contribution to our northern partners: MAPS Canada received an anonymous $10,000 in support of our MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research in Vancouver, BC. We also received $10,000 from long-time supporter Ian Brown for general support, and $10,000 from new supporter Britt Selvitelle for our study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for easing anxiety related to life-threatening illness. Bailey Gimbel gave $5,000 in general support, and Google matched its employees’ support with a $2,000 grant. Stephanie & John Koraleski gave $1,000 on the recommendation of their son Andrew. Brett Mouser of Mahatma Concentrates contributed $750, and Christopher Woods contributed $500; both gave at the New Year’s Eve Party hosted by Edible Events in Denver. Robb Allen continued his support in the amount of $500, and 186 people gave from $1 to $499, mostly in general support. Eight people also gave on behalf of Bluelight and the Global Ibogaine Therapist Alliance, two of our fiscally sponsored projects.
Don’t forget—ask your employer to match your contribution to MAPS! We currently receive employee matches from Google, Microsoft, Dell, Goldman Sachs, Rockefeller Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, City of Seattle, the U.S. Federal Government, and others. Don’t be shy about asking—sometimes, cultural and social change takes persistence. Sharing our Guidestar non-profit ratings with employers is a great way to demonstrate our transparency and credibility. If you have questions or want help educating your employer, contact virginia@maps.org.
Learn about including MAPS in your will or trust.
8. MAPS Receives $82,000+ Award as One of reddit’s Top 10 Charities
On February 26, 2015, the community news website reddit awarded $82,765.95 to MAPS and nine other non-profit organizations chosen by the reddit community. Over 80,000 reddit users cast more than 250,000 votes for their favorite charities to each receive 1% of reddit’s 2014 advertising revenue receipts. MAPS was ranked #6 out of the top 10 non-profit organizations, chosen from over 8,000 nominees. Other winning non-profit organizations include the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Doctors Without Borders, Erowid Center, Wikimedia Foundation, NPR, Free Software Foundation, Freedom From Religion Foundation, and Tor Project Inc. The gift will help MAPS complete Phase 2 clinical trials, and prepare for Phase 3 trials, of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. We express our profound appreciation to reddit and the reddit community for supporting our work. Learn more…
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
MEDIA
9. Nonprofit Quarterly, Bulletproof Executive, Tucson Weekly, and more…
FEATURED PRESS RELEASE: MAPS Receives $82,000+ Award as One of reddit’s Top 10 Charities | view
MAPS | February 27, 2015
FEATURED Bulletproof Executive Radio: Rick Doblin: Psychedelic Healing | view
Dave Asprey | March 4, 2015
Nonprofit Quarterly: Credit to Reddit: Site Gives $827K to User-Chosen Nonprofits | view
Jason Schneiderman | March 3, 2015
Lions of Liberty Podcast: Brad Burge: How Psychedelic Drugs Can Help PTSD Victims | view
Marc Clair | March 5, 2015
Reset: In 6 Years, MDMA Could Be A Legal Pharmaceutical For Therapy | view
April M. Short | February 23, 2015
The Union: Veteran Explains How MDMA Helped Him with PTSD | view
Nigel McCourry | March 10, 2015
Tucson Weekly: Medical Marijuana for PTSD Research Rejected by Three State Universities | view
María Inés Taracena | February 23, 2015
Wesleyan Argus: Blame the Drug War, not MDMA, for the Ecstasy Tragedy | view
Adam Hurter | February 24, 2015
reddit: We are the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)— Ask us anything! | view
MAPS | February 11, 2015
reddit: Announcing the Winners of reddit donate | view
Ryan Merket | February 26, 2015
Explore MAPS in the Media for more psychedelic and medical marijuana research news.
MAPS STORE
10. Donate Your Relic, Service, or Art to Support Psychedelic Research!
Keep an eye out next month as we release an extensive auction item listing on eBay, and get ready to bid! This March, the MAPS Online Benefit Auction will feature a unique collection of rare historical items, breathtaking artwork, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and other items donated by our supporters. This will be your chance to advance the field of psychedelic research while expanding your personal collection of artifacts and memories. Proceeds from the auction will benefit MAPS’ psychedelic research and education projects. Do you have an item, experience, or service you’d like to donate for the auction? Contact Brian Brown at brown@maps.org, for details and sponsorship opportunities. Donations are tax-deductible in the U.S. as allowed by law.
11. LSD: My Problem Child by Albert Hofmann, Ph.D. (Autographed)
|
209 pages | McGraw-Hill | First printing 1980 For a limited time, MAPS is offering this original, signed, hardcover edition with all proceeds benefiting psychedelic research and education. Each book is signed by LSD discoverer Albert Hofmann, Ph.D., and original translator Jonathan Ott. $1,000 | Only 35 of 50 available |
 |
 |
NEW!
Made with 50% organic cotton/50% recycled polyester blend, these zippered, hooded fleeces are extremely soft and warm. $60 | Now available |
EVENTS
13. Generation PsYchedelic at Evergreen State College: April 17-19, 2015, Olympia, WA
Generation PsYchedelic is a student-organized three-day conference celebrating the younger generation of the psychedelic movement and creating a platform for their voices. Generation PsYchedelic is produced by the Greener’s Association for Psychedelic Studies (GAPS) at Evergreen State College. Featuring several talks from MAPS speakers including Rick Doblin, Allison Wilens, Brad Burge, and Shannon Petitt. Register…
14. American Psychiatric Association 168th Annual Meeting: May 18, 2015, Toronto, Canada
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD researcher Michael Mithoefer, M.D., will present at the American Psychiatric Association annual symposium in Toronto, taking place from May 16-20, 2015. On Monday, May 18, Dr. Mithoefer will present results and discuss the implications of MAPS’ ongoing Phase 2 MDMA-assisted psychotherapy PTSD research program. Learn more…
Looking for more ways to get involved? Check out our Student Resources page!
MORE NEWS
15. Johns Hopkins Survey: Have You Encountered “God” or a “Higher Power” When Using Psychedelics?
The States of Consciousness Research Team at Johns Hopkins is conducting an anonymous, web-based study to characterize experiences of a personal encounter with something that might be described as “Ultimate Reality,” “Higher Power,” “God” (e.g. the God of your understanding) or an aspect of “God” (e.g. the God of your understanding). Led by Roland Griffiths, Ph.D., this study is part of ongoing research into the connections between psychedelic and mystical experiences. Learn more…
Help us make psychedelics and marijuana into prescription medicines—donate today!