Second MAPS-Sponsored Phase 3 Trial of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD Completed
November 22, 2022
For two decades, MAPS’ donors have supported our sponsorship of clinical trials, and we’re delighted to share that on earlier this month, the final participant in our FDA Phase 3 program of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD completed the study!
“The completion of data gathering in our second Phase 3 study of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD is a critical milestone in MAPS’ 36-year campaign to obtain FDA approval for the therapeutic use of MDMA,” said Rick Doblin, Ph.D., MAPS Founder and Executive Director. “I’m proud of our team of therapists, staff, donors, funders, and especially the brave patients who volunteered to confront their trauma in our studies.”
The achievement of this milestone means that the most advanced clinical research program in psychedelic-assisted therapies is expected to advance to FDA evaluation of the treatment’s safety and efficacy in 2023. We are so excited to share this news, and we hope you will read the full statement here.
MAPS’ Analysis of Colorado’s Natural Medicine Health Act: Reviewing Proposition 122/Measure 58
We are encouraged by the news that voters of Colorado have passed Proposition 122 (also known as the Natural Medicine Health Act or Measure 58). Proposition 122 offers an opportunity to establish adult use and decriminalization of certain psychedelics simultaneously in one state, to offer an alternative approach to total prohibition. It also illuminates the complex policy decisions and trade-offs at this front edge of psychedelic policymaking.
MAPS Bulletin Special Edition: Drug Reform and Drug Access Pathways
We are excited to share the latest edition of the MAPS Bulletin: Vol. 32, No. 2, Special Edition: Drug Reform and Drug Access Pathways, now available online and in subscriber mailboxes! In this new edition of the MAPS Bulletin, you’ll find 15 original articles on topics such as healing intergenerational trauma, frameworks for regulating psychedelics, Oregon’s expanding psychedelics marketplace, conservation strategies for peyote, and many more.
The MAPS Bulletin is mailed to members who donate $50 or more per year to support our research and educational initiatives. MAPS also distributes the Bulletin as an educational tool for scientists, researchers, government officials, drug war prisoners, and educators.
Honoring Veterans for Veterans Day
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to U.S. Veterans for their service and sacrifice in honor of last week’s Veterans Day. Veterans experience higher rates of PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to the rest of the population due to the nature of their service. We are committed to developing access to psychedelic therapies that could help Veterans who are struggling with trauma.
Psychedelic Fundamentals: Sign Up for MAPS Digital Learning Series
We are excited to hear the positive feedback for Psychedelic Fundamentals, the first course in the new MAPS Digital Learning series! This introductory course will guide you through the basics of psychedelics via a series of short, easy-to-follow lessons. The course takes just a few hours and provides students with an overview of the most interesting and important aspects of psychedelic history, science, clinical research, therapeutic uses, and harm reduction, backed by over 36 years of MAPS history as an institution of psychedelic education.
In-depth courses on integration, peer support, and more are in development.
Use code HTCYM for 25% off registration for Psychedelic Fundamentals or pre-orders of other MAPS Digital Learning courses, coming soon!
MAPS, MAPS PBC, and MAPS Europe Are Hiring
Check our careers page to apply for one of our many open job positions or refer a friend! All of our organizations — MAPS, MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, and MAPS Europe — are hiring for full-time roles from development to clinical science to regulatory compliance.
Register for Psychedelic Science 2023

Psychedelic Science 2023 is fast approaching! Join us from June 19-23, 2023, in Denver, Colorado, where 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, explore the agenda, or book a hotel to secure the best rates.
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Remember: you can find an archive of all previous monthly MAPS Newsletters (19 years!) on our website.
Research News
Second MAPS-Sponsored Phase 3 Trial of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD Completed (MAPP2)
MDMA Therapy Training Program Update: November 2022
Support MAPS
October 2022 Giving Report: Donors Give Over $120,000 to Psychedelic Research and Education
Psychedelic Peer Support
Zendo Project Celebrates a Decade at Burning Man
MAPS in the Media
- Bloomberg: Will Medical Insurers Agree to Cover Psychedelic Trips?
- DoubleBlind Mag: 57 Greatest Psychedelic Quotes of All Time
- For the Wild Podcast: Ismail Lourido Ali, J.D. on Post-Prohibition Realities
- Marijuana Moment: SXSW Announces Marijuana And Psychedelics Panel Lineup For 2023 Festival – Marijuana Moment
- Into the Multiverse Podcast: The War on Drugs & The Future of Psychedelics with Natalie Ginsberg, Global Impact Officer at MAPS
- New Atlas: The Ideological War at the Heart of the Psychedelic Renaissance
- Boss Magazine: Light at the End of the Tunnel – Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy nears FDA Approval
MAPS Store
Events
Psychedelic Science 2023, June 19-23, 2023, Denver, Colorado
Psychedelics in Medicine, January 12-13, 2023, Reykjavík, Iceland
Polaris Insight Center: Ongoing Training and Retreats
Integrative Psychiatry Institute Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training, July 2022 – May 2023
Thank you to Dr. Bronner’s for their support of the MAPS Newsletter!