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MAPS Email Newsletter:
Making a World Where We Want to Live
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October 11, 2013
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VIDEO: The inspiring new mini-documentary Transforming Medicine explores the fast-growing field of psychedelic science.
Careful research and honest education go hand-in-hand. In the October 2013 edition of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Email Newsletter, you’ll learn what you—our international community of researchers, doctors, journalists, students, educators, and many others—are doing to reduce the risks and discover the benefits of psychedelics and marijuana for science, spirituality, and everything in between.
Most excitingly last month, our upcoming study of MDMA-assisted therapy for social anxiety in adults on the autism spectrum has received clearance from the Institutional Review Board and the Research Advisory Panel of California. Pending two final reviews by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which we hope will be quick, we’ll be ready to start this exciting new study into a possible new therapeutic use for MDMA-assisted therapy.
Here are more highlights from this edition:
- Our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for U.S. veterans, firefighters, and police officers with PTSD treats another subject
- MAPS’ Zendo Project psychedelic harm reduction services provides compassionate support for over 150 guests in Black Rock City 2013
- Psychiatric Times talks to psychiatric nurse Andrew Penn about how “harm reduction psychiatry” can enhance the benefits and reduce the risks of using psychedelics
- The seventh international Horizons: Perspectives on Psychedelics conference starts this weekend in New York City, along with our States of Mind party
One great way to get involved is to help us transcribe and translate videos from Psychedelic Science 2013 by joining our team at Amara. So far, over 80 volunteers have dedicated an estimated 52 hours to creating 35 sets of subtitles in six languages—care to join the team?
Stay connected with breaking news and updates—connect with MAPS on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Google+.
Finally, remember that you can download the Summer 2013 MAPS Bulletin for even more in-depth news and information. Donate just $40 or more for a subscription and we’ll send you your own copy to share with friends, family, and colleagues.
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With gratitude,
 Brad Burge MAPS Director of Communications and Marketing |
- Institutional Review Board and State Advisory Panel Approve Protocol Changes
- U.S. Veterans: 15th Subject Receives Treatment; DEA Approves Amended Protocol
- Making a World Where We Want to Live
- Wired, Psychiatric Times, The Atlantic, and more…
- LSD Psychotherapy by Stanislav Grof, M.D.
- Healing with Entactogens: Therapist and Patient Perspectives on MDMA-Assisted Group Psychotherapy by Torsten Passie, M.D.
- Limited Edition Dichroic Glass Pendants featuring MAPS Logo
- States of Mind Party: October 12, New York, NY
- Smoke Signals and Acid Dreams: An Evening with Martin Lee: November 22, Santa Cruz, CA
- Horizons: Perspectives on Psychedelics: October 11-13, New York, NY
- National Bioneers Conference: October 18-20, San Rafael, CA
- Neurons to Nirvana Premiere Film Screening: October 19, New York, NY
- International Drug Policy Reform Conference: October 23-26, Denver, CO
- Science and Nonduality Gathering: October 23-27, San Jose, CA
- Spirit Plant Medicine: October 26-27, Vancouver, Canada
- Report: Zendo Project Volunteers Help Over 150 Guests in Black Rock City 2013
- Johns Hopkins Survey: Psychedelics and Smoking Cessation
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Social Anxiety in Autistic Adults
Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Therapy
Support MAPS
Media
MAPS Store
Events
More News
MDMA-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY IN AUTISTIC ADULTS
1. Institutional Review Board and State Advisory Panel Approve Protocol Changes
On September 30, the Research Advisory Panel of California (RAPC) approved the amended protocol for our upcoming study of MDMA-assisted therapy for social anxiety in autistic adults. The RAPC review is an additional layer of approval required only in California for research with Schedule I drugs. On September 25, the Institutional Review Board at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center/Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute also conditionally approved the amended protocol, pending our responses to some final questions (Update: The IRB fully approved the protocol on October 16.) The study will begin screening and enrolling subjects after the research pharmacy and principal investigator receive their Schedule I licenses from the Drug Enforcement Administration, for which applications were respectively submitted on October 2 and October 9. We anticipate that obtaining these licenses will be straightforward and that we will be able to begin screening subjects in early 2014. Charles Grob, M.D., and Alicia Danforth, Ph.D., are leading the study. Learn more…
$296,000 estimated study cost • $1,000 raised • $295,000 still needed
Watch Transforming Medicine, the inspiring new mini-documentary about the fast-growing field of psychedelic science.
TREATING PTSD WITH MDMA-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY
Learn more about MDMA-assisted psychotherapy on 
or at mdmaptsd.org.
2. U.S. Veterans: 15th Subject Receives Treatment; DEA Approves Amended Protocol
On October 5, 2013, the 15th subject was treated in our ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for U.S. veterans, firefighters, and police officers with service-related PTSD. On October 3, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration approved the amended study protocol due to the addition of a 100 mg dose condition (along with 30 mg, 75 mg, and 125 mg). The protocol received approval from the Food and Drug Administration on October 6 (after passing the 30-day review period without comment from the FDA), and approval from the Institutional Review Board on August 28. There are currently over 450 people on the waiting list for this study for 11 more openings, highlighting the pressing public need for our research into more effective treatments for PTSD. Learn more…
$1,394,000 estimated study cost • $880,000 raised • $514,000 still needed
SUPPORT MAPS
Participants at Psychedelic Science 2013 raise their hands in support of psychedelic research.
Learn how your gift makes a difference.
3. Making a World Where We Want to Live
Thank you to the 215 individuals who put their money where their values are this month by making a gift to MAPS. Because of these gifts, we are closer to living in a world where psychedelics and marijuana are safely and legally available for beneficial uses. Many thanks to Trammell Crow for his gift of $5,000 for our MDMA-assisted psychotherapy study in veterans, and to Anton Bilton for his support of a new book abo
ut ayahuasca edited by Bia Labate and Clancy Cavnar. Our appreciation goes to an anonymous donor for a gift of $2,000, and to the Highfield Foundation for a gift of $1,000, both for our ongoing study in Boulder, Colorado. We send our gratitude to Jani Kajanoja for a gift of $1,162, and to Perter Taubkin for a gift of $1,000, both for unrestricted purposes. Many deep thanks to the Tahoe Wellness Cooperative, which helps their patients contribute to MAPS when they join, and to the 135 Sustaining Members who make a gift every month. Gratitude also goes to those who made gifts of under $1,000, adding up to almost $10,000 last month, the direct cost of five full-day MDMA-assisted psychotherapy sessions in one of our clinical trials. Your gift—of any size—makes a difference. maps.org/donate
MEDIA
4. Wired, Psychiatric Times, The Atlantic, and more…
Psychiatric Times: Do Party Drugs Have a Place in the Medical Office? | view
Heidi Anne Duerr | October 2, 2013
The Atlantic: Electronic Dance Music’s Love Affair With Ecstasy: A History | view
P. Nash Jenkins | September 20, 2013
Wired: Timothy Leary’s Transformation From Scientist to Psychedelic Celebrity | view
Greg Miller | October 1, 2013
Tablet Magazine: Can a Club Drug Help People Suffering From Trauma? | view
Jennifer Bleyer | October 8, 2013
Tikkun: PTSD Relief in Israel Through MDMA and Cannabis Research | view
Mimi Peleg | September 26, 2013
Arizona Daily Wildcat: Medical Marijuana Research Sees Opposition | view
Meggie Kessler | September 19, 2013
Jewish Journal: What Israel Can Teach America About Medical Marijuana | view
Simone Wilson | October 2, 2013
Midwest Real: Brad Burge of MAPS on Legitimizing Psychedelics | listen
Midwest Real | September 30, 2013
MAPS STORE
5. LSD Psychotherapy by Stanislav Grof, M.D.
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by Stanislav Grof, M.D. 374 pages | Published by MAPS LSD Psychotherapy is a complete account of a remarkable chapter in the ever-continuing inquiry into our transpersonal nature and origins. The controlled studies described in this book reveal exciting and challenging data about the nature of human consciousness, perception, and reality itself. $19.95 | Now available |
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Healing with Entactogens: Therapist and Patient Perspectives on MDMA-Assisted Group Psychotherapy by Torsten Passie, M.D.; foreword by Ralph Metzner, Ph.D. 90 pages | Published by MAPS “Dr. Passie’s report is an important and welcome addition to the field. His comprehensive and insightful discussion of the findings makes this publication an invaluable resource for those interested in the methods, mechanisms, and challenges of entactogen-assisted psychotherapy.” $12.95 | Now available |
7. Limited Edition Dichroic Glass Pendants featuring MAPS Logo
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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 also make spectacular gifts. Made with love by Atlantis Arising Inc./Dichroic Alchemy $25.00 | Now available |
EVENTS
See our Events Calendar for more!
8. States of Mind Party: October 12, New York, NY
At States of Mind, connect with Rick Doblin, PhD, MAPS Founder and Executive Director, Neal Goldsmith, PhD, Horizons Curator, and other leaders of the fast-growing psychedelic research community for an evening in New York City’s East Village.
9. Smoke Signals and Acid Dreams: An Evening with Martin Lee: November 22, Santa Cruz, CA
Join MAPS and Martin Lee, renowned author of Acid Dreams and Smoke Signals, as he explores the relationship between cannabis therapeutics and the psychedelic experience, focusing on the healing potential of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of the marijuana plant, in “From LSD to CBD: A Holistic Healing Journey.”
10. Horizons: Perspectives on Psychedelics: October 11-13, New York, NY
Horizons is a conference about psychedelics that is held annually in New York City at Judson Memorial Church. Its goal is to open a fresh dialogue on psychedelics’ role in medicine, culture, history, spirituality, and creativity. This will be the 7th annual Horizons conference. MAPS Harm Reduction Coordinator Linnae Ponté will give an update on our harm reduction and research initiatives, and Boulder, Colorado therapist and researcher Marcela Ot’alora will discuss our ongoing studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD.
11. National Bioneers Conference: October 18-20, San Rafael, CA
Includes a panel on “The Healing Potential of Cannabidiol, MDMA, and Entheogens” with Martin Lee (author, Smoke Signals and Acid Dreams), Amy Emerson (MAPS Director of Clinical Research), and Ralph Metzner (psychedelic researcher). Moderated by J.P. Harpignies (Bioneers associate producer).
12. Neurons to Nirvana Premiere Film Screening: October 19, New York, NY
Screening of Neurons to Nirvana followed by discussion: “Psychedelics: Benefits, Prejudices, and Decriminilization” with MAPS Founder Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Dr. Julie Holland, Dr. Gabor Mate, and others.
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3. International Drug Policy Reform Conference: October 23-26, Denver, CO
The International Drug Policy Reform Conference is a biennial event that brings together people from around the world who believe that the war on drugs is doing more harm than good. It brings together over 1,000 attendees representing 30 different countries. Reform 2013 will include an entire track dedicated to psychedelics in science, medicine, policy, and international harm reduction.
14. Science and Nonduality Gathering: October 23-27, San Jose, CA
The fifth Science and Nonduality (SAND) Gathering will take place in the Dolce Hayes Mansion in San Jose, CA. This biannual event in the US and Europe brings together 700 participants from all over the world. Over 60 preeminent scientists, philosophers, authors, and spiritual teachers gather with us to explore a new understanding of who we are, both as individuals and as a society.
15. Spirit Plant Medicine: October 26-27, Vancouver, Canada
The third annual Spirit Plant Medicine Conference (SPMC) intends to offer accurate, respectful, and beneficial information and inspiration on the healing and spiritual use and broader context of ayahuasca, psilocybin mushrooms, peyote, iboga, cannabis, and other sacred plants. Spirit Plant Medicine 2013 will include a MAPS Canada information and exhibit booth.
Looking for more ways to get involved? Check out our Student Resources page!
MORE NEWS
16. Report: Zendo Project Volunteers Help Over 150 Guests in Black Rock City 2013
This past August, our successful Indiegogo campaign raised $17,786 for MAPS’ Zendo Project psychedelic harm reduction services. This summer, Zendo Project volunteers provided a space to rest and compassionate care to people having difficult psychedelic experiences at festivals around the world. The highlight of our work this summer was the Zendo Project in Black Rock City 2013, hosted by Fractal Planet. See below for a condensed summary of our work in the desert this year:
MAPS Zendo Project Coordinator Linnae Ponté leads a 140-person training in Black Rock City 2013
- 140 participants attended the four-hour harm reduction training on August 27, including 22 mental health professionals and others including student therapists, experienced harm reduction workers from around the world
- 120 volunteers worked in the Zendo from August 28-September 2, many of whom are eager to continue offering assistance in Black Rock City and at other festivals
- Volunteers assisted 124 guests having difficult psychedelic experiences
- 32 guests visited the Zendo to integrate a previous psychedelic experience, rest, seek psychological support not related to substance use, or seek out information about psychedelics
- The Rainbow Bridge Mobile Care Unit transported guests between the Zendo and the Full Circle Tea House
A more complete report on the success of the Zendo Project in Black Rock City 2013 will appear in the Winter 2013 edition of the MAPS Bulletin. Thank you to all of our donors, volunteers, guests, and friends who helped make the Zendo Project such a success in 2013.
Learn more about the Zendo Project on or at zendoproject.org.
17. Johns Hopkins Survey: Psychedelics and Smoking Cessation
Researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine are currently recruiting individuals who have quit smoking cigarettes or reduced their smoking (even temporarily) after an experience with a psychedelic, for participation in an online survey. Learn more…