1. NIDA is not officially opposed to psychedelic psychotherapy research. While NIDA is not enthusiastic about MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research, and wasn't willing to supply its psilocybin to the psilocybin/OCD study, NIDA is not on record as opposing such research. Dr. Leshner, NIDA Director, has indicated a willingness to let the issue of the medical use of psychedelics be decided by scientific research.

2. MAPS didn't conceptualize the psilocybin/OCD study. The study was conceptualized by Dr. Francisco Moreno and Dr. Pedro Delgado. MAPS found a manufacturer for the psilocybin that will be used in the study, which MAPS purchased for an astonishing $12,250 for one gram. MAPS also arranged and funded a meeting between Dr. Stan Grof and the research team to discuss theoretical and practical issues involved in psychedelic psychotherapy, and organized and funded a Grof Holotropic Breathwork workshop for members of the experimental team.

3. MAPS supported ibogaine research in the United States, but not abroad.

4. Not mentioned is that MAPS is involved in MDMA psychotherapy research in Spain, for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder.

5. My follow-up study to the Leary/Pahnke Good Friday experiment did find that one subject had been tranquilized, and that this had not been acknowledged. More importantly, the follow-up study confirmed the conclusion of the experiment, namely that psilocybin can help induce a genuine mystical experience in people who are religiously inclined and take the psilocybin in a religious ritual context. Furthermore, the follow-up study found that the subjects who had these mystical experiences reported that the experiences were associated with long-term positive benefits. To read the Good Friday follow-up, see http://druglibrary.org/schaffer/lsd/doblin.htm

6. While the follow-up study to Leary's Concord Prison experiment did determine that the experiment had not reduced recidivism rates, the experiment was an awesomely courageous and inspirational effort. To read the Concord Prison follow-up, see /news-letters/v09n4/09410con.html