Newsletter: May 9, 2014

MAPS Email Newsletter: “I Did In Three Sessions What I Couldn’t Do In Thirty, Forty Years”

May 10, 2014

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Last week, The Verge debuted their impactful all-new report Ecstatic States, including a 13-minute segment about how MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is transforming the lives of veterans, sexual assault survivors, and others with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One of the interview subjects is Vietnam veteran Bob Walker, who says, “I did in three sessions what I couldn’t do in 30, 40 years.”

Our international series of Phase 2 studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD is advancing at an unprecedented pace, with new subjects enrolled and treated in South Carolina, Colorado, and Israel. We’re also adding a new co-therapist team to our upcoming study in Canada.

The Spring 2014 MAPS Bulletin: Special Edition on Psychedelics and Education is now available online. The issue includes 15 all-new original articles about how we teach future psychedelic psychotherapists, which educational paths to take when embarking on a career in psychedelic research, how students are working to end the global War on Drugs, and much more.

In the May 2014 edition of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Email Newsletter, you’ll also learn:

• The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) tells us that it does not have the marijuana needed for our study, contradicting their previous claim and causing more delays
• Our New Zealand observational study of ibogaine-assisted therapy for opiate addiction enrolls its final subject, and data collection is finished for our completed study in Mexico
• Longtime supporter Timothy Butcher leaves a $1.9 million bequest to MAPS, making a new study possible and helping build a bridge to Phase 3
• Iraq veteran Tony Macie hosts a popular Ask Me Anything on reddit, answering over 250 questions about his recovery from PTSD after participating in our study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy

Get daily updates and stay connected with the psychedelic and medical marijuana research community by joining us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The conversation is always expanding.

The advancement of our mission depends on the hard work and financial support of those who want to see psychedelics and marijuana reintegrated into our clinics and culture. This edition of the MAPS Email Newsletter is dedicated to the legacy and inspiration of our friends, family, and colleagues who have passed on, and who continue to inspire us with their work and their words.

always upward, Brad Burge MAPS Director of Communications and Marketing

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Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy

1. Boulder: Sixth and Seventh Subjects Treated, Amendment Submitted to FDA and IRB
2. U.S. Veterans: 17th Subject Enrolled and Treated
3. Israel: Fourth Subject Enrolled

Medical Marijuana Research

4. NIDA Admits It Doesn’t Have Marijuana Required for Research, Causing More Delays for PTSD Study

Ibogaine-Assisted Therapy For Drug Addiction

5. Mexico: Data Entry Completed for Observational Study
6. New Zealand: 14th and Final Subject Enrolled

Support MAPS

7. When We Work Together, We Change How the World Sees Psychedelics
8. Precious Moments Artist Timothy Butcher Leaves $1.9 Million Bequest to MAPS

Media

9. Special Issue of Journal of Psychoactive Drugs on Psychedelic Research and Therapy
10. The Verge, Tony Macie on reddit, Huffington Post, Business Insider, and more…

MAPS Store

11. LSD: Problem Child and Wonder Drug Documentary DVD
12. Limited Edition Dichroic Glass Pendants featuring MAPS Logo

Events

13. Women’s Visionary Congress: May 30-June 1, Petaluma, CA
14. Ongoing: Psychedelic Science: Evolver Learning Lab Webinar: May 7-June 11
15. World Ayahuasca Conference: September 25-27, Ibiza, Spain

More News

16. Are You an Academic Researcher Doing Clinical Research? Here’s How You Can Help
17. The Visionary World of H.R. Giger by Stanislav Grof: Coming from MAPS in March 2015

 

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TREATING PTSD WITH MDMA-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY

1. Boulder: Sixth and Seventh Subjects Treated, Amendment Submitted to FDA and IRB

On April 18, 2014, the sixth subject was treated in our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in Boulder, Colorado. The seventh subject was enrolled on March 27, and received the first MDMA-assisted psychotherapy session on May 2. Additionally, on May 1, we submitted a revised protocol for review to the Institutional Review Board proposing to increase the study size from 17 to 23 subjects , and on May 2 we submitted the revised protocol to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This study is investigating the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD resulting from sexual assault, violent crime, war, or any other cause. Download the study protocol | Learn more…
$742,000 estimated study cost • $213,000 raised • $529,000 still needed

2. U.S. Veterans: 17th Subject Enrolled and Treated

On May 6, 2014, the 17th subject was treated in our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in 24 U.S. veterans, fire fighters, and police officers with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. This subject was enrolled on April 9. This subject has also enrolled in our new sub-study of the physiological effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, which will examine heart rate variability (HRV) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and explore correlations with clinical outcomes. Overall goals for this study include (1) gathering evidence for the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in people suffering from war-related trauma; (2) comparing the effectiveness of the treatment for people with war-related trauma versus for people with trauma related to sexual abuse, assault, and other causes; (2) comparing different doses of MDMA; and (3) increasing awareness and support for our work by assisting a publicly recognized population. Learn more…
$1,376,000 estimated study cost • $1,074,000 raised • $302,000 still needed

3. Israel: Fourth Subject Enrolled

On April 16, 2014, the fourth subject was enrolled in our ongoing Israeli study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for 10 subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. Goals for this study include (1) gathering evidence for the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for subjects with PTSD mostly related to war and terrorism, (2) comparing the effectiveness of different doses of MDMA for therapy and double-blind, (3) working in direct association with the Israeli Ministry of Health, and (4) exploring the use of MDMA
-assisted psychotherapy in other cultural contexts. Learn more…
$492,000 estimated study cost • $43,000 raised • $449,000 still needed

Learn more about MDMA-assisted psychotherapy on or at mdmaptsd.org.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA RESEARCH

4. NIDA Admits It Doesn’t Have Marijuana Required for Research, Causing More Delays for PTSD Study

On April 17, 2014, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) informed MAPS that it does not have the marijuana needed for our study. This was completely unexpected as it contradicts NIDA’s written claim over three years ago that they did have a supply of marijuana containing the balanced THC/CBD ratio needed for our study. We designed our protocol around that variety in order to gather information about the relative risks and benefits of THC and CBD in veterans with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. It now looks like there will be another delay of at least half a year while we wait for NIDA to produce the marijuana we need for our study. Learn more….
$885,000 estimated study budget • $885,000 still needed

IBOGAINE-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR DRUG ADDICTION

5. Mexico: Data Entry Completed for Observational Study

On April 11, 2014, data entry was completed for our observational study of ibogaine-assisted therapy for opioid dependence in Mexico. Data cleanup will begin soon in preparation for submitting the results for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. In this study, Principal Investigator Thomas Kingsley Brown, Ph.D., observed the long-term effects of ibogaine treatment for individuals undergoing treatment for opioid dependence at an independent clinic in Mexico. Learn more….

6. New Zealand: 14th and Final Subject Enrolled

On April 27, 2014, the 14th and final subject was enrolled in our nearly completed New Zealand observational study of ibogaine-assisted treatment for opioid dependence. Since July 2012, Principal Investigator Geoff Noller, Ph.D., has been collecting follow-up data from subjects undergoing treatment at an independent ibogaine center in New Zealand. Eight participants have completed the study including the long-term follow-up. Data from this study will be compared to the results of our completed observational study in Mexico. Learn more…

Learn about our current Funding Priorities.

SUPPORT MAPS

7. When We Work Together, We Change How the World Sees Psychedelics

In April 2014, 198 people contributed $387,550 to increase scientific knowledge about psychedelics and communicate that knowledge to the wider public. Riverstyx Foundation generously pledged $240,000 to add 12 subjects to our now 24-subject planned study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening illness study to be led by Principal Investigator Phil Wolfson, MD, in Marin, Calif. Philip Payson also donated $53,889 from a charitable remainder trust he inherited recently. Special thanks to the Threshold Foundation for their $22,725 grant for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD research, and to the Michael & Anita Siegal Family Foundation for a $4,000 grant for our Israeli MDMA-assisted psychotherapy study. Our Canadian supporters also stepped up at our April events in Vancouver, giving roughly $40,000, including pledges of $20,000 from Steve Chapman, $3,000 from Kolin Lymworth, and $3,000 from an anonymous donor, all for our Vancouver
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy study. We are also grateful for a $5,000 donation out of a $25,000 pledge from Carey & Claudia Turnbull, and a $5,000 donation from Sir Ivan Wilzig, both for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Thanks goes to the Tinnitus Research Initiative Foundation for $10,000 grant for our tinnitus research, to Philip Wolfson for a $2,000 donation, to Michael Divine for $1,420, and to Thomas Huntington for $1,000. On behalf of our fiscal sponsors, we also thank those who contributed to Bluelight, Ayahuasca Association, Ethnobotanical Stewardship Council, and the Global Ibogaine Therapist Alliance. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the 178 donors who gave between $1 and $999 for general support, and for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy drug development in the U.S., Israel, and Canada. When we work together, giving in the ways and amounts that work best for each of us, we change how the world sees psychedelics. Thank you.

Help us make psychedelics and marijuana into prescription medicines—donate today!

8. Precious Moments Artist Timothy Butcher Leaves $1.9 Million Bequest to MAPS

Funding for research into the therapeutic uses of psychedelics and medical marijuana increased significantly in April 2014, when we announced that MAPS will receive a generous $1.9 million bequest from the estate of longtime MAPS supporter Timothy Butcher. Starting in 1996, Tim donated over $155,000 to support MAPS’ work, though his bequest came as a surprise to us. “Tim was passionate about our mission,” says MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D. “Unbeknownst to me, Tim decided to include MAPS in his will in a characteristically modest and humble manner. As we expand our work, Tim’s bequest provides crucially needed support.” Tim cared most about the use of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in people struggling with end-of-life issues. Tim’s bequest has enabled MAPS to begin working to start a new MDMA-assisted psychotherapy study in subjects with anxiety from life-threatening illnesses.
View the press release | Learn about bequests…

MEDIA

9. Special Issue of Journal of Psychoactive Drugs on Psychedelic Research and Therapy

Volume 26, Issue 1 of the peer-reviewed Journal of Psychoactive Drugs highlights some of the results and ongoing research into LSD, MDMA, and other psychedelic drugs. The special issue brings together contributions from scientists around the world, including:

• History and Future of MAPS by Amy Emerson, Linnae Ponté, Lisa Jerome, and Rick Doblin
• Why Psychiatry Needs Psychedelics and Psychedelics Need Psychiatry by Ben Sessa
• PTSD Symptom Reports of Patients Evaluated for the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program by George Greer, Charles Grob, and Adam Halberstadt

The complete Table of Contents and abstracts are available online here.

10. The Verge, Tony Macie on reddit, Huffington Post, Business Insider, and more…

PRESS RELEASE: Precious Moments Artist Timothy Butcher Leaves $1.9 Million Bequest to MAPS | view
MAPS | April 29, 2014

FEATURED The Verge: Ecstatic States Mini-Documentary | watch
Lessley Anderson | April 29, 2014

FEATURED reddit: MDMA-Assisted Therapy Study Participant Tony Macie Hosts Q&A on reddit | view
Tony Macie | April 16, 2014

Huffington Post: Veteran Explains How MDMA Helped Heal His Postwar Trauma | view
Anna Almendrala | April 16, 2014

Business Insider: Veteran: Ecstasy Drug Saved Me From My Battle With PTSD | view
Jeremy Bender | April 16, 2014

Military.com via Houston Chronicle: In Study, Ecstasy Shows Promise for Treating PTSD | view
Kyrie O’Connor | May 6, 2014

Alternet: 5 Amazing Things Scientists Have Discovered About Psychedelics | view
April Short | April 11, 2014

Crushplate: The Bright Future Of Clinical LSD Research: A Conversation With MAPS | listen
NPR Staff | March 9, 2014

Motherboard: These Short Online Psychedelic Courses Will Bend Your Mind | view
DJ Pangburn | April 16, 2014

The Daily Beast: Are the Feds Hoarding Pot? | view
Steven Wishnia | April 22, 2014

Washington Times: Veterans Push to Test Marijuana as a Life-Saving Treatment for Crippling PTSD | view
Jacqueline Klimas | April 22, 2014

Explore MAPS in the Media for more psychedelic and medical marijuana research news.

MAPS STORE

11. LSD: Problem Child and Wonder Drug Documentary DVD

LSD: Problem Child and Wonder Drug Documentary DVD 60 Minutes | Released 2008 LSD: Problem Child and Wonder Drug captures the fascinating story of LSD as told by discoverer Albert Hofmann at his 100th birthday conference. With interviews and presentations by Rick Doblin, Alex Grey, Ralph Metzner, Carl Ruck, Goa Gil, and others, this historic message from the father of LSD is a timeless relic and an immediate source of inspiration. $25.00 | Now available

12. Limited Edition Dichroic Glass Pendants featuring MAPS Logo

Limited Edition Dichroic Glass Pendants featuring MAPS Logo Show your support for psychedelic science with pride and style with this unique dichroic glass pendant. Each unique handmade pendant contains subtle variations with a shimmering MAPS logo embedded in sturdy blown glass. We have only commissioned a limited number of these, so get yours while supplies last. These make spectacular gifts. Made with love by Atlantis Arising Inc./Dichroic Alchemy. $25.00 | Now available

All purchases from the MAPS Store support our research and education projects.

EVENTS

13. Women’s Visionary Congress: May 30-June 1, Petaluma, CA

The eighth annual Women’s Visionary Congress will take place from May 30-June 1st, 2014, at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) stunning EarthRise Retreat Center in Petaluma, California. The gathering will include presentations from visionary researchers, healers, activists and artists from the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Registration ($350) includes lodging, meals, and WVC membership. Day passes also available. Buy tickets…

14. Ongoing: Psychedelic Science: Evolver Learning Lab Webinar: May 7-June 11

Brad Burge of MAPS has invited some of the leading experts in psychedelic science and medicine to help you understand, integrate, and learn to use the most recent research from this transformative field. You will be part of the discussion over five weekly sessions, able to ask your questions on camera, just like a Skype call. A portion of proceeds supports MAPS’ psychedelic and medical marijuana research and education projects. The course started on May 7, but you can still register for access to upcoming sessions and past session recordings.

15. World Ayahuasca Conference: September 25-27, Ibiza, Spain

The World Ayahuasca Conference 2014, organized by the ICEERS Foundation, aims to be a multidisciplinary event that brings together leading scientists, legal experts, practitioners. environmentalists and other experts involved in the ayahuasca field, facilitating the interchange of experience and knowledge, and the birth of new synergies and collaborations through the formal presentations and round tables, workshops and debates, as well as the informal events of the conference. Register…

View our Event Calendar for more upcoming events.

MORE NEWS

16. Are You an Academic Researcher Doing Clinical Research? Here’s How You Can Help

As our clinical program continues moving forward, we have decided to partner with Medrio, a leading clinical trial data management service. The Medrio system will enhance our ability to work with clinical data in real time and improve our data quality control processes. Medrio has agreed to give us free access in exchange for referrals to university or pharmaceutical industry researchers who might benefit from the software. To learn about this system for yourself and help us cover costs, take a free tour of Medrio and request a free test database to explore. Taking the tour does not require any purchase or agreement—the only requirements are current affiliation with an accredited academic institution and that you are able to consider a system like Medrio for your own clinical research. If you are interested in taking the tour, please take a minute to confirm your academic affiliation. We will verify your email address and send a follow-up email with instructions for how to take the tour. Take the tour…

17. The Visionary World of H.R. Giger by Stanislav Grof: Coming from MAPS in March 2015

This year, Swiss publisher Nachtschatten Verlag released a bilingual Swiss hardcover edition of pioneering transpersonal psychiatrist Stanislav Grof’s H.R. Giger and the Zeitgeist of the Twentieth Century. The forthcoming English-only MAPS edition, The Visionary World of H.R. Giger: The Contributions of Consciousness Research to the Understanding of Art, will include a full-length version of Grof’s essay on the contributions of psychedelic and consciousness research to the understanding of art, additional artwork, and an original foreword. The Visionary World of H.R. Giger will be released by MAPS in March 2015.

Looking for more ways to get involved? Check out our Student Resources page!