Newsletter: March 2018 - Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies

MAPS Donors Raise $8 Million in 8 Weeks

March 31, 2018

Dear friends and supporters,

This month, MAPS and generous donors completed the $4 million matching grant provided by the Pineapple Fund, leading to a total of $8 million in donations. These donations directly support U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated Phase 3 trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MAPS has now raised $26.2 million of the $26.7 million needed for our upcoming FDA Phase 3 clinical trials. MAPS now needs only an additional $500,000 to complete funding for the final stage of research needed to make MDMA-assisted psychotherapy a legal prescription treatment for PTSD in the U.S., plus we’re starting to raise $5 million to obtain approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Thank you to all that donated!

At the end of February, MAPS hosted our biannual Board of Directors Meeting in San Francisco, California, which featured in-depth discussions about the pathway to making MDMA-assisted psychotherapy an FDA-approved prescription for PTSD by 2021. We extend our gratitude to our Board of Directors for the extensive discussion, and to MAPS supporter George Sarlo for hosting us.

On March 15, 2018, MAPS hosted a fully-attended educational event at the 61st Commission on Narcotic Drugs at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria. The event focused on educating delegates, researchers, and advocates about MAPS’ research and raising awareness about political barriers to research worldwide.

For the 6th consecutive year, the Zendo Project provided psychedelic peer support for attendees at Envision Festival in Costa Rica, assisting 202 individuals and providing outreach and education to dozens more. The Zendo Project recently facilitated training workshops in Portland and Seattle this month, and our upcoming workshop in Arcata, California, has reached capacity.

In the March 2018 edition of the MAPS Newsletter, you'll also learn:

An article published in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics by Michael Mithoefer, M.D., and Berra Yazar-Klosinski, Ph.D., “Potential Psychiatric Uses for MDMA,” was one of the journal’s top 10 most downloaded papers in 2017
Our ongoing therapist training study enrolls the 54th participant
The 50th of 76 participants enrolls and receives study drug in our clinical trial of smoked marijuana for PTSD in U.S. veterans

Follow MAPS on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, reddit, Tumblr, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

We extend our genuine appreciation to all who have contributed to MAPS this month. Your support helps us fulfill our mission to legalize psychedelic medicine.

Thank you!

Amy Mastrine
MAPS Web and Email Marketing Associate

Watch DrugReporter’s new recap video from Psychedelic Science 2017.

Table of Contents

Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy

MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety Associated with Life-Threatening Illness

Marin: 14th Participant Completes Long-Term Follow-Up Interview

Medical Marijuana

Policy and Advocacy

MAPS at the United Nations’ 61st Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs

Psychedelic Peer Counseling

Zendo Project Provides Psychedelic Peer Counseling for 202 Guests at Envision Festival in Costa Rica

Support MAPS

February 2018 Giving Report: $4 Million Match From Pineapple Fund

Media

Featured Media: March 2018

MAPS Store

MAPS Podcast

MAPS Podcast: Episode 25 – Roland Griffiths: Implications for Spirituality and Therapeutics

Events

More News

Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy

MDMA Research a Top 10 Download in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics

From 2016 – 2017, “Potential Psychiatric Uses for MDMA”, an article published in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics by Michael C. Mithoefer, M.D., and Berra Yazar-Klosinski, Ph.D., was one of the journal’s top 10 most downloaded papers. The paper received 2339 downloads over the course of the year. Read the article…

MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD: Are Memory Reconsolidation and Fear Extinction Underlying Mechanisms?

Allison Feduccia, Ph.D., and Michael C.Mithoefer, M.A., of MAPS Public Benefit Corporation explore how fear extinction and memory reconsolidation could possibly be mechanisms underlying the beneficial outcomes of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for reducing PTSD symptoms in Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. Read the article…

Participant Enrollment and Treatment Continues in Open-Label Lead-In Study of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD at Phase 3 Sites

MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MPBC) clinical research staff have completed 13 of 14 Study Initiation Visits for an open-label lead-in study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at planned Phase 3 sites across the United States and Canada. The purpose of this study is to provide the final training for our co-therapy teams.

These Study Initiation Visits provide training on study procedures to study sites where new co-therapy teams will receive clinical supervision of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in preparation for Phase 3. Each new co-therapy team will work with a single participant at their respective study site with supervision provided by MAPS’ therapy training team.

The study site in Fort Collins has conducted experimental treatment sessions with three participants, and the New Orleans study site has completed their second experimental treatment session. Study sites in Charleston, Los Angeles, San Francisco (two locations), New York (private practice), and Vancouver are screening participants.

The study site in Boulder, Colorado, received the necessary study drug on March 20. The study site in New York (private practice) will receive the study drug on March 28.

The Phase 3 trials starting in the summer of 2018 will assess the efficacy and safety of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in adult participants with PTSD at sites in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. Over a 12-week treatment period, participants will be randomized to receive 12 associated 90-minute non-drug preparatory and integration sessions along with three day-long sessions of either MDMA or placebo in conjunction with psychotherapy about a month apart. The primary endpoint will be the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5), as assessed by a blinded pool of independent raters.

The trials builds on the promising results of MAPS’ completed Phase 2 clinical trials, and are the final phase of research required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before deciding whether to approve MDMA as a legal prescription treatment for PTSD, required to be used in conjunction with psychotherapy in an outpatient setting with a residential stay.

On July 28, 2017, MAPS and the FDA reached agreement on the design of our Phase 3 trials after a six-month long Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) process. This agreement confirms that the protocol design, clinical endpoints, planned conduct, and statistical analyses for the Phase 3 trial are acceptable to support regulatory approval by the FDA.

On August 15, 2017, the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) to MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD. FDA rejects about two-thirds of applications for BTD. The FDA grants this designation for treatments that (1) are intended alone or in combination with one or more other drugs to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition; and (2) preliminary clinical evidence indicates may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies. BTD also means that the FDA will work closely with MAPS to conduct the development program as efficiently as possible and to plan ahead of time regarding issues of commercialization should Phase 3 studies prove successful.

MAPS and MPBC staff are excited to reach this milestone toward bringing healing to those diagnosed with PTSD through MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Donations are currently being sought to reach MAPS’ goal of raising $26.7 million to successfully execute the Phase 3 studies required to gain approval from the FDA for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy by 2021. With $26.2 million in hand or in multi-year pledges, there’s still a funding gap we need to close. Approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will likely require additional funds. MAPS began negotiations with EMA on March 1, and will travel to London, United Kingdom, to meet with EMA in Summer 2018. Learn more…

There is now a clear path ahead to make MDMA a legal medicine for millions of people suffering from PTSD. Help us heal trauma: maps.org/donate

MAPS Receives Shipment of GMP MDMA for Phase 3 Trials

On March 13, 2018, a shipment of pharmaceutical-grade MDMA, made under current Good Manufacturing Practices in a certified laboratory, arrived in the United States for use in MAPS-sponsored Phase 3 trials of treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MPBC) clinical research staff have completed 13 of 14 Study Initiation Visits for an open-label lead-in study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD at planned Phase 3 sites across the United States and Canada. The purpose of this study is to provide the final training for our co-therapy teams.

The study site in Fort Collins has conducted experimental treatment sessions with three participants, and the New Orleans study site has completed their second experimental treatment session. Study sites in Charleston, Los Angeles, San Francisco (two locations), Connecticut, New York (private practice), and Vancouver are screening participants.

The study site in Boulder, Colorado, received the necessary study drug on March 20. The study site in New York (private practice) will receive the study drug on March 28.

The trials builds on the promising results of MAPS’ completed Phase 2 clinical trials, and are the final phase of research required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before deciding whether to approve MDMA as a legal prescription treatment for PTSD. MDMA will be required to be used in conjunction with psychotherapy in an outpatient setting with an overnight stay.

MAPS and MPBC staff are excited to reach this milestone toward bringing healing to those diagnosed with PTSD through MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Donations are currently being sought to reach MAPS’ goal of raising $26.7 million to successfully execute the Phase 3 studies required to gain approval from the FDA for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy by 2021. With $26.2 million in hand or in multi-year pledges, there’s still a funding gap we need to close. Approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will require additional funds so MAPS is starting to try to raise $5 million for our EMA research. MAPS began negotiations with EMA on March 1, and will travel to London, United Kingdom, to meet with EMA in Summer 2018. Learn more…

Therapist Training Study: 54th Participant Enrolls

On February 27, 2018, the 54th participant enrolled in our ongoing Phase 1 study of the psychological effects of MDMA when used in a therapeutic setting by healthy volunteers. Enrollment in this multi-site study is limited by invitation only to therapists in training to work on MAPS-sponsored clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. The Boulder, Colorado, study site is led by Principal Investigator Marcela Ot’alora, M.A., L.P.C. Michael Mithoefer, M.D., is serving as Principal Investigator at the site in Charleston, South Carolina with Sub-Investigator Ann Mithoefer, B.S.N. Senior Clinical Research Associate Charlotte Harrison of MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MPBC) traveled to Boulder, Colorado on February 16, and Charleston, South Carolina, on March 8 for monitoring visits which included a thorough review of the study’s documentation, database, files, and adherence to regulations. Learn more…

Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD: Fourth Dyad Completes Long-Term Follow-Up Interview

On March 3, 2018, the fourth dyad completed their long-term follow-up interview in our ongoing study of MDMA combined with Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at our Charleston, South Carolina site led by Principal Investigator, Michael Mithoefer, M.D., and Sub-Investigator, Candice Monson, Ph.D. Long-term follow-up data will provide additional information to guide the design of future trials. Enrollment for this study is closed.

The study enrolled dyads comprised of one participant diagnosed with PTSD and one concerned significant other who does not have PTSD but does experience psychosocial distress. MDMA was administered to both participants to help facilitate communication and connection between participants and therapists. The primary goal of this study is to develop a combined method of MDMA with CBCT for PTSD. This is the first MAPS-sponsored MDMA study conducted with VA-affiliated researchers and the first to employ measures developed for the DSM-5. Learn more…

Startle Testing with MDMA: First Participant Receives Experimental Treatment

On March, 15, 2018, the first participant completed experimental treatment in our ongoing study of the effect of MDMA on startle testing in healthy volunteers. Led by Principal Investigator Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D., this study is conducted at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. As of March 19, 2018, a total of 43 people have completed preliminary phone screening for enrollment opportunities. This study will be followed by another study exploring the combination of MDMA with Prolonged Exposure in PTSD patients. Learn more…

MDMA Therapy Training Program: Update on Supervision Process

The MDMA Therapy Training Program is currently supporting the final segment of training for Phase 3 Therapy Teams. Supervision is the focus of active Phase 2 open-label trials in the U.S. and Canada, and will continue to be an important aspect of the training program going forward. As therapy pairs treat their first study participant, they receive feedback through regular supervision meetings. Supervisors are expert MDMA-assisted psychotherapy researchers. With the help of trained Adherence Raters, Supervisors review video recordings of therapy sessions. The careful review of recorded therapy sessions informs a Supervisor’s guidance to therapy pairs in the application of knowledge gained in training and improvement of treatment outcomes. There are 3 Supervisors and 12 Adherence Raters currently supporting 40 new Therapy Pairs in open-label trials in the U.S. and Canada. Learn more…

Participate in Research

MAPS sponsors clinical trials around the world that require human subjects. Our studies have strict enrollment criteria based on the goal of the study and the condition the study is investigating.

Phase 3 trial participant enrollment will open in the coming months. Please bookmark our Participate in Research page and check it frequently for updates.

Learn more…

MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety Associated with Life-Threatening Illness

Marin: 14th Participant Completes Long-Term Follow-Up Interview

On March 19, 2018, the 14th of 18 participants completed their 12-month long-term follow-up interview in our ongoing Marin, Calif., study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening illness. On March 9 and 12, 2018, Clinical Operations Manager Rebecca Matthews and Clinical Research Associate Alia Lilienstein of MAPS Public Benefit Corporation completed monitoring visits. Led by Principal Investigator Phil Wolfson, M.D., with Co-Therapist Julane Andries, L.M.F.T., this study is gathering preliminary data about the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness. This study will close in May 2018. Learn more…

Medical Marijuana

50th Participant Enrolls in Smoked Marijuana Trial for Chronic PTSD in Veterans

On March 28, 2018, the 50th of 76 participants enrolled and received study drug in the first-ever clinical trial of smoked marijuana (cannabis) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in U.S. veterans. Taking place at the Scottsdale Research Institute (SRI) in Phoenix, Arizona, this clinical trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of four different potencies of marijuana for symptoms of PTSD in 76 U.S. veterans. On March 26 – 29, Gabby Fortier, Clinical Research Associate, monitored the site. A new recruitment website can be visited here. Learn more…

Are You a U.S. Military Veteran with PTSD?

Military veterans with PTSD are invited to participate in a confidential and federally‐authorized clinical research study of the impact of cannabis on PTSD symptoms. Volunteers must be local to the Phoenix, AZ area. Compensation for time and travel is provided. If you are interested in learning more about this confidential research study, or would like to see if you qualify to participate, please contact Scottsdale Research Institute, LLC: wecanstudy.org

Policy and Advocacy

MAPS at the United Nations’ 61st Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs

On March 13, 2018, MAPS hosted a fully-attended event at the 61st Commission on Narcotic Drugs at the United Nations in Vienna entitled “Right to Science and Freedom of Research with Scheduled Substances.” The event was co-hosted by the Government of the Czech Republic, ICEERS, Veterans for Medical Cannabis, Foundation for Alternative Approaches to Addiction Think and Do Tank (FAAAT), and Associazone Luca Coscioni. MAPS Policy and Advocacy Director Natalie Lyla Ginsberg joined MAPS Policy and Advocacy Counsel Ismail Ali to represent MAPS at the United Nations, where they focused on educating delegates, researchers, and advocates about MAPS’ research. Ismail and Natalie also spoke to a crowd of over 200 people the University of Vienna, at an event hosted by the Vienna Psychedelic Society. We are proud of Natalie and Ismail for their progress with raising awareness about political barriers to research worldwide. Watch the video….

Psychedelic Peer Counseling

Zendo Project Provides Psychedelic Peer Counseling for 202 Guests at Envision Festival in Costa Rica

At this year’s Envision Festival, 45 Zendo Project volunteers provided psychedelic harm reduction services for 202 individuals. For the sixth consecutive year, the Zendo Project provided outreach and education to dozens of attendees at Envision Festival.

On March 15 and 17, 2018, Zendo Project Manager Ryan Beauregard facilitated training workshops in Portland, OR and Seattle, WA, respectively. The training workshops were co-facilitated Erica Zelfand, N.D. and Timothy Crespi, L.P.C., C.A.D.C. After the March 17 workshop in Seattle, the Zendo Project held a Fundraising Gathering at Water Sines Studio. The Zendo Project expresses gratitude to all who came to learn psychedelic peer support skills and support the Zendo Project.

The Zendo Project will be attending Burning Man 2018. If you are interested in applying to volunteer with the Zendo Project at Burning Man, sign up to receive emails from the Zendo Project. Sign up for the Newsletter… | Learn more…

Support MAPS

February Giving Report: $4 Million Match From Pineapple Fund

In February 2018, MAPS raised over $6.1 million in new donations and pledges from 597 supporters.

Starting on January 10, MAPS has been raising funds to be matched by a $4 million matching grant, offered by the Pineapple Fund. MAPS completed the matching grant on March 9, raising $8 million for our FDA Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD.

With these gifts, MAPS has now raised $26.2 million of the $26.7 million needed for our upcoming Phase 3 clinical trials for FDA. MAPS now needs an additional $500,000 to complete funding for the final stage of research needed to make MDMA-assisted psychotherapy a legal prescription treatment for PTSD in the U.S. MAPS is currently seeking an additional $5 million for European Medicines Agency (EMA) trials to supplement the data gathered for the FDA.

On behalf of the millions of people and families who will benefit from legal MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD when it’s approved, we express our sincere gratitude to all of the individuals and foundations who contributed to the Pineapple Fund matching grant. Leading contributors to the match included George Sarlo ($1,000,001), James Evans ($1,000,000), Libra Foundation ($600,000), anonymous ($400,000), Bo Shao and Oleg Gorelik ($348,235), William H Donner Foundation ($250,000), Jason Dorsett ($200,000), Cyan Bannister ($50,000), George Goldsmith and Katya Malievskaia ($25,000), James Bailey and Devon Aoki ($10,000), Robert Bienstock ($10,000), Fred and Katie Weber ($10,000), Paul and Kristina Eklund ($7,000), Robert Barnhart ($5,000), Ginger and Brad Coy ($5,000), Dale Okuno ($5,000), Joe Polish ($5,000), Jamie and Julie Wheel ($5,000), Jeffrey Zucker ($5000), Hal Elrod ($2,500), Virginia Pappadakis ($2,500), Scott Shannon ($2,000), Joseph Salazar ($1,274), Colin Wilson ($1,000), Don Scott ($1,000), James Ferrari ($1,000), Malanie Nahas ($1,000), Saj Razvi ($1,000), and many others.

We would also like to thank Christian Halper who donated $200,000 to MAPS research for approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), a donation which will be matched by Carey and Claudia Turnbull who have offered a $500,000 matching grant for EMA research.

We would also like to thank those who contributed to MAPS’ operating budget this month: Bailey Gimbel ($2,500), John Heilemann ($2,500), Sam Magro ($1,000), Benjamin Marinoff ($1,000), and many others.

MAPS relies on the generosity of individual donors to achieve our mission. Psychedelic science is again being conducted under federal guidelines, but no funding for psychedelic psychotherapy research is yet available from governments or major non-family foundations.

Help us reach our goal to make MDMA a medicine by 2021 by establishing a monthly gift of $10 or more. maps.org/donate

Learn how to include MAPS in your will or estate plans.
Learn more about hosting a Global Psychedelic Dinner to fundraise for MAPS.

Media

Featured Media: March 2018

PRESS RELEASE: MAPS Completes $4 Million Matching Grant from Pineapple Fund

Written by Brad Burge on March 9, 2018

Forbes: Bitcoin Mega-Philanthropist ‘Pineapple’ Talks About Psychedelic Research

Written by Gregory Ferenstein on February 28, 2018

Bloomberg: America Is Giving Away the $30 Billion Medical Marijuana Industry

Written by Josh Dean on March 7, 2018

The Cato Institute: Free Thoughts Podcast: Is the DEA Trippin’? Interview with Rick Doblin

Written by Trevor Burrus and Aaron Powell on March 2, 2018

Public Radio International: Opioid Addicts are Turning to a Clinic in Mexico to Break Their Addiction, But There’s a Catch. The Treatment is Illegal in the U.S.

Written by Jonathan Levinson on March 6, 2018

The Runner: MAPS Researchers Explore the Potential For Psychedelic Drugs to Treat PTSD

Written by Joseph Keller on March 6, 2018

MAPS Store

MAPS Messenger Bags: Limited Edition

Proudly support psychedelic research and be ready for every outing with these MAPS Messenger Bags.

$50.00 | Buy your bag here

The Manual of Psychedelic Support

The Manual of Psychedelic Support is a harm reduction resource providing a comprehensive overview of how people can provide compassionate care to people undergoing difficult psychedelic experiences during large-scale music festivals and events.

$20.00 | Get your manual today

MAPS Podcast

MAPS Podcast: Episode 25 – Roland Griffiths: Implications for Spirituality and Therapeutics

Live from Psychedelic Science 2017, Roland Griffiths, Ph.D, gives the definitive talk about the psilocybin project that’s underway at Johns Hopkins. The implications for spirituality and therapeutics is presented from the early sets of data obtained from the study. The program at Johns Hopkins investigates the effects of the classic hallucinogen psilocybin that includes studies of psilocybin-occasioned mystical-type experiences in healthy volunteers, psilocybin-facilitated treatment of psychological distress in cancer patients, psilocybin-facilitated treatment of cigarette smoking cessation, psilocybin effects in beginning and long-term meditators, and psilocybin effects in religious leaders.

Events

Browse our Event Calendar and Featured Events page for more opportunities.

The Mushroom Cure with Adam Strauss: March 30 – April 28, 2018, Berkeley, California

They say that laughter is the best medicine, but for one comedian suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder, it just might be psychedelic mushrooms. The Mushroom Cure is the hilarious, harrowing, and heartrending tale of how, inspired by a scientific study, Adam Strauss tried to treat his severe OCD with psychedelics. The Mushroom Cure is written and performed by Adam Strauss, and directed by Jonathan Libman. Learn more…

An Evening with Jason Silva: April 6, 2018, New York, New York

Our understanding of consciousness is spearheading a revolution: from neuro-hacking, to psychedelics, artificial intelligence and singularity, our lives are ripe for transformation…

Positive psychologists speak of flow, consciousness states ‘North of Happy’, where we lose our sense of self and time, and find the answers while performing better. Researchers speak of awe, experiences of such perceptual vastness that our mental models of reality literally get upgraded, BrainGasms that leave us feeling blissful, grateful and kinder.

Join Jason Silva as he breaks down the times we live in, the agony and the ecstasy, and points the way to purpose, passion, awe and flow. Learn more…

The Science of Consciousness Conference: April 2-7, 2018, Tucson, Arizona

‘The Science of Consciousness’ (‘TSC’) is the world’s largest and longest-running interdisciplinary conference on all aspects of the nature of conscious awareness, feelings and existence. These include how the brain produces consciousness, how consciousness can causally affect brain processes, the best empirical theories, do we have free will, evolution of life and consciousness, the origins of moral and aesthetic values, how to improve mental, physical and cognitive function, and whether consciousness can persist after bodily death, e.g. through ‘uploading’ to machines, or via mental processes tied to the structure of reality. These and other relevant questions are approached through many disciplines in science, philosophy, business, the arts and contemplative practices. Learn more…

Rick Doblin speaking at the 5th Meeting of the World Congress for Freedom of Scientific Research: April 11 – 13, 2018, Brussels, Belgium

Themes like genome editing on humans and plants, patients rights, research on embryonic stem cells, reproductive rights, research on controlled narcotics, will be addressed at the three-day event. Central to the Congress will be the to support of the affirmation of the so-called “right to science”, which is the right for scientist to conduct research and the right for the people to benefit from its results, as codified in dozens of national, regional and international Human Rights instruments. Learn more…

Pioneering Research on MDMA on Patients with PTSD: April 14, 2018, Charleston, South Carolina

MAPS-sponsored MDMA researchers Michael Mithoefer, M.D., and Annie Mithoefer, B.S.N., will offer a brief overview of 14 years of clinical research using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treating PTSD. Attendees will be exposed to the purpose, method and powerful results of the six completed clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. They will also have the opportunity to see video clips from research sessions illustrating the remarkable degree to which MDMA catalyzes awareness and exploration of shadow material and archetypal imagery.Learn more…

MDMA-Assisted Therapy: “Our Experiences as Subjects”: April 17, 2018, Hartford, Connecticut

We hope you’ll join us in welcoming Will Siu, M.D., DPhil and Sara Reed, MS, MFT as they discuss their participation in an FDA-regulated clinical trial with MDMA – specifically their experiences as participants in the therapist training program. MDMA is commonly referred to as “molly” or “ecstasy” but substances sold by these names sometimes contain little to no MDMA.

Recent studies by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) are demonstrating that MDMA shows great promise as a psychotherapeutic assistant in treating individuals with PTSD. Sara and Will participated in the therapist training program as preparation for their involvement as researchers and therapists in the upcoming trials using MDMA as an adjunct to therapy for PTSD. This event is sponsored by UConn Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) along with the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Learn more…

Midwest Psychedelic Therapy Symposium: April 27 – 29, 2018, Madison, Wisconsin

The Midwest Psychedelic Therapy Symposium is a three day conference that will focus on the insights gained, integration practices, and beneficial impact on people’s life through the use of psychedelics. Learn more…

Rick Doblin and Ingmar Gorman speaking at Beyond Psychedelics: June 21 – 24, 2018, Prague, Czech Republic

Beyond Psychedelics is the global multidisciplinary forum on psychedelics in the Czech Republic, the country with a longstanding history of psychedelic research. Conference organizers intend to discuss the potential of psychedelics, alternative states of consciousness and technologies in the current social climate. Conference presentations will review current challenges and risks, explore the basis of safe use and sensible integration, and create new synergies. Learn more…

126th Annual APA Convention: August 9 – 12, 2018, San Francisco, California

MAPS will have a table at this event and there will be a series of talks about psychedelics at the annual American Psychological Association conference from August 9 – 12, 2018, in San Francisco, California. Learn more…

Colloquium on Psychedelic Psychiatry 2018: October 13 – 14, 2018, Nacka, Sweden

A high quality, 2-day international academic seminar on psychedelic science, with a special focus on the use of psychedelics in psychiatry. “Colloquium” is a latin term with three interpretations, the most common of which refers to an academic seminar. The Colloquium on Psychedelic Psychiatry 2018 will be a high quality, 2-day international academic seminar on psychedelic science, with a special focus on the use of psychedelics in psychiatry. Learn more…

More News

DMT Survey

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine researchers are conducting an anonymous, internet-based survey study about DMT experiences. Learn More…

The Ibogaine Stories

The Ibogaine Stories is a film documenting the little known history of a movement that fought for ibogaine recognition. We will hear the amazing stories of a group of inspiring individuals who treated addicts with a plant medicine from Central Africa that has liberated thousands of people from substance abuse. The documentary producers just need another $5,000 to complete the pilot. MAPS is a proud fiscal sponsor for The Ibogaine Stories. Learn More…

Win an Early Galley of How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan

How to Change Your Mind is a brilliant and brave investigation by Michael Pollan, author of five New York Times best sellers, featuring an exploration of the medical and scientific revolution taking place around psychedelic drugs, and the spellbinding story of his own life-changing psychedelic experiences. Learn More…

Psychedelic Support Website Launches

A new website, psychedelic.support, is creating a global network of therapists, counselors, holistic doctors, M.D.s, and integration consultants to offer services (online and in-person) for psychedelic/plant medicine integration, transformational preparation, psychological and physical health, and personal growth. Visit psychedelic.support to search and view provider profiles, find integration events and professional trainings, and access free resources from the collective knowledge of the Psychedelic Support Network. Learn more…

Thank you, Allison/Alistair Wilens!

Allison/Alistair Wilens has supported MAPS’ clinical team since 2014, after graduating from Tufts University with a B.S. in Biopsychology.

Allison/Alistair fulfilled their intention of being a mycelium-like connector at MPBC, and is passionate about regenerative design.

As MPBC’s Clinical Systems Analyst, Allison/Alistair brought together the clinical operations, regulatory strategy, therapist training, data science, and data management teams with the tools and resources they need to sustainably meet their goals.

Allison/Alistair is now operating as an independent consultant helping small businesses with a social justice focus grow their capacity. To contact them, send an email to alistair@psymbio.tech