All Years Media

Archived Media Articles by Year

2012 Media Articles...

May 10, 2012

PR Newswire "U.S. Appeals Court To Hear Oral Arguments In Medical Marijuana Case Challenging DEA" by MAPS.

Official press release announcing the date for the May 11, 2012, oral arguments in Lyle E. Craker v. Drug Enforcement Administration in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston, Mass.

Brain Blogger "A Trip for Terminal Patients" by Jennifer Gibson, PharmD.

Brain Blogger explores how patients may soon have more options for relieving the anxiety and stress that often comes with life-threatening illnesses. Researchers around the world working with MAPS and the Heffter Research Institute are finding ways to use psychedelics as part of a growing set of tools for treating end-of-life anxiety.

May 4, 2012

The Washington Post "Medical Marijuana Meets Hostility from Obama Administration" by Rob Kampia.

Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, explains in a Washington Post editorial how the Obama administration has repeatedly failed to uphold his campaign promises to respect medical marijuana and put science before drug war politics.

May 3, 2012

The Daily Reveille (LSU) "The New Frontiersman: Hallucinogens Pave Way for Medical and Scientific Advancements" by Clayton Crockett.

The Louisiana State University student newspaper publishes an enthusiastic op-ed about how research into the beneficial uses of psychedelics, like the space race, offers a major opportunity for scientific advancement and insights into new methods of healing.

April 30, 2012

io9 "Could A Single Pill Save Your Marriage?" by George Dvorsky.

Could pharmacologically-assisted therapy one day help people struggling with difficult relationships? This article explores a few areas currently being explored, and mentions past research on MDMA’s use in couples therapy.

April 26, 2012

AlterNet "5 Fascinating New Uses For Psychedelics" by Sarah Seltzer.

From alcoholism and PTSD to cluster headaches, anxiety, and depression, doctors and scientists are tuning in to the beneficial potential of psychedelics. AlterNet reports on the dramatic expansion of research in these compounds over the last ten years. The historical stigma on research into these tools is slowly but steadily evaporating.

April 24, 2012

Death and Taxes "Psychedelic Drugs: Lighting the Way to Death Since Aldous Huxley’s Last Trip" by DJ Pangburn.

Death and Taxes points out that “it has taken nearly 50 years for the medical profession to catch up” with writer Aldous Huxley’s final LSD experience. Now, however, international researchers are discovering through careful scientific studies what Huxley seemed already to know: that psychedelic-assisted therapy could help ease people’s passage to death.

Truthout "As FDA Loosens Stranglehold on Research, Studies Use Hallucinogens to Treat Psychiatric Illness" by Robert Wilbur.

Popular progressive media outlet Truthout reports on the worldwide surge in scientific interest in the therapeutic value of psychedelics, from LSD and MDMA to ketamine and psilocybin. The article takes a look at the most promising uses of psychedelic for conditions such as PTSD, anxiety associated with life-threatening illness, addiction, depression, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and explores the latest research into how these substances might work on the brain.

Fox News "Doctors Consider Using Street Drugs to Ease Suffering of Dying Patients" by Dr. Keith Ablow.

Fox News comes out with a refreshingly sober article about the promise of psychedelic-assisted therapy for helping people overcome anxiety related to life-threatening illness. As psychiatrist Dr. Keith Ablow, a member of “the Fox News Medical A-Team,” cleverly points out, “Stigmatizing miraculous substances which we then relegate to the exclusive domain of drug pushers and addicts makes precisely zero sense. Let’s open our minds to the possibilities [sic] that many perilous drugs also hold much promise.”

April 20, 2012

The New York Times "How Psychedelic Drugs Can Help Patients Face Death" by Lauren Slater.

A stirring article from the front page of The New York Times Magazine sheds light on how psychedelic-assisted therapy can help people with life-threatening illness overcome their anxiety and fear of death. Through real first-hand accounts of psychedelic therapy and earnest interviews with leading scientists from the Heffter Research Institute, MAPS, and other research centers from Harvard to Johns Hopkins, the article takes a comprehensive look at a fast-growing medical field that could bring hope to those who are dying.

April 18, 2012

MSN Health "Use of Ecstasy, Speed by Teens Tied to Later Depression" by Alan Mozes.

Despite the headline, researchers involved in a recently completed study of high school students in Quebec caution that a direct, cause-and-effect line could not be found between recreational Ecstasy and amphetamine use and depression. South Carolina psychiatrist Dr. Michael Mithoefer, who is also leading MAPS’ ongoing study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for veterans with PTSD, acknowledges that the study raises interesting points. However, Mithoefer and other experts agree that the study fails to differentiate between those students whose drug use led to depression, and those students who seek out drugs because of other factors that do lead to depression, such as academic or social struggles or other substance use.

April 13, 2012

BBC News "Can a Hallucinogen from Africa Cure Addiction?" by Stephanie Hegarty.

BBC News tells the story of Thillen Naidoo a South African man who found that ibogaine treatment helped him overcome his severe cocaine addiction. Increasing numbers of caregivers and patients worldwide are exploring the potential of ibogaine for addiction treatment, but the substance remains an illegal drug in most countries. In this article, experts in the UK discuss what it will take to make ibogaine and other psychedelics available as legitimate medicines for the people they could help most.

April 11, 2012

The Massachusetts Daily Collegian "Committee Holds Hearings on Medical Marijuana Possibility" by Claire Anderson.

Voters in Massachusetts may soon have the chance to decide whether to make medical marijuana legally available in the state. MAPS is currently supporting a federal lawsuit by University of Massachusetts-Amherst professor Lyle Craker, Ph.D., against the DEA for denying him a license to grow marijuana for research. If Massachusetts voters approve medical marijuana and the federal government continues to block research into its safest and most effective uses, the gulf between the war on drugs and the needs of patients will become clearer than ever.

The Daily Free Press "Students, Activists Present Argument for Cannabis at Suffolk University Symposium" by Alex Falco.

Boston University’s independent newspaper reports on a recent symposium hosted by NORML at Suffolk University on marijuana research. The symposium signals the increasing support for marijuana research and policy change among student groups at major universities. MAPS founder Rick Doblin, Ph.D., was among the many experts called in to address the politics, economics, and science of marijuana.

April 9, 2012

Boston Herald "Pot’s High on Agenda" by Laurel J. Sweet.

Legislators in Massachusetts are considering a new initiative that would make medical marijuana legally available in the state. With the support of MAPS founder Rick Doblin, Ph.D., and others, Massachusetts voters submitted over 80,000 signatures in support of the new law. If passed, Massachusetts would become the 17th state to contradict the federal government’s unethical and increasingly unpopular refusal to allow the medical uses of marijuana.

April 1, 2012

Kush Magazine "War Crimes: Suppressing Scientific Study of Cannabis is a Shocking Admission of Ulterior Motives" by David B. Allen, M.D..

Kush Magazine explains how despite having a patent on the medical use of cannabinoids and maintaining a monopoly on the supply of marijuana for research, the federal government continues to block research that could make marijuana into a medicine.

March 22, 2012

Boing Boing "Tim Leary’s Floatation Tank For Sale" by David Pescovitz.

The “floatation tank,” sometimes called the isolation or sensory deprivation tank, was developed in the mid-1950’s by psychoanalyst and consciousness researcher John C. Lilly, M.D. Lilly used the isolation tank to test the relationship between the mind and external reality. After extensive experimentation with the tank, he came to explore it for many potential applications, ranging from increasing creative problem-solving ability to facilitating meditation and prayer.

This tank was originally owned by the controversial psychedelic researcher Timothy Leary. In February of 1996, Dr. Lilly and the Samadhi Tank Company delivered the tank to Dr. Leary to help ease his end-of-life suffering. The current owner is Dean Chamberlain, photographer and renowned visionary artist who has generously agreed to share proceeds from the sale with MAPS to benefit of psychedelic and medical marijuana research and education.

Click here to view the eBay listing.

March 16, 2012

Medscape "Psychedelic Drug May Have a Role in Psychotherapy" by Megan Brooks.

A new study conducted at Imperial College London and funded in part by MAPS finds that psilocybin’s ability to enhance memory recall in healthy adults can be measured through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Lead study author Robin Carhart-Harris, Ph.D., proposes that the results may have implications for the use of psilocybin in psychotherapy.

March 14, 2012

Voice of America "Scientists Explore Hallucinogen Treatments for PTSD, Sex Abuse Victims" by Adam Phillips.

International multimedia broadcaster Voice of America presents a fascinating and wide-ranging interview with MAPS founder and executive director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., and discusses the long history and promising future of psychedelics as tools for healing and personal growth.

Click here to listen to the interview (mp3).

March 9, 2012

TIME Healthland "LSD May Help Treat Alcoholism" by Maia Szalavitz.

TIME reports on the results of a new Norwegian study which found that 59% of subjects who were administered a single dose of LSD significantly reduced their alcohol use up to six months following treatment. The study was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, and takes up where earlier studies left off in the 1950s, revealing the immense potential of psychedelics to help people overcome addiction.

March 6, 2012

West Coast Leaf "Researcher Sues DEA for Blocking Medical Research" by Stephen Morseman, MAPS.

West Coast Leaf reports on how Prof. Lyle Craker’s efforts to start a medical marijuana production facility under license to MAPS are still being blocked by the DEA. While veterans’ groups, researchers, and state legislators alike already recognize the effectiveness of marijuana for symptoms of PTSD, the DEA continues to stand in the way.

February 24, 2012

The New York Times "Branding a Soldier With ‘Personality Disorder’" by James Dao.

The New York Times reports that a single diagnosis of PTSD can cost $1.5 million in taxpayer-funded benefits over a soldier’s lifetime. This gives military commanders an incentive to issue unwarranted but cheaper diagnoses, and highlights the need for cheaper and more effective treatments.

February 23, 2012

City on a Hill Press "Taking Psychedelics to the Next Level" by KellyAnn Kelso.

On February 15, Prof. James Fadiman and the UC Santa Cruz Brain Mind & Consciousness Society hosted an evening lecture event about the use of psychedelics for healing, personal growth, and creativity. Dr. Fadiman, author of the pathbreaking new book The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys spoke to a packed auditorium of students and local community members about what researchers know about the risks and benefits of psychedelics.

February 17, 2012

Wired "The Forgetting Pill Erases Painful Memories Forever" by Jonah Lehrer.

Neuroscience is shedding a new light on the way that memories are formed and remembered in the human brain. New research is showing that the very act of remembering changes the memory itself—that the context in which a specific event is remembered can dramatically influence that memory. When it comes to traumatic memories, then, drugs that positively alter the emotional context in which they are recalled—such as MDMA—could make it easier for people to confront their most painful memories.

February 9, 2012

Santa Cruz Patch "Psychedelic Anesthetic Helps Treat Depression" by David Jay Brown.

The dissociative anesthetic ketamine, which is both a legal anesthetic and a popular recreational drug, could have fast-acting, though perhaps short-lived, antidepressant properties. In the 1990s, MAPS helped fund a Russian study which demonstrated that ketamine combined with psychotherapy showed promise as a treatment for alcoholism and heroin addiction. Now, a series of new studies are once again renewing interest in the therapeutic properties of ketamine and its chemical cousins.

Also check out Karl Jensen’s Ketamine: Dreams and Realities on the MAPS Store for a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic and spiritual uses of ketamine.

February 1, 2012

The Huffington Post "Guided Psychedelic Sessions" by Craig K. Comstock.

The Huffington Post publishes a strong review of James Fadiman’s pathbreaking new book, The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys (available in the MAPS Store).

The Daily Collegian "Study: Marijuana negative health claims go up in smoke" by Ardee Napolitano.

The results of a 5,000-subject, two-decade long study show that unlike tobacco, regular marijuana smoking does not damage lung performance over the long term. The results suggest that smoked marijuana may in fact be a safe medicine, though federal obstruction has blocked clinical research into this potential. University of Massachusetts-Amherst Prof. Lyle Craker comments on the results. Prof. Craker and MAPS are currently engaged in a lawsuit against the DEA to grow marijuana for FDA-approved clinical research.

January 31, 2012

NPR "‘I Wanted To Live’: New Depression Drugs Offer Hope For Toughest Cases" by Jon Hamilton.

NPR explores new research suggesting that ketamine could be an effective short-term treatment for severe depression. Listen to the broadcast here.

Santa Cruz Weekly "MDMA And The Cure for PTSD" by Maria Grusauskas.

The front page article in the Santa Cruz Weekly tells the whole story: A traumatized veteran speaks out about how MDMA helped him, the black market widens the gulf between “Ecstasy” and pure MDMA, and MAPS finds real therapeutic benefit in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD.

January 28, 2012

Santa Cruz Patch "Can Ecstasy Help Treat Autism?" by David Jay Brown.

The Santa Cruz Patch reports on the latest from the field of psychedelic research: MAPS’ offer of $10,000 to a research team that can develop a new protocol to explore whether MDMA could help treat autism spectrum disorders or Asperger’s syndrome in adults.

January 27, 2012

Reality Sandwich "Two Psychedelic Conferences a World Apart" by Nese Lisa Senol.

An article on Reality Sandwich explores two sides of the psychedelic renaissance: Entheogenesis Australis 2011, an outdoor conference celebrating psychedelic culture and spirituality, and Cartographie Psychedelica, MAPS’ own 25th anniversary conference and celebration in December 2011. As the article points out, MAPS’ events are distinguished an innovative integration of culture, creativity, and rigorous science.

Psychology Today "New Treatments to Combat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" by Jared DeFife, Ph.D..

With PTSD affecting almost 7% of American adults and few effective treatment options available, research into innovative approaches to PTSD treatment is expanding rapidly. “The Shrink Tank” blog at Psychology Today explores some of the most promising approaches, including MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

January 25, 2012

Silicon Valley Metro "Critics Counter County’s Claim of Ecstasy Epidemic" by Maria Grusauskas.

Health officials are concerned about a rise in recreational Ecstasy use, and law enforcement and researchers agree that the danger lies not in the MDMA (which illegal Ecstasy may or may not contain) but in the uncertainty of the criminal black market.

New Zealand Herald "Could Magic Mushrooms Help Fight Depression?" by Independent.

The New Zealand Herald reports on the results of two new UK psilocybin studies that researchers claim point to the drug’s possible use in depression treatment. The article also includes a few interesting facts about the history of psychedelic and medical cannabis research.

Philadelphia Weekly "Iraq War Veterans Turn to Marijuana for Managing PTSD Symptoms" by Randy LoBasso.

Jason Mays and Amy Herrera are among the many veterans struggling to find effective treatments for PTSD. While there may not yet be a cure, marijuana could provide these suffering patients with significant relief—yet the federal government so far continues to block MAPS’ efforts to conduct research for making it a legal prescription medicine. The Philadelphia Weekly reports on how researchers, doctors, and patients alike are calling on the government to allow the research.

January 24, 2012

UK National Health Service "Scans Reveal Brain Effects of Magic Mushrooms" by NHS.

The UK National Health Service published this report in response to the extensive media interest in a pair of recent studies led by former UK government drugs advisor David Nutt. The research, funded in part by MAPS along with the Beckley Foundation, the Neuropsychoanalysis Foundation, and the Heffter Research Institute, suggested that psilocybin’s possible antidepressant effects may be connected to its effect on specific brain regions. The NHS points out that the studies were preliminary, and that research has yet to determine whether psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is a viable treatment for depression.

January 23, 2012

Bloomberg "’Shrooms May Help Treat Depression: Study" by Makiko Kitamura.

Bloomberg reports on the results of a pair of studies published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and the British Journal of Psychiatry hinting at psilocybin’s effect on brain function and memory. The results are encouraging for researchers interested in the possible role of psilocybin in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

The Scientist "Scanning the Psychedelic Brain" by Ruth Williams.

A new brain imaging study suggests that psilocybin’s effect on human consciousness may be linked to how it suppresses, rather than activates, certain brain areas. This fascinating finding was the outcome of research conducted by UK researchers and funded in part by MAPS. The Scientist interviews several leading psychedelic researchers about the possible therapeutic implications of these results as well as the challenges of conducting government-approved research on psychedelic drugs.

BBC News "Mind-Altering Drugs Research Call from Prof David Nutt" by Pallab Ghosh.

BBC News reports on new research funded in part by MAPS into the effects of psilocybin on memory and brain function. Senior study investigator Prof. David Nutt, who was fired as lead drugs advisor to the UK government for saying that MDMA and LSD were less harmful than alcohol, saw the results as evidence for the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. According to Prof. Nutt, “We need to have a more scientific rational approach to drugs, and vilifying drugs like psilocybin whilst at the same time actively promoting much more dangerous drugs like alcohol is totally stupid scientifically.” Watch the interview (scroll down) with lead study author Robin Carhart-Harris on the BBC website.

Reuters "Psychedelic Mushroom Trips Point to New Depression Drugs" by Kate Kelland.

Two new British studies funded in part by MAPS—one a brain imaging study and one involving memory—have produced additional evidence for psilocybin’s possible role in the treatment of anxiety and depression. The studies are preliminary, but highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to psychedelic research.

Nature "Psychedelic Chemical Subdues Brain Activity" by Mo Costandi.

Nature News reports on the results of a new brain imaging study by neuropsychopharmacologist David Nutt and colleagues at Imperial College London that psilocybin decreased activity in parts of the brain associated with depression and anxiety. The authors suggest the results could help explain some of psilocybin’s therapeutic benefits. MAPS contributed funding for the study, as did the Beckley Foundation, the Neuropsychoanalysis Foundation, and the Heffter Research Institute.

January 22, 2012

The Oxford Student "Happy Birthday MDMA" by Jack Hutchison.

The Oxford Student recaps the turbulent history of MDMA one century after its creation. From an unrecognized chemical to a widely used (and abused) party drug to a promising therapeutic tool, MDMA has challenged and excited researchers for generations.

January 17, 2012

The Atlantic "The Case for Treating PTSD in Veterans With Medical Marijuana" by Martin Mulcahey.

The Atlantic makes a compelling case for the federal government to allow MAPS’ FDA-cleared study of marijuana for veterans with PTSD to move forward: In the struggle between legitimate medical research and irrational government fear, veterans are the ones caught in the crossfire.

Correction: The Atlantic writes: “The plan is contingent upon final approval by a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) scientific review panel, which is likely to ratify the proposal after the project leader, Dr. Sue Sisley, alleviated the Food and Drug Administration’s concerns over safety precautions.” In fact, the FDA cleared the protocol in April 2011, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse and Public Health Service (which are part of HHS) review committee later rejected it, refusing to sell MAPS the marijuana needed to conduct the study. The study is on hold either until NIDA agrees to sell our researchers the marijuana, until MAPS succeeds in growing its own marijuana for research, or until the marijuana can be legally imported.

January 13, 2012

Macleans (Canada) "The Ecstasy and the Agony" by Colby Cosh.

A well-written article in Macleans explains how the illegal status of MDMA creates a dangerous black market in adulterated Ecstasy pills. The gulf between the relative safety and healing potential of MDMA in therapeutic contexts and the uncertainty of recreational Ecstasy use is widened by current harm-maximization drug policies.

January 4, 2012

Vancouver Observer "Despite death and overdose, therapeutic Ecstasy shows promise" by David P. Ball.

MAPS researchers share their frustrations getting our planned Canadian study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD up and running. After three inspections of the Vancouver pharmacy that will be used to store the MDMA to be used in the study, Health Canada has changed the requirements for receiving a Controlled Substances license and requested that additional changes be made. The Vancouver Observer speaks with lead investigators Ingrid Pacey, M.D., and Andrew Feldmår, Ph.D., about the challenges of initiating psychedelic psychotherapy research in Canada.

January 3, 2012

The Chronicle of Higher Education "Does Ecstasy Really Cause Brain Damage?" by Tom Bartlett.

The Chronicle of Higher Education speaks with MAPS Director of Communications Brad Burge about a new study of recreational Ecstasy use, the tricky issue of study design, and how sensationalist headlines can dangerously distort scientific results.

2011 Media Articles...

December 28, 2011

Catalyst Magazine "Academia on Acid" by Greta Belanger deJong.

Catalyst Magazine publishes this enthusiastic review of MAPS’ 25th anniversary “Cartographie Psychedelica” conference and celebration, highlighting the various facets of the four-day event that made it such a success. From academic discussions to participatory artwork, the conference brought together researchers, academics, artists, and activists of all kinds.

December 21, 2011

MAKO News (Israel) "Without Ecstasy, I Would Not Be Here Today" by Eleanor Fox.

An Israeli news source describes MAPS’ upcoming Israeli study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. The article includes an excellent interview with Tali Nachshoni, M.D., who was one of three therapists who recently participated in MAPS training study for MDMA-assisted psychotherapists in the U.S. Dr. Nachsoni describes her own experience undergoing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as part of MAPS’ training program for clinical MDMA-assisted psychotherapy investigators. The study will begin enrolling and treating subjects in early 2012.

December 20, 2011

Shroomfest "Showcasing Telluride at the MAPS Conference" by Shroompa.

The Telluride Mushroom Festival was one of the many partners and exhibitors that helped make MAPS’ 25th anniversary conference and celebration such a huge success. Here is their own account of the sights, sounds, and knowledge shared at Cartographie Psychedelica.

December 19, 2011

TIME Healthland "The Case Against the Ban on ‘Bath Salts’ and Fake Marijuana" by Maia Szalavitz.

An incisive article on TIME.com points out the severe restrictions that emergency bans place on research than can be done to determine the actual risks and safety of new compounds. MAPS was founded in 1986 after such an irrational scheduling—that of MDMA. The tide is only now starting to turn—25 years later, we’re learning what emergency bans can do to hinder careful scientific investigation.

December 18, 2011

Vision Thing "MAPS 25th Anniversary Conference Report" by Bruce Eisner.

Author and psychologist Bruce Eisner recalls his own experience watching MAPS grow from a twinkle in Rick Doblin’s eye into the fast-growing international non-profit research organization it is today. MAPS’ 25th anniversary was an excellent opportunity to reflect on all the domains—scientific, medical, legal, spiritual—in which MAPS’ research now plays an important role.

December 13, 2011

HealthDay "‘Ecstasy’ May Cause Long-Term Changes in Brain Chemistry" by Alan Mozes.

A new study shows an association between long-term illegal Ecstasy use and long-term changes in brain chemistry. The researchers note, however, that they did not find any associated changes in mental health or cognitive functioning, nor do they know whether the chemical changes last forever. The study’s implications are also limited for other reasons, as MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research Michael Mithoefer, M.D., points out in his response.

The study fails to ask the crucial methodological questions addressed in a study published in February 2011 by Harvard University’s John Halpern, M.D., which found no evidence of cognitive changes in long-term Ecstasy users.

The HealthDay article appeared on Health.com, U.S. News and World Report, and other news sources.

Popular Science "Can a Single Injection Cure the Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?" by Clay Dillow.

The urgent need for research into effective treatments for PTSD is leading some military physicians to propose some fairly radical new solutions. The most recent suggestion by a Navy doctor—involving a single injection of an anesthetic to the neck—is likely to be even more controversial than the comparatively conservative MDMA-assisted psychotherapy approach being studied by MAPS. PTSD is a complex biopsychosocial condition, and as the article points out the idea of a magic, one-step cure is probably “too good to be true.”

December 6, 2011

Alternet "Can Ecstasy Treat Autism?" by Dirk Hanson, The Fix.

Alternet is the first to report on MAPS’ new MDMA for autism research grant, which is it offering to a team of researchers interested in developing a protocol for a new study of MDMA-assisted therapy for Asperger’s syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neuroscience and anecdotal reports already suggest that MDMA’s ability to enhance empathy and communication could make it a viable treatment for individuals suffering from these disorders, and we hope to conduct the research to find out whether that’s true.

Bloomberg "‘Magic Mushrooms’ Return to Psychology Labs" by Elizabeth Lopatto.

Bloomberg reports on the resurgence of mainstream interest in psychedelic research, especially in recent studies on psilocybin’s possible therapeutic benefits. Scientists are finding through careful clinical trials that psychedelics, when used in the proper settings, can be powerful tools for emotional and even spiritual healing.

December 3, 2011

Whitehouse.gov | Change.org "Veterans Supporting Marijuana Research for PTSD Start Petitions on Whitehouse.gov and Change.org" by Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access | Sgt. Ryan Begin (U.S. Marine Corps-Ret.).

A petition has been created by the Veterans for Medical Cannabis Association (VMCA) on the U.S. government’s “We the People” Whitehouse.gov web site in order to help gain support for a U.S. policy change that would allow disabled military veterans to access medical marijuana to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the web site, “cannabis is an effective medicine…to ease the symptoms of PTSD, giving disabled Veterans a big improvement in their quality of life.” Here’s a link to find out more.

Another petition was created by a veteran at Change.org to send a message to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the DEA to stop blocking MAPS’ medical marijuana research for treating veterans with PTSD. This petition specifically addresses the medical marijuana study proposed by MAPS to study how cannabis affects veterans with PTSD. The proposed study has been approved by the FDA, but has been blocked by NIDA’s refusal to allow the researchers to purchase the cannabis necessary to conduct it. According to Sergeant Ryan Begin of the United States Marine Corps—who served two tours in Iraq, and suffers from PTSD—his condition “received the greatest benefit from medical marijuana.” So it’s not surprising that a lot of veterans are upset about NIDA and the DEA’s attempt to block medical research and want to do something about it. More information about this petition can be found here.

November 29, 2011

Los Angeles Times "Turn on, tune in, and get better?" by Melissa Healy.

Researchers, therapists, patients, and policy experts are acknowledging the extent of psychedelics’ return to mainstream science and medicine. From LSD and MDMA to psilocybin and ketamine, these substances are increasingly recognized for their ability to catalyze profound emotional, psychological, and even physical healing. A quote from MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., says it all: “We’re trying to break a social mindset saying these are strictly drugs of abuse…It’s not the drug but how the drug is used that matters.”

The article appeared on the front page of the Los Angeles Times (November 29, 2011).

San Francisco Bay Guardian "Celebrating 25 Years of Drug Research with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies" by Caitlin Donohue.

The SF Bay Guardian reports on MAPS’ 25th Anniversary conference, Cartographie Psychedelica, taking place from December 8-12, 2011. From in-depth workshops and riveting lectures to interactive art and electronic DJs, the event marks a historic turning point for the continued mainstreaming of psychedelic and medical marijuana research.

November 20, 2011

The Age (Australia) "Call for Ecstasy to Treat Trauma Stress" by Jill Stark.

Positive coverage in Australian media shows public support is growing for a possible new study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD to take place in Australia. It’s a very good sign that even those known to exaggerate the risks of MDMA acknowledge the importance of MAPS’ research.

Note: MAPS’ clinical trials use pure MDMA, not illicit Ecstasy tablets which often contain other more dangerous compounds, in combination with psychotherapy to treat PTSD. Another correction to the article is that researchers at NYU are using psilocybin, not LSD. The only clinical LSD research in the last 35 years has been MAPS’ recently completed Swiss study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy for end-of-life anxiety.

November 16, 2011

Santa Cruz Patch "25 Years of Psychedelic Drug Research to be Celebrated" by David Jay Brown.

David Jay Brown, award-winning author and MAPS Bulletin guest editor, points out that MAPS’ upcoming 25th anniversary, courageously entitled Cartographie Psychedelica, is more than a celebration: It’s an historic event marking the return of psychedelics and medical marijuana to mainstream science, medicine, and culture.

“While a lot of music and visionary art has long been influenced by psychedelics, and many artists and musicians have greatly valued the experience,” Brown writes, “The recently awakened acceptance of these forbidden fruits in respected cultural terrains, such as academia, medicine, and spirituality, is now, finally, seeping its way into the mainstream culture.”

Wired Magazine "Vet to Feds: Enough Stonewalling, Give Us Pot for PTSD" by Katie Drummond.

A powerful petition by a wounded Iraq veteran is putting a human face on MAPS’ struggle to end the federal medical marijuana research blockade. Sgt. Ryan Begin, United States Marine Corps (Ret.), is calling on NIDA and the DEA to stop standing in the way of MAPS’ proposed study of marijuana for veterans with PTSD so that he and his fellow veterans can get the relief they need. Sometimes, it makes the most sense to hear it from those who are most affected by the government’s obstruction of medical marijuana research.

November 14, 2011

The Fix "LSD Inventor’s Remarkable Letter to Steve Jobs" by Vince Beiser.

Apple’s late founder Steve Jobs once said that taking “LSD was one of the two or three most important things I have done in my life.” In 2007, LSD inventor Albert Hofmann (at 101) sent Jobs a personal handwritten note asking Jobs to support MAPS’ (now completed) Swiss study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy for end-of-life anxiety. The Fix has posted the letter on its website for a rare glimpse of this connection between two revolutionary inventors.

The Atlantic Wire "The Inventor of LSD Asked Steve Jobs for PR Help" by Rebecca Greenfield.

In 2007, MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin asked LSD inventor Albert Hofmann to send Apple founder Steve Jobs a letter asking him to support research into the beneficial applications of Hofmann’s “problem child.” Jobs never did contribute to MAPS or to psychedelic research, but led to a heartfelt conversation between Doblin and the famous innovator and entrepreneur.

November 7, 2011

The New York Times "California Dispensaries Moving to Block U.S. Marijuana Crackdown" by Erik Eckholm.

In the continuing legal battle over medical cannabis in California, attorneys for the medical cannabis industry said that they are seeking court orders to halt an imminent crackdown by the U.S. federal government on medical cannabis dispensaries, their landlords, and cannabis growers. In a legal motion filed on November 8, medical cannabis distributors and some medical patients are asking federal judges in four districts of Northern and Central California to issue temporary restraining orders that would prevent federal prosecutors from taking action.

MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., has spoken about the federal obstruction of medical marijuana research and in support of this collective injunction against the cannabis dispensary crackdown. His statements appear in the legal proceedings for the case as a declaration of support for the plaintiff’s petition (for Northern, Central, and Southern California plaintiffs).

November 2, 2011

The Fix "Government Foot-Dragging Denies Pot Relief to Traumatized Veterans" by Jed Bickman.

The federal blockade on medical marijuana research is directly affecting real veterans suffering from combat-related PTSD. In this short article, Sgt. Jamey Raines, who himself used marijuana to cope with PTSD symptoms after serving in Iraq, calls on the federal government to allow medical marijuana research.

November 1, 2011

Vision Magazine "MAPS: 25 Years of Rigorous Science and Visionary Culture" by MAPS.

MAPS’ 25th anniversary celebration, Cartographie Psychedelica, will explore the connections between science and art with four days of workshops, lectures, original performances, artwork, and more.

October 26, 2011

Miller-McCune "More Evidence That MDMA Could Ease PTSD" by Michael Scott Moore.

European Dispatch explains how MAPS’ possible UK study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD will build on the outstanding results of our flagship U.S. study. If we can find the funding necessary for this study, it will be the first-ever clinical trial of MDMA in the UK and the latest addition to our expanding international MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research program.

Wired "Bummer: Feds Stonewall Pot Treatments For Traumatized Vets" by Katie Drummond.

Wired magazine reports on NIDA’s recent refusal to sell MAPS researchers marijuana for our FDA-cleared study of marijuana for veterans with PTSD. According to researcher Sue Sisley, M.D., “At this point, I can’t help but think they simply don’t want to move forward. Maybe they figure if they stall long enough, we’ll give up and go away.” Read more about MAPS’ ongoing efforts to conduct medical marijuana research for veterans.

October 25, 2011

Santa Cruz Patch "African Psychedelic Plant Offers Hope for Drug Addiction" by David Jay Brown.

David Jay Brown shares information about using the psychedelic drug, ibogaine, for curing addiction. He explains the way that the drug works to block withdrawal symptoms as well as the physical dependency of drugs like opiates. MAPS is currently funding ibogaine research in Mexico, with plans to begin a new study in New Zealand.

October 21, 2011

Back Page Magazine "What The Hell is This Drug Salvia?" by John Stapleton IV.

Backpage Magazine explores everything about Salvia divinorum in a new article. Salvia’s legal nature and extremely intense effects make it a very controversial subject. Rick Doblin of MAPS advocates research into its safety and effects, though he suggests, “Very few people would be going to salvia if they had alternatives.”

High Times "MAPS 25th Anniversary Cartographie Psychedelica Tour" by Mary Ought Six.

A High Times writer describes her time attending MAPS 25th Anniversary Cartographie Psychedelica Tour in New York City. She was seated next to intrigued scholars for dinner and listened to some of the brightest minds speak about psychedelics and the future of psychedelic research.

October 20, 2011

The Georgetown Voice "Support medical marijuana for PTSD victims" by Editorial Board.

One of the most common ways to attempt to treat people suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a drug called Risperdal, but recent research shows that the drug is only as effective as a placebo. The proposed MAPS research study for using medical marijuana to help veterans with PTSD was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April, but recently the Department of Health and Human Services refused to sell MAPS the government-grown medical marijuana necessary for the research. MAPS plans to fight this decision until the research can properly be completed.

October 17, 2011

USA Today "Are Today’s Parents Going Too Soft on Kids Using Marijuana?" by Karen Weintraub.

An article that begins and ends in the usual fashion—with scary, unfounded stories about how marijuana is destroying America’s youth—nevertheless includes a brief mention about how the federal government stifles studies that could call those stories into question. NIDA Director Nora Volkow thinks that she knows all she needs to know about marijuana’s risks and benefits, but MAPS Director of Communications Brad Burge gets a word in edgewise.

October 16, 2011

The Washington Post "Marijuana may help PTSD. Why won’t the government find out for sure?" by Steve Fox, Marijuana Policy Project.

A persuasive Washington Post op-ed condems the federal government’s ongoing refusal to allow legitimate, necessary medical marijuana research from moving forward (“Marijuana may help PTSD. Why won’t the government find out for sure?” October 14, 2011). The op-ed follows an earlier Washington Post feature article on the federal obstruction of marijuana research. Download the original op-ed here (pdf).

October 14, 2011

Reality Sandwich "A Declaration of Psychedelic Studies" by Nese Lisa Senol.

Nese Senol presents an elegant essay about new options for students interested in pursuing academic careers in psychedelic research and education. A condensed version of this essay also appeared in the Winter 2011 MAPS Bulletin.

October 12, 2011

Noetic Now Journal "Psilocybin at the End of Life: A Doorway to Peace" by Stephen Ross, MD.

Stephen Ross, M.D., has been conducting research at NYU on the effects of psilocybin mushrooms on cancer patients reaching the end of their life. He posits that psilocybin can truly bring about spiritual states, which is why it is so important to study it from a psychological standpoint. His research in cancer patients so far has shown decreased death anxiety, decreased depression, greater integration back into daily life, improved family function, and increased spiritual states.

October 11, 2011

Downtown Devil "Downtown University of Arizona Professor Defends Value of Medical Marijuana Study" by Mauro Whiteman.

Mairjuana researcher and University of Arizona professor Sue Sisley, M.D., recently spoke to doctors and medical marijuana patients in Phoenix, Arizona about the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) obstruction of her proposed MAPS-sponsored study involving clinical trials of medical marijuana and veterans with PTSD. he blocked study would take place in Phoenix, potentially at University of Arizona College of Medicine. Sisley stated that NIDA has a “government-enforced monopoly on the legal supply of marijuana” and that NIDA is one of the biggest obstacles to researching medical properties of the plant.

October 10, 2011

Just Say Now "Obama’s Multi-Agency War on Medical Marijuana" by Jon Walker.

U.S. President Barack Obama has not followed through on his campaign promises to allow states to enforce their own medical marijuana laws. Obama’s administration has recently used the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) against medical marijuana patients and dispensaries, after promising not to interfere. Most recently, HHS refused to sell government-grown medical marijuana to MAPS for a FDA-approved medical marijuana study for United States veterans with PTSD.

October 9, 2011

Huffington Post "Obama: From First to Worst on Medical Marijuana" by Rob Kampia, Marijuana Policy Project.

Despite his 2008 campaign promises, President Barack Obama has been faltering on his original claims that he would allow medical marijuana to be left in the hands of individual states. His administration’s Department of Health and Human Services recently refused to sell government-grown medical marijuana to MAPS for our approved research on American combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. According to the argument presented in this article, compared to other United States presidents, Obama’s recent actions surrounding medical marijuana may mark him as the worst president in history for medical marijuana.

October 6, 2011

Slate "Did Dropping Acid Make Steve Jobs More Creative?" by Brian Palmer.

In the aftermath of Steve Jobs’ death, his quote about taking LSD has resurfaced. Jobs described taking LSD as one of the most important things that he did in his life. Here, Slate explores the idea that LSD could have positive effects on creativity. Research on LSD and its effect on creativity happened in the 1950’s, conducted separately by Oscar Janiger of UC Irvine and psychiatrist Louis Berlin. Their research suggests that LSD can encourage creativity in those who are creative to begin with.

October 5, 2011

AlterNet "The Federal Government ‘Ardently Supports’ Medical Marijuana Research?! Who Knew?" by Paul Armentano, NORML.

Tennessee Congressman Steven Cohen recently wrote a letter to Gil Kerlikowske, the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, requesting that the Obama Administration remove marijuana from the list of Schedule I controlled substances. In Kerlikowske’s response, he claimed that the government “ardently support[s] research” on marijuana’s medicinal uses, and that the DEA has approved every valid marijuana research proposal. His false statements arrived just days after publications began writing about the Department of Health and Human Services refusing to sell government-grown marijuana to MAPS for FDA-reviewed research.

Digital Journal "Psychedelics conference in NYC Oct 14 - 16" by Elizabeth Cunningham Perkins.

The fifth annual Horizons Conference in New York City featured talks about the current state of psychedelic research, creating psychedelic art, debates, and more. Scientists presented the latest in psychedelic research progress and MAPS was there to participate and help make it happen.

October 4, 2011

High Times "Feds Stress Out Over Proposed PTSD Pot Study" by Mark Miller.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave MAPS permission to initiate research on the effects marijuana and people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) has refused to sell researchers the government-grown marijuana necessary for the research until a list of contradictory conditions are met.

Focus Magazine Blog "Ecstasy and Its Use in Therapy" by Kieron Allen.

Professor David Nutt and psychiatrist Dr. Ben Sessa are considering recreating a MAPS-sponsored study in the United Kingdom about the effects of MDMA on people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The original study conducted in the United States resulted in 83% of the participants reporting a significant improvement to their condition after a two month period. The new study would incorporate neuroimaging to provide insight into the effects of MDMA on the brain, and would be the first-ever human clinical trial of MDMA to take place in the UK.

Anxiety.org "Marijuana Study for PTSD Halted by Government" by Anxiety.org.

In April, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved MAPS to use thirteen pounds of government-grown medical marijuana to treat U.S. combat veterans with Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study has been halted by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) until revisions are made to the original research proposal. Researchers in Israel have been studying the effects of marijuana on rats showing signs of PTSD after being induced with stress. Their results suggest that there is a specific time-frame that allows for marijuana to be most effective after traumatic events. Our veterans’ windows of time are slowly closing due to interference from the HHS.

October 3, 2011

Discover Blogs "Drug in Magic Mushrooms Linked to Long-Lasting Personality Change for the Better" by 80beats.

Researchers at John Hopkins University are revisiting their previous psilocybin research studies from 2006 and February 2011 to see if the psychedelic had any change on the participants over time. The latest results reveal that some of the participants showed long-lasting improvements in relationships, mood, and general well-being, as described by themselves and their family members. This research suggests that psilocybin’s medicinal use may not be limited to treating the mentally ill but could also be useful for healthy people.

TIME Healthland "‘Magic Mushrooms’ Trigger Lasting Personality Change" by Maia Szalavitz.

Katherine MacLean, a postdoctoral student at Johns Hopkins University, led a team of researchers to study the effects of psilocybin on a group of 52 participants who had already completed similar trials with the researchers. The results showed that psilocybin made some users more open to new ideas, as well as providing a positive personality change amongst some, as observed by subjects and their families. Researcher Roland Griffiths also noted that they had not seen any negative long-term side effects of the drug. While some users became uncomfortable at times, the effects were time-sensitive and dissipated within hours. Next, MacLean and Griffiths plan to conduct research on the effects of psilocybin in cancer patients who are depressed and/or anxious as a result of their illness. Their goal is to eventually be able to use psychedelics as part of approved treatments for mental illness and to study consciousness as a whole.

Denver Westword Blogs "Marijuana PTSD Study Roadblock Example of Feds’ Schizophrenia, Says Brian Vicente" by Michael Roberts.

Brian Vicente of Sensible Colorado is fighting for American combat veterans with PTSD to be allowed to use medical marijuana to help relieve their symptoms. In April, The Food and Drug Administration gave MAPS approval to conduct a study of whether marijuana could help fifty veterans suffering from PTSD. The study has been put on hold due to the Department of Health and Human Services refusing to sell government-grown medical marijuana to MAPS. For Vicente and many others, HHS’ refusal to support veterans in need is unacceptable.

October 1, 2011

UPI "U.K. doctors to study benefits of ecstasy" by UPI.

Researchers in the UK are hoping to obtain funding for what would be the first-ever clinical trial of MDMA in the UK. The study, which would be led by UK researchers David Nutt, M.D., and Ben Sessa, M.D., and sponsored by MAPS, would explore the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for people with PTSD. The study would build on MAPS’ flagship US study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy by adding an additional neuroimaging component, adding to the rapidly growing scientific knowledge about the safety and effectiveness of MDMA administered in clinical contexts.

The Daily Mail "Could ecstasy help victims of child abuse, rape and crime?" by Daily Mail Reporter.

While we have not yet received regulatory approval or funding for the study described in this article, researchers are encouraged by a recent invitation from the Wellcome Trust to submit a grant request for a possible study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD to take place in the UK. Potential Clinical Investigators David Nutt, M.D., and Ben Sessa, M.D., describe the significance of the study, which would be the first clinical MDMA trial ever to take place in the UK and which could—by using brain imaging technology—greatly add to current knowledge about the safety and effects of MDMA administered in clinical contexts. The article also mentions a recent study by Johns Hopkins scientist Roland Griffiths that found that psilocybin could have a lasting positive effect on personality.

The Washington Post "Marijuana study of traumatized veterans stuck in regulatory limbo" by Brian Vastag.

MAPS’ medical marijuana research made national headlines once again with this article in The Washington Post about the federal government’s recent refusal to sell MAPS marijuana for our planned study of marijuana for veterans with PTSD. Reviewers from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Public Health Service refused to allow MAPS to purchase marijuana for the study, despite the study protocol already having approval from the FDA.

According to the article, the reviewers’ comments are “a jumbled picture of sometimes contradictory concerns” and addressing them all could be extremely difficult, if not impossible, and the review process itself may serve only to delay and obstruct medical marijuana research. Pressure is building against the NIDA monopoly and the federal obstruction of medical marijuana research, but meanwhile the study is at a standstill.

Download a PDF of this article.

Learn more about MAPS’ medical marijuana research and legal efforts to end the NIDA monopoly.

Mindful Metropolis "Treating PTSD With MDMA" by Mary Susan Littlepage.

Mindful Metropolis reports on the current state of research for using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with United States combat veterans who suffer from Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At least 30% of veterans seen by Veterans Administration doctors suffer from PTSD. In the MAPS study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, the participants had dealt with the condition for 19 years on average, and more than 80% of participants were cured of chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD after their MDMA-assisted therapy sessions. Michael and Annie Mithoefer of MAPS are expected to publish follow-up results of their study by the end of the year, with the phase two results to follow about six months after.

September 30, 2011

Jezebel "Ecstasy Could Be Treatment For PTSD" by Anna North.

Online women’s magazine Jezebel reports on a recent grant request submitted by UK researchers for a MAPS-sponsored study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, to take place in the UK. If the study receives funding and regulatory approval, it would be the first clinical trial of MDMA ever to take place in the country.

The Telegraph (UK) "Ecstasy to be used to help war veterans" by Stephen Adams.

Encouraged by the extremely positive results of our flagship U.S. study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, researchers are hoping to be able to conduct a similar study in the UK. In the article, prominent psychopharmacologist David Nutt, M.D., describes why he wants to see the study take place: “I feel quite strongly that many drugs with therapeutic potential have been denied to patients and researchers because of the drug’s regulation.” Worldwide, psychedelic research is booming, and researchers are hopeful that the UK could be the next government to put science before politics.

The Guardian (UK) "Ecstasy trial planned to test benefits for trauma victims" by Sarah Boseley.

The Guardian reports on a possible new study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD to take place in the UK. MAPS, together with psychopharmacologist Dr. David Nutt and psychiatrist Dr. Ben Sessa, has recently been invited to submit a grant proposal to the Wellcome Trust for the study. If it receives funding and regulatory approval, the study would be the first of its kind in the UK. The article concludes with Dr. Nutt’s observation that more cautious UK media such as The Daily Mail would not welcome the news, a recent positive article in that same publication clearly shows that times are changing. As the Guardian article points out, MAPS’ research on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD “has caused some in the scientific community to think what was until recently unthinkable.”

Additional coverage of MAPS’ possible UK study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD also appeared in The Herald Sun, the Sydney Morning Herald, the Hindustan Times, and The Times of India.

September 29, 2011

Tucson Weekly "Blocking Good Science" by J.M. Smith.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has continued its trend of blocking FDA-reviewed clinical trials proposed by MAPS. The article compares the relative difficulty of conducting federally-approved research on psychedelics with studies of marijuana, and points out the unlikelihood of NIDA agreeing to let the study move forward.

September 28, 2011

Salon "Flashback! Psychedelic research returns" by Alexander Zaitchik.

A long and in-depth article on Salon.com sheds light on the wide-open field of medical psychedelic research, focusing primarily on recent and ongoing studies at NYU and Johns Hopkins. The only information that might be added to the piece is that MDMA is probably even closer to approval for medical use than LSD or psilocybin, despite the recent explosion of research into all of these substances.

Discover Magazine Blogs "Marijuana for PTSD? That’s Leaving Out a Lot of Steps" by 80beats.

A recent study showed that rats injected with WIN 55,212-2, a synthetic cannabinoid like THC, had fewer negative reactions to stressful events than those that were not, suggesting that the compounds found in marijuana could reduce symptoms of PTSD in humans. This short blog post points out that while animal models of stress and anxiety are not necessarily adequate measures of those symptoms in humans, studies like these do add to the growing evidence suggesting that marijuana could help those struggling with PTSD.

September 23, 2011

TIME Magazine "More Evidence That Marijuana-Like Drugs May Help Prevent PTSD Read more: http://healthland.time.com" by Maia Szalavitz.

A recent study suggests that rats given a synthetic cannabinoid did not react as strongly to severely stressful events as did rats given placebo, adding to the growing scientific evidence that the compounds found in marijuana play a role in mediating stress and anxiety. While the applicability of these results to human beings is uncertain, studies such as these remind us of the promising potential of marijuana as a treatment for PTSD and other disorders.

September 21, 2011

The Raw Story "DEA faces federal lawsuit for blocking marijuana research" by Eric W. Dolan.

The Raw Story reports on the how MAPS is taking the DEA to court for refusing to let us break the federal monopoly on marijuana for research. Almost a third of the states in the U.S. now allow medical marijuana, and the American Medical Association has already called on the DEA to recognize marijuana’s therapeutic benefits. As the ACLU puts it, “the government is unwilling to put its policy to the test of science.”

International Business Times "Marijuana Helps Cure PTSD in Rats, Soldiers Could be Next: Study" by International Business Times.

Haifa University has been conducting research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with rats. After exposing rats to high levels of stress, the researchers split the rats up into four groups and administered marijuana to three of the groups after varying lengths of time. The two groups of rats that received marijuana within the first 24 hours of the induced stress showed no signs of PTSD, although high anxiety was present. The results suggest that there is a “window of time” to treat PTSD and provide hope for research on human subjects.

September 18, 2011

PRWeb "MAPS to Celebrate 25 Years of Cutting-Edge Research with Seattle Lecture Series and Benefit Auction" by MAPS.

On September 21, 2011, MAPS hosted an evening lecture series and benefit auction at the EM Fine Art Gallery in Seattle, WA, as part of the MAPS 25th Anniversary Cartographie Psychedelica Tour.

September 12, 2011

Reason Magazine "Bummer: Barack Obama turns out to be just another drug warrior" by Jacob Sullum.

There were many researchers and activists who were optimistic when the early Obama administration promised to put science before politics in its approach to drug policy and regulation. Reason Magazine points out the disappointing facts in this in-depth cover article. Despite Obama’s claims that he would take a public health approach to drugs, he and his appointees in federal law enforcement agencies—including the DEA, which MAPS is currently taking to federal court over the agency’s refusal to permit much-needed medical marijuana research—have so far refused to do so.

September 7, 2011

Monday Magazine "Drugs with a healing flare" by Danielle Pope.

Victoria’s news and entertainment weekly magazine features a short article on MAPS Canada’s upcoming event in Victoria, BC. Victoria City Councillor and MAPS Canada Board Member Philippe Lucas, M.A., is excited about how Out of Mind: The Therapeutic Uses of Psychedelics to Treat PTSD and Addiction will promote a more rational conversation about the science of drugs-in addition to helping support the research itself. “This is something I can confidently say will be the most revolutionary and boundary-pushing event the city will see all year,” says Lucas. “One of the peripheral harms we’ve seen with [drug control] is throwing the baby out with the bath water ... it’s been great to see a resurgence in the study of therapy drugs to treat these disorders.”

September 2, 2011

WAMC Northeast Public Radio "UMass Amherst professor says he will appeal DEA denial for medical marijuana grow" by Patrick Donges.

On August 8, after ten years of legal proceedings, the DEA formally rejected UMass Amherst Prof. Lyle Craker’s appeal to grow marijuana for medical research. For Prof. Craker, the battle isn’t over yet: His only recourse is to take the case to the First Circuit of Appeals. The article concludes on a skeptical note, but fails to mention that in the last two decades medical marijuana has gained much acceptance, with 16 states and the District of Columbia now allowing marijuana for medical uses. Prof. Craker’s case may yet turn the tide.

obnoxi.us "DEA’s Michele Leonhart: If Science Disagrees, We’ll Shut Down Research" by OBNOXIoUS.

Despite plentiful scientific that marijuana has the potential to ease pain, reduce depression, and even reduce the likelihood of certain kinds of cancer, the DEA still clings to their dogma that marijuana has no medical uses. By officially rejecting Professor Lyle Craker’s request to grow marijuana for federally-regulated research, the DEA has shown that when science disagrees with their policy, they’d rather stop the science than change their routine.

PRWeb "MAPS Launches Canadian Affiliate, Celebrates 25 Years of Psychedelic Research and Education" by MAPS.

In celebration of 25 years of psychedelic research and education, MAPS and its Canadian affiliate, MAPS Canada, are coordinating two of the the most cutting-edge and scientifically fascinating events of the year. MAPS sent out this press release announcing the launch of MAPS Canada and the two events MAPS Canada is hosting this September—one in Victoria on September 13, 2011 and one in Vancouver on September 18, 2011—to commemorate the launch of MAPS Canada, celebrate MAPS’ 25th anniversary, and raise funds for MAPS Canada’s research on psychedelics and medical cannabis for PTSD, addiction, and other illnesses.

September 1, 2011

Stars and Stripes "Former platoon sergeant says marijuana was ‘the only thing’ that controlled his PTSD" by Bill Murphy Jr..

Former Army Sgt. Jamey Raines, an Ohio man who returned home from Iraq in 2004 with combat-related PTSD, explains why he used marijuana successfully for nearly five years to cope with his symptoms and help him transition back into civilian life. By telling his story, he hopes to counteract the ongoing stigma on marijuana’s medical potential. MAPS medical marijuana researcher Dr. Sue Sisley of the University of Arizona is also featured in this article, as is MAPS’ own ongoing work to get federal approval to study marijuana for former service members with PTSD.

August 29, 2011

Guns.com "Soldier’s Clinic Begins Ecstasy Trials to Treat PTSD: Inventive or Crazy?" by Max Slowik.

The pressing need for innovative treatments for PTSD has led to positive coverage from more than one unexpected media source. Here, firearm aficionado site Guns.com describes MAPS’ experimental MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a promising way to help soldiers devastated by their traumatic memories of combat.

August 27, 2011

Andrew Sullivan's The Daily Beast "Can MDMA Treat PTSD?" by Zoë Pollock.

Andrew Sullivan’s The Daily Beast summarizes recent online media coverage of MAPS’ efforts to get MDMA-assisted psychotherapy approved as a treatment for chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD.

August 25, 2011

The Republican "DEA rejects UMass Professor Lyle Craker’s bid to grow marijuana for medical research" by Robert Rizzuto.

The DEA rejects Administer Law Judge Mary Ellen Bittner’s 2007 recommendation to grant Prof. Lyle Craker a license to grow medical marijuana for research, continuing to prevent FDA-reviewed research from moving forward. The Republican reminds us of a 2009 letter sent by US Sen. John Kerry and the late Sen. Edward Kennedy to the attorney general in favor of further review Prof. Craker’s application. Unfortunately, the August 24 final order further delays vital research into the therapeutic benefits of marijuana.

August 24, 2011

PR Newswire "DEA Upholds Federal Marijuana Monopoly, Obstructing Privately-Funded FDA Research" by MAPS.

MAPS sent out this press release to announce the DEA’s August 24 final order rejecting an earlier judge’s recommendation to grant Prof. Lyle Craker a license to grow medical marijuana for research. MAPS and Prof. Craker’s only recourse is to appeal the decision in the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

August 19, 2011

Santa Cruz Patch "Shpongle’s Simon Posford Speaks Out About Psychedelics & Music" by David Jay Brown.

Author David Jay Brown shares this fascinating interview with Simon Posford of Shpongle, whose spiritually-inspired rhythms are immensely popular in the electronic dance community. Posford describes how psychedelics and psychedelic culture have played a powerful role in shaping his music and his perspective on science, consciousness, and politics.

The complete interview with Posford will appear in the Spring 2012 Special Edition of the MAPS Bulletin.

Mind Hacks "Ecstasy for war trauma: a flashback to earlier treatments" by Vaughan Bell.

The popular neuroscience blog Mind Hacks explains how MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is the latest in a long line of psychological treatments for PTSD. The post describes how the most effective treatments for PTSD require patients to revisit their traumatic memories and overcome the chronic fear and anxiety that accompany those memories. As Mind Hacks points out, many patients struggle to overcome their fear of traumatic memories and require additional assistance. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy may be just what these treatment-resistant patients need. (Note: While the post correctly points out that MDMA can help reduce certain forms of anxiety, it is not a traditional anti-anxiety drug. In the context of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, MDMA is used to open patients up to the trauma rather than to help them avoid it.)

August 18, 2011

BBC Health "Modified ecstasy ‘attacks blood cancers’" by James Gallaghert.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have found that modified, non-psychoactive forms of MDMA could destroy certain kinds of blood cancer cells, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Neither this article nor the researchers themselves foresee modified MDMA becoming a viable treatment for humans any time soon, but the discovery nevertheless indicates a promising future for research into the medical benefits of MDMA and its chemical cousins.

August 16, 2011

Motherboard Magazine "The Agony and the Ecstasy: The Quiet Mission to Fight PTSD With Psychedelic Drugs" by Brian Anderson.

Motherboard Magazine shares an in-depth and original feature story on MAPS’ MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research. Including intimate portraits of co-therapists and Clinical Investigators Michael Mithoefer, M.D., and Annie Mithoefer, B.S.N., a well-researched summary of why conventional PTSD treatments often fail, and a clear summary of how MDMA-assisted psychotherapy might work, this article is a fascinating read.

Despite its overall accuracy, the article does make two misleading claims. First, the model of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy used by MAPS’ researchers does not involve forcing the trauma to surface. In fact, patients undergoing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy are almost always willing to work through their trauma. This is why MDMA-assisted psychotherapy could be so effective: In the context of treatment, patients may be more willing to explore their traumatic memories than they ever have been previously.

Second, neither MAPS nor MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., are seeking to make MDMA available “at the corner drug store.” MDMA-assisted psychotherapy involves administering MDMA once or several times in a carefully controlled environment under the guidance of a trained medical or therapeutic professional.

July 25, 2011

Fox News "Could Natural Treatments Have Helped Amy Winehouse?" by Chris Kilham.

Even the most conservative news outlets are beginning to recognize that despite (or perhaps because of) their controversial history, psychedelics are gaining prominence as possible treatments for serious medical conditions. An article on Fox News reveals that some psychedelic substances have “unquestionable promise” in the treatment of addiction, especially when combined with other treatments such as therapy and exercise. As timely as it is notable, this article appeared while MAPS Canada was conducting its study of ayahuasca-assisted therapy for addiction in Vancouver.

July 24, 2011

Maine Morning Sentinel "For Wounded Veteran, Medical Marijuana’s Been a Godsend" by Michael Shepherd.

Veterans are speaking out about the urgent need for research into the therapeutic benefits of marijuana just as MAPS awaits word from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about whether the agency will allow us to proceed with our planned, FDA-approved study of marijuana for symptoms of PTSD in veterans of war. In this article, Sgt. Ryan Begin tells the story of how marijuana helps him cope with the psychological and physical pain of combat-related trauma, and explains why making it available for him and his fellow soldiers should be one of our highest national priorities.

In the Mind Field "Marijuana and PTSD: Give the Joy of Life a Chance" by John Grant.

Writer and veteran John Grant explains why MAPS’ planned study of marijuana for symptoms of PTSD in war veterans is nothing to laugh about. According to Grant, the possibility—recognized by countless veterans and medical marijuana users—that marijuana could help soldiers overcome the psychological, emotional, and spiritual trauma of war should be taken seriously, and it’s time for our culture to let go of its nearly century-old phobia of marijuana as a medicine. As the article points out, “a little sanity in this area can go a long way” to helping our soldiers return to a healthy life.

July 22, 2011

Reason Magazine "Scientific Evidence Clearly Shows That Ecstasy Is Only 200 Times As Bad As Pot" by Jacob Sullum.

Reason Magazine reports on how MAPS and the ACLU used scientific evidence to successfully challenge harsh federal Ecstasy sentencing guidelines.

July 19, 2011

International Business Times "Marijuana Legalization Coming Soon?" by International Business Times.

MAPS’ proposed study of marijuana for PTSD in veterans of war could do more than help develop a more effective treatment for symptoms of PTSD—it could also change how state and federal policymakers think about the medical value of whole-plant marijuana. According to the International Business Times, the proposed study (which is awaiting secondary approval from the Department of Health and Human Services even though it has already passed FDA review) could provide yet more evidence that the federal government should recognize the medical potential of marijuana and allow the research to take place.

International Business Times "Groups Push for Medical Marijuana Treatment for Veterans Suffering from PTSD" by International Business Times.

While MAPS waits for the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Public Health Service to decide whether to allow us to purchase marijuana for our planned study of marijuana for veterans with PTSD, the International Business Times wonders whether the agencies will recognize the pressing need for research into effective PTSD treatments.

July 18, 2011

PR Newswire "MAPS, ACLU Persuade Federal Judge to Use Science to Challenge Harsh Ecstasy Sentencing Guidelines" by MAPS.

The ACLU recently won a major victory in a legal case challenging the federal sentencing guidelines for Ecstasy-related crimes as having been made in a time of irrational panic over the dangers of the drug. On July 15, a defendant charged with distributing Ecstasy was sentenced to 26 months in prison—less than half the time recommended by current sentencing guidelines. MAPS contributed to the victory by testifying about the current state of evidence about the risks of recreational Ecstasy use, which have recently been discovered to be significantly lower than previously believed. The outcome of the trial indicates that the science of psychedelics can have real, positive implications for health, policy, and human rights.

The press release was picked up by numerous media outlets, including the Herald Online, Bradenton.com, The Sacramento Bee, StoptheDrugWar.org, and more.

The New York Times "Marijuana May Be Studied for Combat Disorder" by Dan Frosch.

The New York Times explains how MAPS’ proposed study of marijuana for PTSD in veterans of war could help show the federal government what veterans groups and medical marijuana advocates have known for years: that marijuana could help soldiers cope with the psychological wounds of war. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already decided to let the study proceed, but the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Public Health Service (PHS) must still approve the study before they allow MAPS to purchase the marijuana required for the study. In the past, these agencies have refused to supply MAPS with marijuana for its studies, preventing them from taking place. Perhaps now, with enough recognition of the pressing need for better treatments for PTSD in veterans and enough pressure on the NIDA/PHS to change their tune, the agency will allow the study to proceed and finally put patients’ needs first.

Additional stories about the promise of MAPS’ research for veterans and their families appeared in the military magazine Stars and Stripes, at USNavySeals.com, and as a top headline at the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

July 6, 2011

Acceler8or "Transcending the Medical Frontiers: Exploring the Future of Psychedelic Drug Research" by David Jay Brown.

The resurgence of government-approved research into psychedelics has uncovered some surprising potential uses for these powerful substances, from helping people overcome trauma, anxiety, and addiction to facilitating extraordinary artistic, personal, and spiritual growth. Here, award-winning author and MAPS Bulletin guest editor David Jay Brown presents a thorough overview of the (often surprising) uses for which psychedelics are currently being explored.

July 5, 2011

Sam Harris Blog "Drugs and the Meaning of Life" by Sam Harris.

In this bold and personal post, author Sam Harris reflects on psychedelics as tools for psychological healing, scientific exploration, and spiritual growth. He acknowledges that because they are such powerful tools, they require an extra level of care and responsibility when dealing with them. Although the studies that Harris cites regarding MDMA’s neurotoxic potential have been called into question, the honesty and directness with which he writes make this essay a worthwhile read.

June 30, 2011

Santa Cruz Patch "Mom Shares Psychedelic Drugs with Dying Daughter" by David Jay Brown.

In his most recent column, award-winning writer David Jay Brown praises Honor Thy Daughter, Marilyn Howell’s new memoir about her experience seeking out underground psychedelic therapy for her daughter suffering from colon cancer. True stories like this are reminders of the urgent need for research into the real risks and benefits of psychedelic therapy.

June 28, 2011

Ralph Metzner's Blog "MDMA Recognized as Most Promising Treatment of PTSD" by Ralph Metzner, Ph.D..

Psychologist and veteran psychedelic researcher Ralph Metzner, Ph.D., who worked with TImothy Leary and Richard Alpert on the original Harvard Psilocybin Project has a few things to say about the status of MDMA research. In this blog post, Metzner writes about why MDMA is such a promising treatment for PTSD, how it’s both similar to and different from the other “classical” psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, and how MAPS’ research are paving the way for a new era of mainstream psychedelic science.

June 27, 2011

ScienceNOW "LSD Alleviates “Suicide Headaches”" by Kai Kupferschmidt.

A recent pilot study by Harvard psychiatrist John Halpern, M.D., showed that 2-bromo-LSD (a non-psychoactive version of LSD) could give profound and long-lasting relief to patients suffering from the chronic, debilitating syndrome known as cluster headaches. While what causes these headaches and how 2-bromo-LSD could reduce their frequency is still uncertain, these results are a clear indication that more research is warranted.

Additional media coverage of Halpern’s cluster headache study can be found here and here.

Halpern also recently completed another study showing that long-term Ecstasy use was not associated with cognitive damage.

June 24, 2011

AlterNet "Why Prescription Ecstasy or LSD Could Happen Much Sooner Than You Think" by Anneli Rufus.

A lead story on AlterNet reports that psychedelic research is booming, and that prescription psychedelics could be legally available within a decade. But the return of psychedelics to mainstream medicine is doing much more than developing much-needed new treatments for pain, anxiety, and trauma. It’s also showing what can happen when scientists and regulators move beyond the simplistic distinction between “good drugs” and “bad drugs” and instead take an honest look at the risks and benefits of these substances for specific conditions. As the article points out, “it’s about using cutting-edge technology to prove what millions around the world have been saying for thousands of years: This stuff gets to your head.”

The same story also appeared in the addiction treatment magazine The Fix.

June 23, 2011

The Economist "Acid Tests" by The Economist.

The near-completion of MAPS’ Swiss study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy for end-of-life anxiety is a chance to take note of the resurgence of psychedelic research after decades of taboo. This article describes the long history of psychedelic psychotherapy, the explosion of recreational use leading to the shutting down of psychedelic research, and the recent return of these substances to mainstream science and medicine. The recent publication of Timothy Leary’s archives indicates the world is ready to move beyond its old fear of psychedelics and to once again take an honest, rational look at their risks and benefits for psychological, emotional, and spiritual health.

June 20, 2011

Religion Dispatches "High on Drugs: Breaking the Just Say No Addiction" by Gary Laderman.

Emory University Professor Gary Laderman sees the recent Global Commission on Drug Policy report calling for an end to the international war on drugs as a chance to explore some alternative roles for drugs in our society. Research is now showing that psychedelics, when used in the right setting, can be used for both psychological health and spiritual development, and Laderman thinks this new knowledge could challenge the logic underlying current drug policies.

June 17, 2011

EmaxHealth "Hopkins Researchers Study Therapeutic Use of Psilocybin in Magic Mushrooms" by Kathleen Blanchard.

In a recently published study at Johns Hopkins Medical School, researchers found that psilocybin-induced spiritual experiences could have long-lasting positive effects on emotional health, social relationships, and spiritual practice. The goal of the study was to determine the appropriate dose of psilocybin for producing positive changes while avoiding negative experiences or “bad trips.” MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., also comments on the study in this article.

June 16, 2011

TIME "“Magic Mushrooms” Can Improve Psychological Health Long Term" by Maia Szalavitz.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have completed a study showing that psilocybin-induced spiritual experiences can have real, positive effects on emotional and psychological health. Could this new evidence cause a broader conception of the possible place of psychedelics in society? Could it be telling scientists something about the biology of spirituality? Also see here and here for additional coverage of the Johns Hopkins study.

June 10, 2011

The Hindu "My Husband and Other Animals - One Last Trip" by Janaki Lenin.

Travel and adventure writer Kenneth Anderson had one last wish: to learn whether LSD could help him come to terms with his imminent death. In this short recollection, an acquaintance remembers Anderson having an “incredible experience” that left him feeling calm, alert, and at peace.

AlterNet "Ecstasy As Treatment for PTSD from Sexual Trauma and War? New Research Shows Very Promising Results" by Scott Thill.

With health care costs for veterans rising dramatically and effective treatments limited, researchers and therapists are reaching out to find new ways of treating trauma. As this in-depth and well-researched article explains, MAPS is at the center of multiple attempts to develop safe and effective treatments for trauma associated with sexual assault and war. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is being shown to be effective for treating trauma in individuals whose illness has been resistant to other forms of treatment. Even MAPS’ planned medical marijuana study, which was recently approved by the FDA, represents a potential breakthrough in treatments for PTSD—as long as public and governmental attitudes to these innovative treatment continue to improve.

Note: MDMA is not Ecstasy. Substances sold on the street under the name Ecstasy do often contain MDMA, but frequently also contain ketamine, caffeine, BZP, and other narcotics and stimulants. In laboratory studies, pure MDMA—but not Ecstasy—has been proven sufficiently safe for human consumption when taken a limited number of times in moderate doses.

June 9, 2011

The Raw Story "First Therapeutic Study of LSD in 35 Years Finishes Treatment of Last Subject" by Eric W. Dolan.

A letter from Swiss psychiatrist Peter Gasser, M.D., the lead investigator for MAPS’ study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening illness, reports that all 12 participants in the study reported benefits from the treatment. Even though the number of subjects enrolled in the study was small, meaning that achieving statistically significant results could be a challenge, the study will show that LSD can be safely used in a therapeutic setting, setting the stage for future studies of medical applications of LSD.

June 7, 2011

CommonHealth "Mother’s Loving Care For Dying Daughter Included Psychedelic Drugs" by Carey Goldberg, Jessica Alpert.

On June 7, Honor Thy Daughter author Marilyn Howell appeared on RadioBoston’s CommonHealth to discuss why she turned to psychedelic therapy to ease the pain and anxiety of her dying daughter. This article explains how Howell’s story fits into the larger history of psychedelic medicine, and how stories like hers are helping show the world the importance of MAPS’ research.

Listen to Howell’s interview streaming or download it here.

RadioBoston also published a second short article about Howell’s decision to explore psychedelic therapy.

June 5, 2011

American Botanical Council "FDA Accepts Protocol for Study on Marijuana and PTSD" by Lindsey Stafford.

The latest edition of the American Botanical Council’s quarterly peer-reviewed journal HerbalGram (Volume 8, Number 6, June 2011) contains a thorough and well-researched article on the FDA’s April 28 approval of MAPS’ planned study of smoked and/or vaporized marijuana for PTSD in veterans of war. The article presents a nuanced summary of the background, rationale, design, and outlook for what could become the first controlled clinical trial of the therapeutic potential of marijuana for PTSD. “I wasn’t surprised with FDA’s favorable review since I have come over the last two decades to respect the FDA’s willingness to put science over politics,” explains MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D. “Still, it’s breathtaking every time FDA gives us permission for a new precedent.” Now that the FDA has given the study its stamp of approval, it now falls to the National Institute on Drug Abuse/Public Health Service to decide whether to allow us to purchase the marijuana we need for the study.

June 3, 2011

Daily Mail Online (UK) "The Mother Who Gave Her Terminally Ill Daughter Ecstasy to Ease Her Suffering" by Daily Mail.

UK newspaper The Daily Mail announces the release of Honor Thy Daughter, Marilyn Howell’s new memoir about how psychedelic therapy helped her daughter cope with the pain and anxiety of terminal colon cancer. (Note that the title of the article is technically incorrect: Howell’s daughter received pure MDMA, not Ecstasy. Ecstasy is a recreational drug that may or may not contain MDMA. All of MAPS’ clinical studies use MDMA, not Ecstasy.)

June 2, 2011

The Fix "Feds Approve First LSD Study Since ‘72" by Dirk Hanson.

Based on David Jay Brown’s May 27 article announcing the near-completion of MAPS’ landmark Swiss study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy for end-of-life anxiety, this article explains the significance of the worldwide resurgence of psychedelic research.

June 1, 2011

"Israeli Ministry of Health Approves MDMA/PTSD Study"

On June 1, 2011, Israel’s Ministry of Health approved our Israeli study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. This approval indicates that the Ministry was satisfied with our response to their April 28 request for additional information. Now that the study has the full approval of Israeli regulatory bodies, we have begun preparing to submit the protocol to the US FDA, which must prospectively approve the study before we can start enrolling subjects since it is being conducted under a US Investigational New Drug application. The study initiation will take place in approximately one month, during which time we will finalize the study insurance documents and contracts with the study site. Training materials containing the measures to be used in the study have been provided to the investigators and independent raters, and we continue working with clinical research organization Antaea Medical Services, Ltd., to prepare the remaining documents and forms.

"Israeli Ministry of Health Approves MDMA/PTSD Study"

May 27, 2011

Santa Cruz Patch "Landmark Clinical LSD Study Nears Completion" by David Jay Brown.

Award-winning author David Jay Brown uses the approaching completion of MAPS’ Swiss study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with life-threatening illness to explore the complex and controversial history of worldwide LSD research. As the first clinical LSD study in over 25 years, the completion of this study represents a monumental achievement for psychedelic science.

Chemistry and Biology "Mixed Signals: Cannabinoid System Offers New Therapeutic Possibilities As Well As Challenges" by Chandra Shekhar.

The most recent edition of Chemistry and Biology (Volume 18, Issue 5, May 2011) includes a feature article by Chandra Shekhar entitled “Mixed Signals: Cannabinoid System Offers New Therapeutic Possibilities As Well As Challenges” on the history, promise, and challenge of medical marijuana research. The article briefly outlines the history of cannabis research, and explains how the marijuana plant has been the key to one of the most significant medical discoveries of the last century: the endocannabinoid system. While private companies and government agencies have invested a great deal in developing medicines based on isolated and synthetic versions of the active chemicals in the marijuana plant, research on the safety and effectiveness of the marijuana plant itself still lags behind. The article explains how naturally-occurring cannabinoids help regulate some of the most important biological functions, and how modern researchers—including MAPS—are trying to learn which delivery systems and which cannabinoid combinations work best for which conditions.

May 25, 2011

The Boston Channel "Psychedelic Drugs Help Daughter In Dying Days" by WCBV Boston.

The following article is a transcript of a stirring 3-minute segment on WCBV’s Health News about why Honor Thy Daughter author Marilyn Howell, Ed.D., chose to seek out psychedelic therapy for her daughter with terminal cancer. It also shows how mainstream medical practitioners are beginning to recognize the potential value of such treatments for patients at the end of their life, emphasizing the need for more research into the safety and effectiveness of MDMA and other psychedelics.

May 23, 2011

Courthouse News Service "Ecstasy Has Same Legal Penalties as Cocaine" by Adam Klasfeld.

On May 19, 2011, a US District Judge ruled that Ecstasy-related crimes are punished far more harshly than is justified by currently available scientific evidence about the risks of the drug. In 2001, the US Sentencing Commission enacted a set of guidelines requiring judges to punish Ecstasy violations 500 times more severely than marijuana. The American Civil Liberties Union challenged that standard as unfair and requested that the judge undertake a rational reconsideration of the guidelines.

The ruling sharply criticizes the commission’s “opportunistic rummaging” and “selective and incomplete” analysis of the scientific data that led to the creation of the guidelines, and took into account new evidence—including data from a recent study by Harvard psychiatrist John Halpern, M.D., showing that long-term recreational Ecstasy use did not cause cognitive damage. MAPS also consulted on the case.

According to Jay Rorty, director of the ACLU’s Criminal Drug Law Reform Project, the ruling is a step in the right direction. “It’s also important because it demonstrates a district judge’s willingness to undertake a thorough review of the empirical basis underlying the guideline to update a guideline based on scientific advances,” he said.

Note: All of MAPS’ clinical research studies use pure MDMA that was manufactured in a government-licensed facility. Drugs bought and sold on the street as “Ecstasy” may or may not contain MDMA.

May 19, 2011

SFGate.com "Can Psychedelic Therapy Ease the Suffering of Cancer Patients?" by PRWeb.

SFGate.com shares this press release announcing the publication of Honor Thy Daughter by Marilyn Howell, Ed.D. In the newest book from the MAPS Press, Howell tells the story of her family’s search for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing as her daughter struggles with terminal cancer. Their journey ultimately takes them into the hands of an anonymous therapist who offers the family hope and healing through psychedelic psychotherapy.

The original press release is also available.

May 17, 2011

AlterNet "How Christopher Hitchens Could Help His Fellow Cancer Patients by Promoting Psychedelic Therapy" by Alexander Zaitchik.

World-renowned author and journalist Christopher Hitchens, who recently announced that he has lost his voice to throat cancer, is an outspoken advocate of experimental cancer treatments. This article discusses pioneering research into psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with terminal illnesses, including the research that MAPS is currently conducting on the risks and benefits of LSD-assisted psychotherapy. The article uses Hitchens’ case as an example of why research into the healing potential of psychedelic therapy is so important.

MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., points out that while MAPS’ research is intended to help people like Hitchens get safe and effective access to these treatments, it remains just out of reach. “People all over the world should have access to psychedelic therapy and psychedelic hospice centers, but the options are stigmatized and criminalized,” Doblin says. “If Hitchens—a curious man with a lot of intellectual power and influence—were to participate in an underground program, he could consider it an act of civil disobedience on behalf of science in the face of stigma and bad law.” The article concludes by echoing the growing recognition that developing safe, legal contexts for psychedelic therapy could help many—perhaps millions—of cancer patients.

May 16, 2011

Lafayette Online "Ethical Dilemmas of Pharmaceutical Research" by Philip Fiorini.

An upcoming talk (to take place Thursday, May 19, in Lafayette, IN) sponsored in part by Purdue University will feature renowned pharmacologist and psychedelic researcher David Nichols, Ph.D. Nichols has studied how psychedelic drugs work in the brain for over 40 years, and his research is an excellent example of how psychedelics aren’t just therapeutic tools but also powerful technologies for discovering the fundamentals of the human mind.

May 13, 2011

Santa Cruz Patch "FDA Approves New PTSD Study with Medical Marijuana" by David Jay Brown.

Columnist and MAPS Bulletin guest editor David Jay Brown summarizes what’s in store for medical marijuana research now that the FDA has approved MAPS’ planned study of marijuana for veterans with PTSD. The National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Drug Enforcement Administration have a history of preventing FDA-approved research from moving forward, but we’re trying to be optimistic that they’ll recognize the pressing need for this research and change their tune.

May 11, 2011

East Bay Express "Pot for PTSD Gets FDA Go-Ahead" by David Downs.

The FDA has approved MAPS’ study of marijuana for veterans for PTSD, but the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s continued insistence that marijuana is not a medicine (despite medical marijuana being legal in almost a third of the country) might prevent the study from ever happening. This well-researched article aptly summarizes the challenges faced by scientists wanting to do research on whole-plant marijuana.

Organic Authority "FDA Study Approval Brings Marijuana One Step Closer to Treating PTSD" by Jill Ettinger.

The Organic Authority blog explains how the FDA’s recent approval of MAPS’ proposed study of marijuana for veterans with PTSD is a huge step forward for medical marijuana research.

May 10, 2011

LA Weekly "Marijuana Research Involving War Veterans and Post-Traumatic Stress Approved by Feds, Sort Of" by Dennis Romero.

Now that the FDA has approved our planned study of marijuana for veterans for PTSD, it’s up to the National Institute on Drug Abuse to decide whether to allow us to buy the marijuana we need to conduct it. Though Dennis Romero thinks that veterans should be allowed to use marijuana regardless of its effectiveness, it’s important to show federal agencies that the drug is both effective and safe before making it available as a prescription medicine.

May 6, 2011

Psychiatric Times "Does MDMA Have a Role in Clinical Psychiatry?" by Michael Mithoefer, M.D..

Psychiatrist and MAPS Clinical Investigator Michael Mithoefer, M.D., published this article in Psychiatric Times about the current state of research into the therapeutic potential of MDMA. He describes the history of MDMA’s use in psychiatry, the most recent results from MAPS’ studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, the risks and benefits of MDMA for therapy, and the mechanisms by which MDMA is believed to help people confront trauma and overcome anxiety. Dr. Mithoefer’s extensive experience administering MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to PTSD sufferers suggests to him that “MDMA may find an important place in the future of psychopharmacology.”

May 5, 2011

Salem-News.com "Cannabis Gives Hope to Warriors with PTSD" by Bonnie King.

Thousands of veterans already use marijuana to treat PTSD symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia, emphasizing the pressing need for research into the safety and effectiveness of different strains and delivery methods. Having received FDA approval for our planned study of marijuana for PTSD in veterans, MAPS is now waiting to find out whether the National Institute on Drug Abuse/Public Health Service will allow us to purchase the marijuana we need for the study.

Marijuana Business Report "FDA Approves Study of Cannabis for PTSD"

On April 28, the FDA approved MAPS’ planned study of smoked or vaporized marijuana to treat symptoms of PTSD in war veterans, marking the first time a government agency has approved an outpatient marijuana study. The Marijuana Business Report reflects on the implications of this development of medical marijuana research in the U.S.

Miller-McCune "Researchers Re-Open Their Minds to Psychedelic Drugs" by Sam Kornell.

This article describes how psychedelic research has quickly expanded in the last ten years, and how researchers and scientists at major universities are reminding the world that there is much more to psychedelics than hallucinations. After decades of being lost in the shadows of the drug war, studies being conducted at UCLA, Johns Hopkins, NYU, and Harvard are once again showing that psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA may actually have profound therapeutic effects—and people are beginning to notice.

May 3, 2011

ScienceDaily "Ecstasy Associated With Chronic Change in Brain Function" by ScienceDaily.

A recent study by a Vanderbilt psychiatrist finds long-term differences in brain function between recreational Ecstasy users and non-users. This ScienceDaily article wonders whether these possible risks extend to those who are administered MDMA in therapeutic contexts.

The researchers performed fMRI scans on 20 ecstasy users, men and women reporting a lifetime of 33.25 +/- 37.79 occasions of use on average, range = 3-155), and 20 non-user controls. Generally speaking, a greater number of ecstasy users had experience with nearly every other substance listed, except alcohol, and including cannabis, stimulants, psychedelics, sedatives, opiates. The researchers imaged the brain while people watched either red or blue light, shown at three levels of brightness, and then measured brain activation. The researchers found no significant difference in brain activation between ecstasy user and non-ecstasy user controls. the researchers then correlated lifetime exposure to ecstasy to brain activation, finding a relationship between lifetime exposure and degree of cortical excitability in primary visual cortex, an area of brain involved in visual processing. The researchers also split the sample of ecstasy users on the basis of median (the value in the exact middle of the sample) lifetime ecstasy use, finding greater excitability in “heavy” versus “light” ecstasy users. Though adding lifetime exposure to methamphetamine slightly lowered the strength of this relationship between lifetime drug use and cortical excitability overall, it increased the strength of relationship in specific areas, suggesting a role of methamphetamine use. The researchers do not cite any relationship between cortical excitability in this area and any type of dementia. Instead, they discuss its relationship with neurons that receive input from the serotonin system.

The same team of researchers first reported increased activation in the visual cortex in 2006 (Cowan et al. 2006).

The sole paper that attempts to address the effects age and ecstasy use examined cognitive function in people aged 39-55 reporting repeated ecstasy use and comparing them with polydrug users, including some light ecstasy users (Schilt et al. 2010). This report reported that older ecstasy users and younger ecstasy users (from another study) had similar test scores.

As ScienceDaily puts it, “The message in news reports needs to be accurate.” Misleadingly, neither Cowan nor ScienceDaily acknowledge that illegally purchased Ecstasy used recreationally may or may not contain MDMA, and often contains methamphetamine, ketamine, BZP, caffeine, or other narcotics and stimulants. Besides, there is no reason to assume that the effects of regular recreational Ecstasy use—even if it was just MDMA—extend to those of MDMA administered only a few times in therapeutic settings. The article also fails to point out that users of Ecstasy also tend to use other drugs as well. In other words, there’s no way to know whether the observed effects were due to Ecstasy, to another drug, or to something else entirely.

Journalists reporting on scientific results need to be careful not to overstate their implications. It is important to be cautious when taking any drug repeatedly, but there is a big difference between acknowledging long-term changes in brain function after using a substance and claiming that those changes are harmful. The scientist quoted in the article implies that because both long-term Ecstasy users and Alzheimer’s patients experience changes in brain function, somehow Ecstasy use causes Alzheimers. This is so misleading as to be dishonest; people have been using Ecstasy recreationally for over 30 years, and not a single study has shown a link between long-term recreational Ecstasy use and Alzheimer’s. To claim that there is a link is pure conjecture.

And there are reasons to believe that the benefits of MDMA used in therapy may outweigh its risks. According to MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., “The dosing [of MDMA] MAPS is using doesn’t cause any negative functional consequences in neurocognitive tests. There have been no reports of persisting problems in brain function or mood in any of our US PTSD subjects after an average of 41 months.”

May 2, 2011

The New York Times "Tugging at Threads to Unspool Stories of Torture" by Denise Grady.

On Monday, May 2, The New York Times published a major story about Iraqi refugees in Jordan with PTSD. Iraqi refugees are some of the people we are anticipating will be subjects in our Jordanian study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD once it’s finally approved by the Jordanian FDA, which seems likely to be soon. Sadly, it seems that there will be no shortage of subjects for our 12-person Jordanian study. In our US MDMA/PTSD study, we’re working with US veterans with war-related PTSD from either Iraq, Afghanistan, or Vietnam. We’ve already enrolled 4 subjects so far in this study, all from service in Iraq and/or Afghanistan. MAPS is working toward the day when MDMA-assisted psychotheray will be widely available to help treat people around the world with PTSD.

According to UK psychiatrist Ben Sessa, M.D., “[This story] illustrates how trauma—and particularly the trauma of war and conflict—has no international borders or political persuasions. In an analogous fashion MDMA is a substance that bridges the gap between psychopharmacology and psychotherapy like no other treatment we know as psychiatrists, a truly innovative new direction for mental health that we all hope can offer a significant breakthrough for the future management of PTSD.” Sessa is working with MAPS to acquire funding for a possible UK-based study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD.

April 30, 2011

Treating Yourself, via Capital City Caregivers "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Medical Cannabis" by Capital City Caregivers.

A blog post from a Lansing, MI, medical marijuana clinic points to an account (PDF) in Treating Yourself magazine by a soldier who finds that medical marijuana helps him cope with PTSD symptoms. While physicians at the Veterans Administration and other treatment centers continue to pour ineffective pills down the throats of suffering soldiers, thousands of veterans are finding that marijuana genuinely helps them. MAPS’ planned study of the risks and benefits of marijuana for symptoms of PTSD in war veterans has provisionally passed the FDA review process, but it remains to be seen whether the federal government will allow us to purchase the marijuana we need for the study.

April 21, 2011

Public Library of Science Blogs "The Plot to Turn On the World: The Leary/Ginsberg Acid Conspiracy" by Steve Silberman.

In the 1960s, Harvard psychologist Timothy Leary teamed up with revolutionary Beat poet Allen Ginsberg to promote a vision of a world “turned on” by LSD and other psychedelics. In his new book about Leary and Ginsberg’s White Hand Society, Peter Conners describes how the duo’s desire to dose the planet changed how the world thought about psychedelics. Conners admits that Leary and Ginsberg’s overenthusiastic embrace of psychedelics as a cure to all of society’s ills likely led to the crackdown on legitimate psychedelic research, but also points out that thanks to the work of MAPS, the world is starting to remember what a cautious, rational approach to psychedelic medicine looks like.

Brain Blogger "Headache Treatment: Alternative or Illicit?" by Jennifer Gibson, PharmD.

LSD and psilocybin, both of which are psychedelic drugs that operate primarily on the serotonin system, are beginning to enter the public consciousness as possible treatments for certain kinds of chronic, debilitating headaches. Clinical pharmacist Jennifer Gibson points to increasing frustration with traditional medical treatments for cluster headaches and similar conditions, the high number of side effects associate with traditional treatments, and patients’ desire to choose their own treatments as the primary reason that psychedelics are gaining acceptance as medicines. Gibson concludes the article by calling for more and larger studies of the clinical benefits of psychedelics.

April 20, 2011

The West Australian "Party Drug Hope for Parkinson’s" by Cathy O'Leary.

Researchers at the University of Western Australia are studying whether modified versions of MDMA could help increase the effectiveness (and possible help decrease the side-effects) of certain pharmaceutical treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Other scientists suspect that MDMA analogues could help treat a rare form of cancer. The possible value of MDMA itself as an adjunct to psychotherapy, of course, is already gaining widespread recognition. It’s clear that MDMA research holds a great deal of promise, and the only way to know what it can and cannot do for patients with a variety of illnesses is to make sure that funding for the research continues.

April 18, 2011

Wired "The Cost of Combat Stress: A Billion Dollars a Year" by Madhumita Venkataramanan.

A new report from the National Bureau of Economic Research estimates that the economic and health care costs of mental health problems stemming from combat could be over $1 billion a year. Even more startlingly, Wired magazine reports that more than 6,000 veterans commit suicide every year. Posttraumatic stress is a national tragedy of epidemic proportions, yet there is a frightening lack of effective treatments for PTSD and other combat-related illnesses. Encouraging the federal government and the Veterans Administration to commit more resources to looking for more effective PTSD treatments, such as the possibility of treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, should therefore be an economic (as well as ethical) priority.

April 13, 2011

Good Times Santa Cruz "Altered Statesman" by Damon Orion with David Jay Brown.

An inspirational and engaging interview with Santa Cruz writer and all-around psychedelic expert David Jay Brown appeared on the cover of this week’s edition of Good Times magazine. Here, Brown talks about his own research on brain stimulation, psychedelics, and altered states of consciousness; his thoughts on consciousness and death; his deep friendships with such historical figures as Timothy Leary and Robert Anton Wilson; and the past, present, and future of psychedelic research.

ELLE "That Lovin’ Feeling" by Lauren Slater.

ELLE magazine reviews the origins of MDMA’s therapeutic uses in marriage and family therapy and specifically discusses MAPS’ role in helping psychedelic therapy return to mainstream medicine. The article includes an earnest and in-depth interview with MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., and discusses why—despite the possibility that MDMA-assisted therapy could help couples reestablish lost connections—MAPS has chosen to focus on helping individuals overcome their traumatic pasts.

April 12, 2011

MAPS "Media Reports of Ecstasy and Brain Shrinkage Overblown" by L. Ilsa Jerome, Ph.D..

The results of a recent brain imaging study claiming an association between long-term recreational Ecstasy use and damage to the hippocampus (a deep brain region responsible for learning, memory, and other cognitive functions) has the media in a frenzy. Media outlets all over the world (such as Bloomberg Businessweek) leaped at the chance to interpret the study’s results as evidence that Ecstasy causes the brain to actually shrink. Some (like The Guardian) have even gone so far as to suggest that Ecstasy use is correlated with Alzheimer’s disease. One overenthusiastic writer at TopNews.us even claims that Ecstasy actually causes Alzheimer’s disease, despite the complete lack of supporting scientific evidence. By contrast, the results of a recent meticulously-designed government-funded study by Harvard University’s John Halpern, M.D., reporting no association between recreational Ecstasy use and cognitive damage, have been largely ignored by these media sources, which begs the question: Are journalists really doing their homework?

Thankfully, a little bit of careful attention to the actual science provides a powerful antidote to this kind of reckless reporting. MAPS Research and Information Specialist Ilsa Jerome, Ph.D., has written a quick and well-reasoned summary of the study’s results, and points out that despite the media frenzy, the study suffers from the usual shortcomings of most observational studies of recreational Ecstasy use, and should be taken with several milligrams of salt.

April 8, 2011

NewScientist "Psychedelic Drug Cuts Brain Blood Flow and Connections" by Arran Frood.

By using psilocybin and other psychedelic compounds as scientific tools, neuroscientists are discovering some fascinating new properties of the human mind. A new brain imaging (fMRI) study by Robin Carhart-Harris at Imperial College London has found that the psychedelic or “mind-manifesting” effects of psilocybin could be due to the drug’s ability to decrease, rather than increase, activity in certain parts of the brain. Could this surprising effect have something to do with the therapeutic effects of psilocybin and other drugs that work on the serotonin system? Time—and research—will tell.

April 3, 2011

The Observer (UK) "Ecstasy Case Not Yet Proven" by Professor Stephen Kish.

On March 27, 2010, Prof. Andrew Parrot (Swansea University) wrote a letter to the editor criticizing Prof. John Halpern’s (Harvard) recent study finding no association between heavy recreational Ecstasy use and cognitive damage. Below, Prof. Stephen Kish of the University of Toronto points out that in his rush to attack the study, Parrott actually misinterpreted the results of Kish’s own Ecstasy study, undermining Parrott’s critique. Debate may be important for the progress of science, but so is accuracy.

April 1, 2011

Santa Cruz Patch "Vaporizing Cannabis: More Alternatives for Nonsmokers" by David Jay Brown.

Numerous studies have shown that vaporized marijuana is safer than smoked marijuana. That is exactly why MAPS has been trying (for nearly a decade) to end the federal government’s monopoly on the supply of marijuana for research. How else are we supposed to learn the safest way for patients to get the medicine they need?

March 27, 2011

The Guardian (UK) "Letters to the Editor: Ecstasy Is Far from Harmless" by Professor Andrew C. Parrott.

What follows is a letter to the editor published on Sunday, March 27, 2011, in the Guardian, signed by abut 40 scientists all objecting to the findings of Dr. John Halpern’s paper in the journal Addiction, which found no association between long-term recreational Ecstasy use and cognitive damage. On April 3, Prof. Stephen Kish responded to the letter with one of his own.

March 25, 2011

Medical News Today "Drug Report: MDMA, Ecstasy Still A Teen Choice; ER Visits Up 75%" by Sy Kraft.

On March 24, 2011, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA)‘s Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) released a report with the latest statistics for emergency department admissions in the U.S. involving Ecstasy. It’s clear that recreational Ecstasy use has increased in recent years, but that’s not how most mainstream media have interpreted the data. Unfortunately, most media sources (such as this CBS News article) have framed it as evidence for the dangers of recreational Ecstasy use. Those journalists taking the time to actually read the report (such as the author of the Medical News Today article listed below, which also mentions MAPS’ research on the therapeutic uses of MDMA) noticed that the vast majority (nearly 80%) of emergency department admissions involving Ecstasy also involved at least one other drug, and almost 40% of those over the age of 21 reported using three or more before being admitted. Was Ecstasy the cause of the admission, or was it the other drugs?

No drug, including Ecstasy or its principal component MDMA, is risk-free, but it’s important to be careful when reporting on scientific data. It is frustrating for those committed to scientific honesty when journalists report on what they’re afraid of rather than what the research actually says.

March 22, 2011

The Times (UK) "The Case for Prescribing Psychedelic Drugs" by Neil Boorman.

The Times reports on “Breaking Convention: A Multidisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Consciousness,” which will take place on April 2-3, 2011, at the University of Kent at Canterbury. The conference will feature four symposia; several tracks of seminars, debates, workshops, and presentations; film screenings; video presentations; and a track devoted to ayahuasca research. The article describes how psychedelics are making a huge comeback in science and medicine, and addresses the importance of MAPS’ current research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. The article’s claim that MAPS’ research is hindered by the current legal status of MDMA, this is not actually the case: Because MDMA-assisted psychotherapy takes place in carefully controlled clinical contexts, our research has been able to move forward regardless of scheduling.

March 18, 2011

The New York Times "Electric Kool-Aid Marketing Trip" by Michael Walker.

Augustus Owsley Stanley III, who died on March, 13, 2011, at the age of 76, had synthesized and sold over a million doses of LSD by 1967. This article discusses how Owsley almost single-handedly created the market for LSD and in so doing helped fuel the growth of the psychedelic culture.

March 17, 2011

High Times Medical Marijuana Magazine "MAPS in High Times Medical Marijuana Magazine" by MAPS.

The last five issues of High Times Medical Marijuana Magazine have featured columns detailing MAPS’ latest efforts to get marijuana approved as a prescription medicine. The columns describe the latest news in our ongoing lawsuit against the DEA to end the federal government’s monopoly on the supply of marijuana for research, as well as updates about our proposed study of marijuana for the treatment of PTSD in war veterans.

Authors include MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., MAPS Director of Communications Brad Burge, M.A., Stephen Morseman, and Jonathan D. Roberts.

All previous columns are available for download as PDFs.

High Times Medical Marijuana Magazine is a quarterly publication containing the latest news and reviews about medical marijuana. From cultivation tips and strain reports to political updates and scientific research, the magazine is an excellent resource for anyone interested in medical marijuana culture, politics, and science.

March 16, 2011

The New York Times "Heads Bowed in Grateful Memory" by Seth Schiesel.

On March 13, 2011, early LSD entrepreneur Owsley Stanley died in a car crash in his adopted home of Australia. Owsley was at the chemical, financial, and musical epicenter of the 1960s. This article discusses Owsley’s role in fueling the dramatic rise in popularity of the Grateful Dead and other icons of psychedelic culture.

March 9, 2011

PR Newswire "UMass Professor Files Final DEA Brief in 10-Year Fight to End Government Marijuana Research Monopoly" by MAPS.

MAPS sent out this press release to correct an earlier AP wire service story (”UMass professor drops bid to grow medical pot,” March 4, 2011) that claimed that Professor Lyle Craker was giving up his attempts to break NIDA’s monopoly on marijuana for research. MAPS, Craker, and his lawyers at the ACLU have been trying to end that monopoly for nearly ten years in order to open the door for privately-funded medical marijuana research. On March 7, Craker’s lawyers filed their final brief in the case and are waiting to hear back from the DEA before deciding how to move forward.

March 8, 2011

The Raw Story "ACLU: DEA’s Politics Are Keeping Cannabis-Based Medicines Off Shelves" by Stephen C. Webster.

This article reports on the lawsuit that MAPS, the ACLU, and Professor Lyle Craker have been fighting against the DEA for nearly ten years to break the federal government’s monopoly on the supply of marijuana for research. While many of the details are accurate—particularly the point that the DEA’s refusal to break the NIDA monopoly is keeping medicines out of the hands of patients—the article incorrectly claims that Craker and the ACLU are dropping the case. On March 7, Craker’s lawyers filed their final brief with the DEA, and are waiting to hear back from the DEA before deciding how to move forward.

The mistaken claims originated in an AP wire story (”UMass professor drops bid to grow medical pot,” March 4, 2011) but were corrected in a March 8 MAPS press release.

Reason.com "ACLU on Obama’s Policy Regarding Medical Marijuana Research: Where’s Your Scientific Integrity Now?" by Jacob Sullum.

Reason.com corrects an AP article that erroneously reported that MAPS and Professor Lyle Craker were giving up their nearly ten-year fight with the DEA (”UMass professor drops bid to grow medical pot,” March 4, 2011) to break NIDA’s monopoly on the supply of marijuana for research. To the contrary, Craker’s lawyers filed their final brief in the case on March 8, 2011, and are now waiting to hear back from the DEA. MAPS also sent out its own press release to correct the AP story.

March 3, 2011

Organic Authority "Healing with Ecstasy: MDMA and PTSD" by Jill Ettinger.

This article serves as an excellent introduction to the real history of the therapeutic and spiritual uses of psychedelics and marijuana, and connects it to MAPS’ present research.

March 2, 2011

Uweekly.com "MDMA: Its Past, Present and Inscrutable Future" by Dyani Robarge.

The “unofficial newspaper” of Ohio State University shares with its reader the history of MAPS’ research on MDMA, and the differences between recreational and therapeutic use.

The Baltimore Sun "Action, Not More Study, on Medical Marijuana" by Barry Considine.

This commentary is an excellent example of what happens when the government blocks medical marijuana research by holding on to its monopoly and refusing to sell marijuana to researchers. Frustrated by their inability to access marijuana for research in order demonstrate its safety and effectiveness for therapeutic use, patients and activists are forced to turn to anecdotal evidence and political posturing to make their claims for changes in medical marijuana law.

March 1, 2011

The Dana Foundation "Psychedelic Drugs Show Promise as Therapy" by Tom Valeo.

The Dana Foundation reports on how advances in psychology and neuroscience are once again demonstrating the value of psychedelics as therapeutic tools. The article describes how MAPS’ studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy build on the most cutting-edge neurobiological research from around the world.

February 28, 2011

The Daily Free Press "Evacuate the Dance Floor" by Kira Cole.

Boston University’s student newspaper reports on Dr. John Halpern’s latest study of the cognitive risks of Ecstasy, which found no association between heavy recreational use of the drug and damage to learning, memory, or strategic thinking. The author rightly points out that the results challenge decades of prior research, which have exaggerated the risks of the drug, and correctly identifies MDMA’s growing acceptance as a treatment for PTSD. However, she and her interviewees also make a number of glaring mistakes in their characterization of the drug and its effects, including: (1) Dr. Halpern’s study was not intended to explore the “medical uses” of Ecstasy; (2) the principle (and possibly erroneous) claims against Ecstasy have been linked to its potential cognitive, rather than neurological, damage; (3) MDMA, the ingredient commonly presumed to be the main component of illegally purchased Ecstasy, is actually quite different from existing prescription medicines both in its mechanism of action and in its mode of administration; and (4) there is actually very little scientific evidence for Ecstasy being an addictive drug. With new research on the risks and medical benefits of Ecstasy and MDMA emerging, it’s important that journalists get the science right, and that they take non-experts’ claims about the drug with several grains of salt.

February 24, 2011

NewScientist "Is Lack of Sleep and Water Giving Ecstasy a Bad Name?" by NewScientist.

NewScientist summarizes the results of Dr. John Halpern’s latest study finding no evidence of a relationship between heavy recreational Ecstasy use and cognitive damage. While the study did not find a relationship, however, it’s important to emphasize that Ecstasy is not risk-free, and users still need to exercise caution and moderation in their use.

February 23, 2011

TopWireNews "Study: Ecstasy Doesn’t Harm Mental Performance" by TopWireNews.

While this isn’t really an article, it’s a great example of what it looks like when journalists and commentators push science aside because it challenges their biases and beliefs. If careful, methodologically innovative research is “going to give many the people the wrong idea about ecstasy,” then where do the right ideas come from?

February 22, 2011

National Health Service (UK) "Ecstasy Dangers “Unclear”" by NHS.

This article adeptly summarizes the purpose, methods, and results of Dr. John H. Halpern’s latest study of the risks of Ecstasy (which showed no evidence of cognitive damage associated with heavy recreational Ecstasy use). While it rightly acknowledges that “this research cannot confirm that Ecstasy is a safe drug,” it does make some glaring errors in its conclusions about the study’s significance. This entry contains both the original NHS article and Dr. Halpern’s careful and well-reasoned response.

Fox 5 News Atlanta "Study: Ecstasy Does Not Harm Brain" by Canvas Staff.

Fox News Atlanta reports on the results of Dr. John Halpern’s latest study overturning years of faulty research into the cognitive risks of Ecstasy use. Dr. Halpern’s MAPS-supported, government-funded $1.8 million study showed that any cognitive risks involved in long-term Ecstasy use are more likely to be due to other factors than to the drug itself.

February 21, 2011

Miami New Times "Study Claims Ecstasy Doesn’t Damage Brain (No Wonder Ultra Sold Out)" by Kyle Munzenrieder.

As a fine example of responsible science reporting, this article summarizes the results of Dr. John Halpern’s latest study finding no association between long-term Ecstasy use and damage to memory, problem-solving, or other cognitive skills. It appropriately points out that the results do not mean that Ecstasy use is always safe—to the contrary, there are a number of other risks associated with recreational Ecstasy use, and these risks need to be taken into consideration when individuals choose to use the drug. The research suggests, however, that these risks are unlikely to be due to the drug itself.

February 20, 2011

The Huffington Post "No Brain Damage From Ecstasy, New Research Shows" by The Huffington Post.

Yet another major news source reports on the findings of Dr. John Halpern’s methodologically rigorous study finding no association between long-term recreational Ecstasy use and cognitive damage. The article rightly points out that despite these results, Ecstasy purchased on the street or in clubs is often not what it is represented to be, and users still need to exercise a great deal of caution when taking this drug (and others) in uncontrolled settings. Nevertheless, the study represents a giant leap forward in careful scientific studies of the real risks and benefits of Ecstasy, with the article pointing to MAPS’ ongoing research into the benefits of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD.

February 19, 2011

The Guardian (UK) "Ecstasy Does Not Wreck the Mind, Study Claims" by Robin McKie.

Yet another international news media article, this time from the UK, summarizes the importance of Harvard University’s Dr. John Halpern’s methodologically innovative study showing no association between long-term Ecstasy use and cognitive damage. The paper summarizing Dr. Halpern’s study was published in Addiction in February 2011, and was based on pilot data collected with the assistance of MAPS.

February 18, 2011

TIME "Ecstasy as Therapy: Have Some of its Negative Effects Been Overblown?" by Maia Szalavitz.

TIME magazine reports on the recent MAPS-supported Harvard study showing no link between heavy Ecstasy use and cognitive damage. The results of the study challenge decades of prior research, and remind us of the value of careful scientific investigation into both the benefits and the risks of psychedelics. As the article states: “The future of ecstasy seems promising.”

February 17, 2011

Santa Cruz Sentinel "Ecstasy Study Questions Drug’s Longer-Term Effects" by Stephen Baxter.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel speaks with Dr. John Halpern of Harvard University/McLean Hospital, MAPS Communication and Education Associate Brad Burge, and local policymakers about the implications of Dr. Halpern’s new study of the risks of recreational Ecstasy use. After correcting for a number of methodological flaws in previous studies, Dr. Halpern and his team found that the cognitive risks of heavy, long-term Ecstasy are significantly less than previously believed, highlighting the need for a new series of careful investigations into the risks and benefits of the drug. The article also appeared in the San Jose Mercury News.

Reason.com "NIDA-Funded Study Finds No Link Between MDMA and Cognitive Impairment" by Jacob Sullum.

Reason.com shares this blog post about Dr. John Halpern’s new MAPS-supported study finding no links between long-term Ecstasy use and cognitive damage. The author makes a great point about how the real risks of Ecstasy are at least partially (and possibly entirely) the result of irrational policies prohibiting its use. By pushing Ecstasy use underground and behind closed doors, the politics of prohibition make truly responsible use practically impossible.

February 16, 2011

The Times of India "Ecstasy Use Does Not Decrease Mental Ability" by India Times.

Another international media outlet reports on the results of Dr. John Halpern’s latest study overturning years of faulty research into the cognitive risks of Ecstasy use. Dr. Halpern’s MAPS-supported, U.S. government-funded $1.8 million study showed that any cognitive risks involved in long-term Ecstasy use are more likely to be due to other factors than to the drug itself.

February 15, 2011

AlterNet "The Puzzling Uproar Over One County’s Attempt to Educate People About Reducing Harm Risks from MDMA" by Julie Holland, M.D..

In this poignant opinion piece, psychiatrist, author, and MAPS associate Julie Holland, M.D., wonders why so many political leaders and journalists are taking issue with the Los Angeles Department of Public Health’s carefully considered decision to distribute informational fliers about the risks of using Ecstasy at raves. As Dr. Holland skillfully argues, people use Ecstasy regardless of laws prohibiting their use or cultural biases against illicit drugs in general—and distributing medically accurate information about the risks can only help.

Dr. Holland’s book, Ecstasy: The Complete Guide is available for purchase on the MAPS web store. All profits from sales of the book will go directly toward supporting MAPS’ psychedelic research and harm reduction services.

O Magazine "Can a Single Pill Change Your Life?" by Jessica Winter.

In this thorough and well-balanced portrait, Sarah, who suffered from PTSD for twenty years as the result of severe childhood trauma, gives us a brutally honest look at her experience as a patient in MAPS’ groundbreaking study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. To see MDMA-assisted psychotherapy discussed so candidly and openly in such a prominent media source is to be reminded of the ever-broadening mainstream acceptance of psychedelics as medicines.

Also see O Magazine‘s “Inside the Investigation” interview with Jessica Winter for an account of how she first learned about MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

Download the PDF.

Addiction Journal "New Study Finds No Cognitive Impairment Among Ecstasy Users" by Addiction Journal.

A press release from the journal Addiction announces a groundbreaking new study by Harvard/McLean researcher John Halpern, M.D., and colleagues. The results of the study, which controlled for polydrug use among its subjects, call into question those of previous studies that linked recreational Ecstasy use and cognitive decline. MAPS provided both the concept for the research and $15,000 for the initial pilot study.

The Los Angeles Times "The Puzzling Controversy Over an Ecstasy Fact Card" by Julie Holland, M.D..

In this poignant opinion piece, psychiatrist, author, and MAPS associate Julie Holland, M.D., wonders why there has been so much controversy over the decision by the Los Angeles Department of Public Health to distribute informational fliers about the risks of Ecstasy at raves. All the evidence—not to mention common sense—suggest that the fliers will help party-goers make informed decisions about their use of Ecstasy, reducing their risk of physical or psychological harm. Yet that hasn’t stopped some commentators from complaining, prompting Dr. Holland to wonder what’s going through their heads.

MAPS has been working for years to provide both direct and indirect support to those providing psychedelic emergency services at events. MAPS is in communication with sponsors at the Los Angeles Coliseum and other venues about providing such services, but it’s not yet clear whether the organizers will be comfortable with those services given the existence of laws that criminalize certain forms of harm reduction.

O Magazine "Inside the Investigation: Can MDMA Heal Psychological Trauma?" by Jessica Winter.

In this short interview, journalist Jessica Winter talks about her experience doing the research for her in-depth and personal feature article for O Magazine on MAPS’ MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. She cites the 2006 Boston Globe article about Marilyn Howell’s (referred to in the 2006 article as “Diane”) positive experience with MDMA-assisted therapy for her dying daughter as the inspiration for her research. Keep an eye out for Howell’s gripping new book about her and her daughter’s experience, to be published by MAPS in April 2011.

PR Newswire "Harvard Study Published in Addiction Shows Ecstasy Not Associated with Cognitive Decline" by MAPS.

Dr. John Halpern’s innovative Ecstasy study, published in the journal Addiction, is a significant step forward for research on the real risks of Ecstasy. After correcting for a number of methodological flaws in previous research, Dr. Halpern’s team found that the risks of long-term Ecstasy are significantly less than previously believed. This does not mean that recreational Ecstasy use is risk-free. It does, however, mean that when evaluating the relative risks and benefits of the drug, careful research and honest reporting of the results are of utmost importance.

February 11, 2011

Santa Cruz Patch "MAPS Begins New Medical MDMA PTSD Study" by David Jay Brown.

David Jay Brown gives his readers a rundown of MAPS’ latest study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for veterans with PTSD.

February 10, 2011

The Daily Caller "Is the DEA Legalizing THC?" by Mike Riggs.

The DEA considers rescheduling isolated organic THC while leaving the marijuana plant itself illegal. This would make it possible for the government (which holds a patent of the medical uses of isolated and synthetic cannabinoids) and pharmaceutical corporations to profit from the sale and manufacture of THC pills while continuing to block medical marijuana access and research. This highlights the absurdity of the federal government’s medical marijuana policy, and makes research like MAPS’ new study of smoked or vaporized marijuana for PTSD even more pressing.

February 8, 2011

truTV "Who Is Secretly Working to Keep Pot Illegal?" by Steven Kotler.

Despite the ever-growing number of marijuana users—for both medical and recreational purposes—there are still many groups who have a vested interest in keeping marijuana illegal. Their rationales for maintaining prohibition are built on a teetering foundation of deep-seated biases, circular reasoning, and profit motives. This article pulls no punches, and includes commentary from MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D.

Basler Zeitung "Die Highlung" by Kai Kupferschmidt.

MAPS’ cutting-edge research is now being featured in media articles all over the world. Here, German magazine Basler Zeitung describes how scientists, doctors, therapists in the U.S. are increasingly recognizing the value of psychedelics as medicines.

January 30, 2011

Tikkun Magazine "Psychedelics, Spirituality, and Transformation" by Phil Wolfson.

In this excellent and well-researched article, psychiatrist Phil Wolfson, M.D., reevaluates the place of psychedelics in contemporary society. Between growing demands for marijuana decriminalization, the dramatic rise of medical marijuana, the return of psychedelics to mainstream science and medicine, and the increasingly obvious failure of the war on drugs, it is necessary to reconsider the value that psychedelics have for people today and accept the possibility that they are indispensable tools for personal, spiritual, and social change.

January 29, 2011

A Soldier's Perspective "Ecstasy May Cure PTSD" by C.J.

The military blog “A Soldier’s Perspective” discusses current frustration with the lack of effective treatments for soldiers with PTSD but misunderstands what MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is. According to the author, military-sponsored treatment programs do sometimes work, but claims that for the most part soldiers are unwilling to put in the hard work required to overcome their traumas. The author is right that simply giving soldiers drugs to help them feel better is unlikely to work, but doesn’t seem to understand that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is about using a drug to supplement therapy. By confusing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with drug-only treatment programs, the author dramatically underestimates the potential of MAPS’ experimental therapies to help his comrades.

January 27, 2011

Odysso (Germany) "Banned Drugs Return to Medicine" by Oliver Wittmann.

On January 27, 2011, German TV magazine Odysso broadcast a segment (in German) on the return of banned drugs—such as marijuana and LSD—to mainstream medicine. The program shows how patients and doctors are abandoning old stereotypes and beginning to recognize the benefits of psychedelics and marijuana for therapy. Even those patients who were skeptical at first are discovering that these previously demonized drugs are actually of great value for those dealing with serious illnesses. The program and accompanying article feature psychiatrist Peter Gasser, M.D., the lead researcher for MAPS’ Swiss study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy for end-of-life anxiety.

January 7, 2011

ABC News "Chemist David Nichols Haunted by Discovery’s Deadly Misuse" by Katie Moisse.

Chemist David Nichols, Ph.D., one of the most avid and successful advocates of psychedelics like LSD and MDMA as tools for exploring the inner workings of the human brain, is worried that some of the drugs that he manufactures for use in the laboratory are escaping into recreational settings, especially MDMA analogue MTA. This is a valid concern, and emphasizes the need for honest education about the risks and benefits of drugs that are being used in the lab and the clinic and to choose the drugs that are used in therapy very carefully. MAPS is not currently sponsoring research on MTA.

January 6, 2011

City on the Hill Press "Who said ‘lucy’ could be the only girl with kaleidoscope eyes" by Rosanna Van Straten.

This is an interview and article about Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin, Ph.D., the “Godfather of MDMA.”

January 4, 2011

AOL Health "Powerful Hallucinogen Eyed as Treatment for Alzheimer’s, Chronic Pain" by Deborah Huso.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Hospital led by Dr. Matthew Johnson recently completed a study of the physiological and subjective effects of smoked Salvia divinorum in humans. While studies have previously explored the effects of salvia on animals, this was the first controlled trial of the drug on humans. Researchers hope that additional studies will uncover possible medical and therapeutic uses for salvia, but acknowledge that much work remains to be done.

January 2, 2011

Care 2 Make a Difference "Ecstasy (Yes, the Club Drug) as a Treatment for Autism?" by Kristina Chew.

A new study in the journal Biological Psychiatry suggests that MDMA—-that’s the club drug, ecstasy—-may be used to ‘enhance the psychotherapy of people who struggle to feel connected to others.’ For this reason, it’s suggested that the drug might be used with those who have autism, schizophrenia, or antisocial personality disorder. Researchers do note that ‘these effects have been difficult to measure objectively, and there has been limited research in humans.’ And it’s pretty hard not to look at this latest idea about treating autism with several grains of salt.

Sify News "Club drug ecstasy good for autism, post-traumatic stress patients"

Ecstasy pills-a favourite among club goers-may help people who have trouble connecting to others, suggests a new study.

2010 Media Articles...

December 31, 2010

Chicago Sun-Times "Study explores therapeutic value of ‘club drug’ ecstasy" by Alan Mozes.

A new study of the effects of MDMA in healthy volunteers found that moderate doses of MDMA increased subjective feelings of friendliness, playfulness, and trust. Researchers at the University of Chicago suggest that MDMA’s ability to decrease social and emotional anxiety could make it part of an effective treatment for PTSD. The study, which was published in the December 15 issue of Biological Psychiatry, was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

December 22, 2010

DEA Website "Michele M. Leonhart Confirmed by Senate as DEA Administrator (press release)"

The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Michele Leonhart as new DEA Administrator. [link from previous sentence to DEA press release] The implications for DEA licensing of Prof. Craker are obvious and disappointing since Leonhart rejected the DEA Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) recommendation that it would be in the public interest for Prof. Craker to be licensed to grow marijuana for federally-regulated research. Prof. Craker’s lawyers have until March 7, 2011 to submit a final brief to Leonhart, after she rejected our Motion to Reconsider on 12/5/10.

DEA’s obstruction of medical marijuana research was not mentioned by a single Senator during her confirmation hearing and all US Senators voted in favor of her confirmation, despite efforts against her nomination by a combination of drug policy reform groups.

The Telegraph "Cambridge University students injected with ketamine" by Murray Wardrop.

An article about the new study conducted at Cambridge University examining the potential of ketamine to mimic the perturbed sense of body ownership seen in schizophrenia.

December 21, 2010

U.S. News and World Report Health "Does ‘Club Drug’ Ecstasy Have Therapeutic Value?" by Alan Mozes.

The recreational drug known as ecstasy may have a medicinal role to play in helping people who have trouble connecting to others socially, new research suggests.

December 16, 2010

Johns Hopkins Medicine "Study of Controversial Halluclinogen Salvia Shows Intense and Novel Effects in Humans" by Johns Hopkins Medicine.

A media release posted on the Johns Hopkins Medicine webpage on the first controlled human study of the effects of Salvia divinorum on humans. The National Institute of Health funded research found that Salvia induced intense and novel effects in humans subjects but appeared to be safe at least in the short-term.

EmaxHealth.com "Salvia Divinorum is Legal, But is It Safe?" by Denise Reynolds.

Another article discussing several aspects of Salvia divinorum and focusing on the new small study conducted by Johns Hopkins researchers which concluded that it appeared to be safe at least in the short-term.

The Montreal Gazette "Feds warn against legal hallucinogenic herb Salvia" by Randy Shore, Postmedia News.

An article about Salvia divinorum which touches on its history and its unique chemistry. It discusses a warning issued by Health Canada urging people to avoid using the herb until its effects are better understood.

December 15, 2010

St. Petersburg Times "“Ecstasy” Drug Therapy May Aid People Suffering from PTSD Trauma" by Tom Valeo.

In this article, Michael Mithoefer, M.D., the clinical investigator for MAPS’ studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, discusses the proposed mechanisms by which MDMA helps enable patients to revisit their traumatic experiences in the context of therapy. Mithoefer and other scientists and medical professionals are making the case for MDMA as a powerful adjunct to therapy—not as a “magic bullet” but as a tool that can help suffering people make better sense of their deep traumas and therefore to heal. Though it will still be several years before it’s available as a legal therapeutic tool, we are well on our way.

ScienceNews.org "Salvia says high" by Laura Sanders.

An article discussing the recent study examining the effects of Salvia divinorum on a small sample of people. Researchers found that it was safe in the short-term and might potentially be useful for pain management and other conditions, and support further research.

December 11, 2010

The Joplin Independent "Study examines effects of new hallucinogen" by The Joplin Independent.

An in depth article about the new study conducted on Salvia divinorum which was funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse.

The Washington Post "Hallucinogen salvia has no short-term dangers, study says" by Rob Stein.

Another article on the new study conducted at Johns Hopkins on the safety and effects of Salvia divinorum.

Nonprofit Newswire "Nonprofit Advocates for Medical Ecstasy" by Rick Cohen.

Nonprofit Newswire describes how MAPS is effectively working to legitimize psychedelic science. The article describes how MAPS is an incredibly useful source of information on psychedelic medicine, and how its studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD make it a valuable part of the nonprofit community.

Time "Salvia, a Mexican Hallucinogen Piques Scientists’ and Regulators’ Interests" by Meredith Melnick.

An article about a new small study conducted at Johns Hopkins University studying the effects and safety of Salvia divinorum, which found that it was safe at least in the short term. This finding bodes well for the feasibility of future research on the drug.

December 9, 2010

West Coast Leaf "Ending the NIDA monopoly on cannabis research" by Stephen Morseman & Rick Doblin.

An update on the efforts by MAPS to break the NIDA monopoly on cannabis research.

December 7, 2010

The Trip Out Corner Blog "A Re-Introduction to Psychedelic Research: An interview with Rick Doblin from MAPS" by Serkan Ozturk.

This is an interview with MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., for an Australian blog.

Scientific American "Healing Thyself: Does Psychedelic Therapy Exploit the Placebo Effect?" by John Horgan.

The question of the placebo effect is an important one, especially in the field of clinical psychedelic research. As this article correctly points out, simply believing that a therapy will work will often lead to significant improvements in health. Because psychedelics have such rapid and dramatic effects on consciousness compared to antidepressants and other currently legal treatments, determining whether it was the drug or the drug-therapy combination or the placebo effect that led to patients’ recovery is particularly difficult. As a result, the development of innovative experimental techniques—such as the active placebo—is extremely important. The real value of psychedelic therapy is not due the drug alone, but rather due to a careful balance of drug and therapeutic setting, as well as the expectations of both therapist and patient.

December 6, 2010

The Health Report: ABC Radio (Australia) "Not just a day of ecstasy" by Joel Werner.

Reporter Joel Werner finds out about the role the drug ecstasy might play in easing the torment of those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Warner interviews Michael Mithoefer, M.D. and his patient Donna Kilgore.

Guardian.co.uk "David Nutt: ‘The government cannot think logically about drugs’" by Dekka Aitkenhead.

An article interviewing David Nutt, the former British government drug advisor allowing him to explain why his recent research found alcohol to be the most destructive drug when social factors were accounted for.

Guardian.co.uk "Government proposes to scrap need for scientific advice on drugs policy" by Alok Jha.

An article discussing the recent amendment passed by the British government that removes the requirement to appoint at least scientists to Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

December 4, 2010

Santa Cruz Sentinel "Nonprofit advocates psychedelics as medicine" by Keith Rozendal.

MAPS’ open house and psychedelic garage sale was featured in the office’s local paper.

December 3, 2010

MercuryNews.com "Santa Cruz nonprofit that advocates for psychedelics as medicine to host open house" by Keith Rozendal.

A brief article about the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies and the work it is doing to support psychedelic research.

December 1, 2010

The Revealer "Tripping on Science: The Psychedelic Community Contests Terms" by Peter Bebergal.

As psychedelic research once again enters the mainstream scientific community, disagreements have emerged over appropriate terminology. Peter Bebergal provides a fascinating history of terms like “psychedelic,” “entheogen,” and “hallucinogen,” and explains how the increasing acceptance of psychedelics as scientific and therapeutic tools is helping create a more spiritual science—and, for that matter, a more scientific spirituality.

November 23, 2010

Proto: Massachusetts General Hospital Dispatches from the Frontiers of Medicine "Hallucinogens: A Trip to Therapy" by Brandon Keim.

This is an in-depth article about psilocybin research taking place at NYU.

Scientific American "Hallucinogens as Medicine" by Roland R. Griffiths and Charles S. Grob.

Drs. Griffiths and Grob discuss their research with psychedelics and the potentials of hallucinogens as medicines in this feature article.

Scientific American "High Light: When a Psilocybin Study Leads to Spiritual Realization" by Maria Estevez .

One of Roland Griffiths’ psilocybin and mystical experiences study subjects recounts her mystical, life-changing experiences under the influence of psilocybin in this article.

The Guardian "‘Godfather of ecstasy’ Alexander Shulgin suffers stroke" by Mike Power.

An article about Alexander Shulgin who suffered a minor stroke over last weekend.

November 22, 2010

The Independent Collegian "LSD Still Worth Research" by Stephen Bartholomew.

This article provides a concise summary of the history of LSD research, from Albert Hofmann’s discovery of its psychoactive properties in 1943 to its first uses as a treatment for alcohol addiction in the 1950s and 1960s, up to current MAPS studies of LSD-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety related to terminal illness. Once irrationally feared and condemned, LSD and other psychedelics are making a rapid comeback as effective treatments for a variety of serious illnesses.

November 20, 2010

Santa Cruz Patch "Medical Cannabis and Psychedelic Drug Research Help to Revolutionize Modern Medicine" by David Jay Brown.

An article about some of the world’s leading cannabis and psychedelic research organizations which are based in Santa Cruz such as The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and The Wo/Men’s Alliance for Medical Marijuana (WAMM).

The Huffington Post "Why Plants Are (Usually) Better Than Drugs" by Andrew Weil.

An article written by Dr. Andrew Weil discussing the use of whole plants as compared with isolated drugs extracted from them. Dr. Weil explains why he believes that using whole-plant remedies is often more beneficial than using just an extracted isolated compound.

November 19, 2010

Psychology Today "The Most Harmful Abused Drug is ……?" by Charles Zorumski & Eugene Rubin.

Another article about the recent study conducted by professor Davit Nutt suggesting that alcohol might be the most harmful drug of all when damage to society is accounted for.

Times & Transcript "Is alcohol more dangerous than crack? It depends. . ." by Norbert Cunningham.

An insightful article in reponse to the study conducted by professor Davit Nutt indicating that when social factors are taken into consideration, alcohol may be more harmful than heroin or cocaine.

The Psychedelic Press UK "News: Breaking Conventions – A Multidisciplinary Convention on Psychedelic Consciousness" by PsypressUK.

A short story about Breaking Conventions a conference to be held at the University of Kent to discuss current research on conciousness and psychedelics at the university, MDMA and its place in medicine, the meaning of the term psychedelic and the future of psychedelic research. Speakers at this conference include Rick Doblin of MAPS, Andy Letcher, Mike Jay, Amanda Feilding and others.

November 18, 2010

SF Weekly "A hallucinogen called ibogaine has helped addicts kick heroin, meth and everything in between. Is it" by Keegan Hamilton.

A lengthy and informative article about the history and science of ibogaine use in the treatment of addictions. The article explores the work currently being conducted at Pangea Biomedics, directed by Clare Wilkins in Tijuana, Mexico, and discusses some very important issues around usng ibogaine for treating addictions.

November 13, 2010

New York Times "Backers of Legal Marijuana Find Silver Lining in Defeat of California Measure" by Jesse McKinley.

The Mile High Marijauna Summit that MAPS organized on November 6, 2010 was featured in the New York Times! To watch videos of the summit go to www.maps.org/mmjsummit/

November 11, 2010

The Daily Caller "London exhibit examines centuries of drug history" by Alia Gilbert.

Another story about the new exhibition “High Society” being held in London’s Wellcome Collection museum, which examines the history of drug use from pre-biblical times to the present day.

Boulder Weekly "Psychedelic Renaissance" by Marisa Aragon Ware.

This article covers MAPS’ events in Boulder Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010. Both RIck Doblin and Brian Wallace are quoted.

November 9, 2010

Marin Independent Journal "More pot research needed" by Stephen Morseman.

A letter to the Marin Independent Journal by Stephen Morseman on the importance of marijuana research and an end to the monopoly on marijuana cultvation by the National Institue of Drug Abuse.

Press-Telegram Long Beach "Research on cannabis needed" by Stephen Morseman.

A letter sent to the Press-Telegram on the importance of conducting marijuana research.

The Orange County Register "Reflections on legalizing marijuana" by Stephen Morseman.

Another letter by Stephen Morseman in response to the failure or proposition 19 in California.

TheUnion,com "Proposition 19 and research" by Stephen Morseman.

A longer article by Stephen Morseman discussing the monopoly on the marijuana supply and the importance for researching marijuana.

Santa Cruz Sentinel "After Proposition 19,do more pot research" by Stephen Morseman.

A brief letter to the Santa Cruz Sentinel urging for the more pressure for the DEA to issue another marijuana cultivation license to conduct research on marijuana after proposition 19’s failure.

Daily News "More research on pot use needed" by Stephen Morseman.

Another reponse by Stephen Morseman in the LA Daily Times briefly discussing the monopoly held by the National Institute on Drug Abuse for medical marijuana research.

Merced Sun-Star "Stephen Morseman: Pot fight not over" by Stephen Morseman.

Another letter in response to the failure of prop 19 in California stressing the importance of medicinal marijuana research.

LA Times "Mixed message on marijuana" by Stephen Morseman.

A response on the failure of prop 19 in California in the LA Times urging for conducting research into the benefts and harms of marijuana.

Radio Netherlands Worldwide "LSD still taboo in the Netherlands" by Willemien Groot & Gita Jagessar.

An brief article discussing the recent psychedelic research being conducted in the United States, Germany, and Switzerland, and the issues around conducting psychedelic research in the Netherlands.

The Telegraph "High Society exhibition: can dope give us hope?" by Jake Wallis Simons.

An in-depth article discussing the opening of the High Society exhibition being held at the Wellcome Collection in London, and explorinig the history and potential of psychedelic drugs in medicine. The exhibition which will be open from November 11, will explore the history of mind-altering in drugs in society fusing cultural and scientific views.

November 6, 2010

The Boston Globe "Start-up searches for cure to headaches" by Carolyn Y. Johnson.

Another article discussing Entheogen Corp. the new company co-founded by Harvard researcher Dr. John Halpern which is looking at marketing a compound called BOL-148, which closely resembles LSD for the treatment of cluster headaches.

November 5, 2010

Boston Business Journal "Harvard’s headache cure: LSD?" by Galen Moore.

An article in the Boson Business Journal discussing a new company formed by Harvard researcher John Halpern to market a drug based on his research on LSD for the treatment of cluster headaches.

November 4, 2010

Associated Content "Marijuana More Harmful Than GHB, Ecstasy and LSD Per Recent Scientific Study" by Radell Hunter.

Another article in response to the recent study published by David Nutt which focuses more on the implications for marijuana legalization and drug legalization in general.

November 3, 2010

Newsweek "Disjointed" by Russ Juskalian .

This Newsweek article discusses the obstacles to conducting medical marijuana research, focusing on the NIDA monopoly.

Examiner.com "Is alcohol more dangerous than heroin or cocaine?" by Jefferson Adams.

Another brief article discussing the findings of the study published in the Lancet suggesting that alcohol might be more harmful than heroin or cocaine when the impact on society as a whole is accounted for.

November 2, 2010

The Daily Mail "Alcohol ‘more dangerous than crack, heroin and Ecstasy’" by Katherine Faulkner.

Another article on the findings of a study conducted by David Nutt which might reignite the debate on the government’s drug classification system.

Reuters "Science takes a fresh look at mind-bending drugs" by Ben Hirschler.

A brief article discussing the new exhibition at London’s Wellcome Collection which takes a look at the history of drugs. The article touches on the medicinal potential of substances such as psilocybin and MDMA and the new research being conducted in these areas.

The Sun "‘Alcohol Wore Than Hard Drugs”" by Emma Morton.

Another article in the Sun about David Nutts study on the harmful effects of Alcohol compared with other drugs.

The Guardian "Alcohol ‘more harmful than heroin or crack’" by Sarah Boseley.

Another article discussing the new study conducted by Professor David Nutt which suggests that alcohol may be even more harmful to society as a whole when compared with heoroin, crack or cocaine.

BBC News "Alcohol ‘more harmful than heroin’ says Prof David Nutt" by BBC News.

An arcticle discussing the recent study published in the Lancet conducted by Professor David Nutt, former chief of drugs advisor to the British government, suggesting that alcohol may be more harmful than all other drugs.

November 1, 2010

Monitor on Psychology "Research on psychedelics makes a comeback" by A. Novotney.

This article about the return of psychedelic psychotherapy research appeared in the American Psychological Association’s most widely read magazine!

Rick Doblin, Ph.D, forecasts the future of psychologist saying they will be increasingly tapped to conduct this research and explore the ramifications of the use of psychedelics.

October 30, 2010

Thecalifornian.com "Prop. 19 affects medicinal uses" by Stephen Morseman (letter to the editor).

MAPS Medical Marijuana Campaign Coordinator Stephen Morseman explains to readers why the FDA should evaluate marijuana as a medicine and how the NIDA monopoly is obstructing research.

October 27, 2010

Armenian Medical Network Mental Health and Psychiatry News "Can psychedelic drugs treat depression?" by Anne Harding.

A very well-written and informative article on the potential benefits of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, as a means of enabling breakthroughs in the treatment of depression. Includes the story of Pamela Sakuda, one of the participants in the UCLA psilocybin study that has been working with terminal cancer patients to improve their final years of life. Mrs. Sakuda died at home in late 2006, just a few days after speaking at a Heffter Research Institute fundraiser, where she talked about the newfound perspective that she gained from the experience, saying: “I don’t think the drug is the cause of these things. I think it’s a catalyst that allows you to release your own thoughts and feelings from some place [where] you’ve bound them very tightly.”

Fox News "Why Magic Mushrooms Can Be Good for You" by Chris Kilham.

An article touching on the history of psychedelic research and exploring the recent increased interest in this field. It cites the recent study conducted at UCLA examining the potential of psilocybin in helping relieve end-stage cancer axiety, and the 2006 Johns Hopkins study examining the effectiveness of psilocybin in producing mystical experiences.

October 23, 2010

The Globe and Mail "Tune in, turn on, relieve traumatic stress" by Michael Posner.

An in-depth article around a conference in New York that was gathered to discuss the benefits of psychedelic drugs curated by Dr. Neal Goldsmith. The article discusses the potential role they may play in treating drug addictions, post-traumatic stress, obsessive compulsive disorders and end-of-life anxiety. It also discusses several studies currently being conducted with psychedelics such as psilocybin for the treatment of cancer-related anxiety, smoking-ceasation and cluster-headaches, and MDMA for PTSD in returning war veterans.

October 21, 2010

Treehugger.com "Why You Shoud Care About Psychedelics" by Bonnie Hulkower.

An article discussing the recent Bionners conference that was held in San Rafael, California and covered topics such as youth, women, indigenous cultures, and psychedelics. The article discusses the results of the recent study conducted by Dr. Charles Grob of UCLA using psilocybin to relieve anxiety and other symptoms associated with advanced-stage cancer.

Marin Independent Journal "Women gather to talk about sex, suffering, psychedelics" by Paul Liberatore.

An article about an upcoming conference at the Noetic Sciences Earthrise Retreat Center set for October 22nd, which will be the fourth annual Women’s Visionary Congress. This year the focus is on sex and psychedelics and the conference will include distinguished speakers such as Alica Danforth, Sasha Shulgin, and others.

October 20, 2010

boingboing.net "Death holds no sting: new studies on effects of psychedelics" by Graham Hancock.

Bestselling author Graham Hancock discusses the recent resurgence in psychedelic research, including Dr. Michael Mithoefer’s MDMA/PTSD study and Dr. Charles Grob’s psilocybin/End-of-life Anxiety study, as well as DMT research done by Rick Strassman in the 90’s, and explains how the issues and ideas raised by these studies informed and influenced the writing of his new book, the sci-fi novel Entangled. He employs Dr. Stan Grof’s popular analogy comparing psychedelics to telescopes that allow us to focus in on brain activity that is otherwise impossible to see, and speculates that psychedelics may provide us “with regular, repeated, reliable access to other levels of reality that surround us at all times but are not normally accessible to our senses.” The comments on the article are largely dismissive, with a few notable exceptions, such as the anonymous physicist who grants: “Just like there’s no way to disprove or even accurately describe such things in scientific language, we are even further from designing tests that might eventually allow us to determine whether there are trans- or extra-personal components here. So in other words, it’s all still stoner talk, but that’s not to say that such is completely without merit or value.”

October 19, 2010

Arizona Daily Wildcat "Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation" by Gregory J. Gonzales.

This opinion piece in the University of Arizona student paper presents several clear and respectful arguments (and a few editorial comments) calling for a reconsideration of psilocybin as a Schedule I drug. Citing historical entheogenic use as well as contemporary research being done at UCLA with terminal cancer patients, the author focuses on the drug’s medical potential and closes with a charge to “stop arguing like children, look at the big picture and actually get some research done.” He also quotes an email correspondence with Arizona State Senator Linda Lopez in which she told him: “I’m very much opposed to classifying psilocybin as a Schedule I, especially since it can preclude research. Research on this hallucinogen is important for all of us.”

http://www.alrai.com "Valerie Mojeiko and Ibogaine in Arabic News"
This article from an Arabic news source may be the first Arabic article to discuss ibogaine treatment.

October 17, 2010

NPR Radio "‘Pot Book’ Explores History And Science Of Marijuana" by Ira Flatow.

A transcript from an interview with Julie Holland, M.D., author and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine, about the medicinal properties of cannabis and the implications of changing marijuana regulation laws in four states in the next month.

October 14, 2010

The Patriot-News "80 percent of Pennsylvanians support legalizing marijuana for medical purposes, survey shows" by David Warner.

An article that discusses the issues around a bill pending in the state legislature in Pennylvania that would legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

The Guardian "Face to faith:Freedom of religion should be extended to the use of drugs in spiritual practice" by Alexander Beiner.

An interesting article that discusses some of the spiritual aspects of shamanism and entheogen use, and explores possible reasons why certain mind-alterning substances are illegal in most societies. The article also mentions the promising results of some recent studies using psychedelic substances for healing purposes.

October 13, 2010

The New York Times "Amazon Awakening" by Andy Isaacson.

Writer and photographer Andy Isaacson writes about his experiences with Ayahuasca shamanism and his travels to Ecuador and the Amazon Basin and provides helpful information for anyone interested in exploring indigenous cultures and sacred medicines in that region.

October 10, 2010

El Mundo "Tendremos que esperar diez años para el éxtasis con receta" by Patricia Matey.

Here is an interview with Rick Doblin from a Spanish news source. A translation by google is attached below the spanish text.

October 9, 2010

Bright Hub Anxiety & Panic Disorders Newsletter "MDMA and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder" by Daniel P. McGoldrick.

An article by a combat veteran discussing the potential risks and benefits of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. The author incorrectly states that the FDA has already approved the use of MDMA as a treatment for PTSD, which is most likely the result of confusion regarding the approval of the next phase of the MAPS-supported MDMA trial. Otherwise, the article is an honest and balanced assessment, and a valuable addition to the other PTSD-related articles on the Bright Hub mental health page.

October 8, 2010

blog.mesotheliomahelp.net "Psilocybin May Benefit Advanced-Stage Mesothelioma Patients"

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that is resistant to many standard cancer treatments. Currently there is no known cure for the disease, and the average survival time varies from 4 – 18 months after diagnosis. Many mesothelioma patients facing this prognosis become overwhelmed and depressed as they fight to improve their survival, but are forced to face their mortality at the same time. Now researchers say the use of psilocybin, an hallucinogen found in “magic mushrooms,” may be safe and effective for improving a patient’s mood and reducing anxiety.

Yale Daily News "Warning: These drugs may improve your health" by Jordan Schneider.

An in-depth article examining the history of psychedelic research conducted at Yale and several aspects of the recent research done on ketamine for the treatment of depression. It also explores the history of MDMA research for the treatment of PTSD and incudes several quotes from MAPS founder Rick Doblin.

October 6, 2010

Fort Worth Weekly "A Kandi-Coated World" by Caroline Collier.

Are teenagers in Fort Worth, Texas using too much ecstasy? This article chronicles ecstasy use Texas where it first became popular, mentions MAPS research with PTSD and veterans (but inaccurately attributes the research to Dr. Charles Grob), but comes to a disturbing conclusion that anyone who uses ecstasy is acting like a lab rat. On the bright side the author advocates for honest information and more research.

October 1, 2010

Reality Sandwich "Born Illegal: The Shulgins and 2C-I" by Charles Shaw.
This article chronicles the injustice of a young man caught with the drug 2C-I at a festival, and dovetails the story with that of the Shulgins.

Living Hero: Conversations with Living Luminaries and Mavericks "Conference Report - Horizons: Perspectives on Psychedelics" by Jari Chevalier.

This is a thoughtful report about this year’s Horizons conference.

September 30, 2010

AZ Daily Sun "Medical marijuana research frustrated"

MAPS’ marijuana campaign coordinator Stephen Morseman’s wrote a letter to the editor responding to an a commentary claiming that the Arizona medical marijuana initiative is ploy to legalize drugs. Stephen writes, his initiative is about giving people who are in pain the medicine they need to improve their quality of life. But in order for doctors to effectively choose the best treatment for their patients, there needs to be an increase in medical marijuana research.

Unfortunately, the marijuana for these studies is not easily accessible to researchers due to a government monopoly over supply (through the National Institute on Drug Abuse), which has resulted in excessive red tape and an undiversified, low-quality stock of cannabis not viable for current research. These political factors do not encourage scientists to invest in medical marijuana-related studies, therefore there needs to be another DEA-licensed provider of marijuana outside of NIDA.

If we can increase the amount of data available on this issue it will help transition the debate from political bickering into science fact.

September 29, 2010

Santa Cruz Metro "More Pot Research Needed" by Stephen Morseman.

MAPS marijuana campaign coordinator Stephen Morseman’s letter to the editor states:

“DANIEL WOOL’S article on http://www.santacruz.com, “Santa Cruz County Enacts Moratorium on Marijuana Dispensaries,” highlights why a moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries may be a good idea, but it fails to consider some of the big picture details. Before we start making definitive policy decisions regarding the marijuana industry, further scientific research is desperately needed in order to better understand marijuana’s risks and benefits in order to effectively treat patients. Research is currently limited by a government monopoly on the marijuana supply through the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), resulting in a stock of undiversified poor research due to the fact that NIDA’s mission is counter to developing marijuana into a medicine. More research is needed before we can make sound policy decisions for medical marijuana dispensaries, and this can be accomplished by breaking the government’s monopoly over the marijuana supply.”

Daily Bruin "Mind-altering treatment for patients" by Samantha Masunaga.

An article that discusses the recent study published on the effectiveness of psilocybin in relieving depression and anxiety symptoms in adanced-stage cancer patients conducted at Harbor-UCLA.

September 24, 2010

Scientific American "Doubts about psychedelics from Albert Hofmann, LSD’s discoverer" by John Horgan.

This writer of this blog explains that he is “thrilled by the psychedelic revival” but cautions that psychedelics can have negative impacts on users’ mental health as he recounts Albert Hofmann’s words of wisdom.

September 20, 2010

California Magazine "Leary’s Legacy" by Don Lattin.

An in-depth article exploring the history of psychedelics and drug policy in the US as well as examining the recent increase in psychedelic research on several compounds such as MDMA, psilocybin and LSD.

The Toronto Star "Tune in: psychedelic drugs are back" by Antonia Zerbisias.

This article explores the recent increase in psychedelic research of compounds such as MDMA, LSD, psilocybin, and ketamine for a wide range of disorders including depression, PTSD and cluster headaches.

September 17, 2010

TakePart.com "Study Finds Magic Treatment for Terminally Ill Patients" by Adam Trunell.

An article that discusses the recent study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry suggesting that psilocybin may be useful in treating anxiety and depression in advanced-stage cancer patients.

PsychCentral.com "Treating Chronic Depression and Anxiety With Hallucinogens and Marijuana" by Therese J. Borchard.

This blog posting looks at a Johns Hopkins’ summary of recent research on treating mood disorders with hallucinogens.

"Love and Other DRUGS" by Michael Martin.

Here is a short and candid interview with Sasha and Ann Shulgin.

September 16, 2010

Time Healthland "Is Drug Use Really on the Rise?" by John Cloud .

The author of this article counters the media spin that drug use is on the rise. He states that “virtually all of the (relatively small) increase in drug use came from the growing ranks of pot smokers. Cocaine use is actually down (only about 0.7% of the population admits using coke, compared to 1% in 2006). The rate of prescription-drug use rose in the early- and mid-‘00s, but it has been flat since 2007. The rate at which we use methamphetamine is also unchanged. And as the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported earlier this year, hard drug use among 8th-, 10th- and 12th- graders continues to decline. Meth use among kids is down by at least two-thirds since 1999.”

The Globe and Mail "Turn on, tune in … heal your head? LSD as therapy" by Catherine McLean.

This is a supportive article about our LSD research in Switzerland. Andrew Feldmar, the co-therapist from our Canadian MDMA/PTSD research is quoted, “It would be nice to emerge from the dark ages, superstition and paranoia, and have these substances available in responsible use.”

FYI Living "Ecstasy Used In Therapy To Treat PTSD" by Tim Banas.

This article about the MAPS-sponsored pilot study appeared on the homepage of FYI Living, a website about “breaking research and expert advice for a healthier you.”

September 15, 2010

Huffington Post "Ecstasy, Raves and Your Health" by Lloyd I. Sederer, MD.

One doctor’s take on the risks of ecstasy and raving, some practical advice emphasizing proper caution and knowledge of these risks.

September 8, 2010

U.S.News.com "‘Magic Mushroom’ Hallucinogen Might Help Cancer Patients" by Amanda Gardner, HealthDay News.

An insightful article about the results of the pilot study out of Harbor-UCLA examining the potential of pslocybin in reducing depression and anxiety associated with advanced-stage cancer. It discusses some of the benefits and challenges that lie ahead for this kind of research.

Time "Study: Psychedelic “Magic Mushrooms” May Help Cancer Patients" by Claire McCormack.

A very brief article by Time magazine about the recent study using psilocybin to treat anxiety and depression associated with advanced-stage cancer in 12 subjects.

September 7, 2010

CBS News "Magic Mushrooms May Ease Anxiety for Cancer Patients Facing Death" by Neil Katz.

Another article discussing the recent UCLA study on the effectiveness of psilocybin in reducing anxiety and depression in subjects with advanced-stage cancer.

MSNBC "Magic mushrooms may ease anxiety of cancer: study" by Julie Steenhuysen, Reuters.

An article discussing the recent pilot study of psilocybin in helping to reduce anxiety and depression in 12 advanced-stage cancer patients conducted by lead researcher Charles Grob, M.D., at Harbor-UCLA. The article was also posted in The New York Times, Fox News, ABC News, The Montreal Gazette and The Vancouver Sun.

Los Angeles Times "‘Magic mushrooms’ ingredient beneficial to cancer patients, report says" by Thomas H. Maugh II.

Another article discussing the results of a pilot study recently published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, which was conducted at Harbor-UCLA on the potential of psilocybin in easing anxiety and depression associated with advanced-stage cancer

CNN "‘Magic mushrooms’ ingredient may ease end-of-life anxiety" by Anne Harding, Health.com.

An article discussing the results of a recent study on the potential of psilocybin in helping to treat end-of-life anxiety which was conducted at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and was headed by Charles Grob, M.D.

September 3, 2010

ScienceDaily "Risk of Marijuana’s ‘Gateway Effect’ Overblown, New Research Shows" by ScienceDaily.

An article that discusses a new study conducted at the University of New Hampshire that suggests that the “gateway effect” of marijuana is overblown.

September 2, 2010

Wired News "Vets Get Ecstasy to Treat Their PTSD" by Katie Drummond.

A somewhat sensational article that discusses the newly approved MDMA-PTSD study which will be conducted exclusively on war veterans suffering from PTSD. It has also been posted on VeteransToday.com.

September 1, 2010

Guardian.co.uk "Psychedelic drugs return as potential treatments for mental illness" by Moheb Costandi.

An article that discusses the history of psychedelic research for treating mental illnesses and the challenges and benefits that future research face in this area. It cites the recent studies on ketamine and mdma for the treatment of depression and PTSD respectively.

NewScientist "Psychoactive drugs: From recreation to medication" by Catherine de Lange.

A comprehensive article that discusses the recent increase in psychedelic research. The article discusses the potential medicinal uses of several psychoactive substances including cannabis, LSD, MDMA and Psilocybin and cites recent studies conducted at Mcgill University and Johns Hopkins, as well as a new study at Imperial College London.

Scientific American Mind "Ecstasy Triumphs Over Agony" by David Jay Brown.

This brief article discusses MAPS’ MDMA/PTSD research and speculates on why the therapeutic technique was effective in our pilot study.

The Argentina Independent "Ayahuasca: The Art and Science of Illumination" by James Rittenour.

An article exploring the many different aspects of Ayahuasca and examining the sparse scientific research currently published on it and the potential and challenges for future research to be done.

August 30, 2010

The Globe and Mail "Marijuana effective in reducing pain, study shows" by Caroline Alphonso.

A Canadian study on Marijuana’s potential to treat chronic pain and its results are discussed in this article.

The Vancouver Sun "‘Magic drug’ gives hope to bipolar patients" by Sharon Kirkey.

Ketamine’s potential to treat bipolar depression is explored in this article.

CNN "Study: Smoking pot may ease chronic pain" by Amanda Gardner, Health.com.

This article discusses the results of a recent study conducted at Mcgill University examining the potential benefits of smoked marijuana in reducing chronic pain. It was posted on CNN but was originally written at Health.com.

August 26, 2010

The Winnipeg Sun "U.S. approves Ecstasy testing on vets" by QMI Agency.

An article discussing the results of the recent MDMA-PTSD pilot study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology and the implications for further studies. The article also briefly touches on the potential mechanisms of action through which MDMA might assist in the treatment of PTSD patients.

August 25, 2010

Medscape "Psychedelic Drugs May Reduce Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and OCD" by Deborah Brauser.

A discussion about the recent article published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience which indicates that several psychedelic drugs such as ketamine, LSD and psilocybin may be effective for treating depression, anxiety, OCD and chronic pain.

August 24, 2010

The Ottowa Citizen "A terrible disease" by The Ottowa Citizen.

An article discussing the new research conducted at Yale University which suggested that ketamine might be effective in treating people with depression.

CNN "Can Psychedelic Drugs Treat Depression?" by Anne Harding, Health.com.

An in-depth article that discusses the new research on the potential of psychedelic drugs such as ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin in treating a number of medical conditions. The article also briefly explores the history of psychedelic research. The article was also posted in the Huffington Post.

August 23, 2010

PharmTech Talk "Journey to the Center of the Mind" by PharmTech Talk.

This article discusses the potential psychedelic drugs have for treating mental disorders and examines some of the history behind psychotherapy and psychedelics.

August 22, 2010

The Cleveland Leader "Scientists: Psychedelics Can Reduce Symptoms of Mood & Affective Disorders" by Julie.

A brief article discussing three recent studies all indicating that psychedelic drugs such as LSD, psilocybin and ketamine might be useful for treating mood disorders.

August 20, 2010

Scientific American "Psychedelic Drugs Show Promise as Anti-Depressants" by David Biello.

This article discusses the potential of psychedelic drugs such as ketamine, LSD and psilocybin in relieving depression and obsessive-compulsive behaviours and expores some of the possible mechanism of actions of such drugs.

Montreal Gazette "Psychedelic drug could be “magic” bullet for depression: Study" by Sharon Kirkey, Postmedia News.

An article discussing the results of the recent study conducted at Yale University suggesting that ketamine may be effective at helping people suffering from bi-polar disorder. This article was also published in the Ottawa Citizen and the Calgary Herald.

EmaxHealth.com "Party Drugs May Treat Depression Quickly" by Tyler Woods, Ph.D..

An article that discusses two new studies published in the last week indicating that psychedelic drugs such as ketamine, LSD, and psilocybin may be useful for treating certain medical condtions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD.

National Post "Research Awaits Ecstasy Approval" by Terrine Friday.

This article from a Canadian paper did not choose the best quote from Rick Doblin to express his position on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD compared to conventional pharmaceutical drugs. While conventional pharmaceuticals drugs treat the symptoms of PTSD, Rick would characterize MDMA-therapy as a method for treating the causes of PTSD, thereby healing the trauma. It is disappointing to read Canadian Forces Surgeon General wrongfully generalize our research as “hype.”

The Times Of India "Psychedelic drugs chase blues away" by IANS.

Another short article disucussing the implications of the recent review in the Nature Neuroscience Journal suggesting that psychedelic drugs such as LSD, ketamine and psilocybin may be useful in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions such as depression and symptoms associated with cancer and terminal illnesses.

August 19, 2010

SwissInfo.ch "Scientists suggest new look at psychedelic drugs" by SwissInfo.ch & Agencies.

A brief article discussing the potential use of psychedelics such as LSD, ketamine and psilocybin in treating several medical conditions with quotes from Franz Von Vollenweider.

World Science "“Psychedelics” could find new lease on life—in the doctor’s office" by Nature Publishing Group & World Science staff.

A discussion of the recent review in the Aug 20 issue of the research journal Nature Neuroscience proposing that “psychedelics” might be useful in low doses as a treatment for psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Daily Mail "Psychedelic ‘party drugs’ like LSD could combat depression and treat cancer, say top scientists" by Fiona Macrae.

An article discussing the potential healing properties of psychedelic drugs such as ketamine, LSD, & psilocybin in peope suffering from depression and cancer.

AOL News "Psychedelic Drug Trips Might Help Treat Mental Illness, Researchers Say" by Katie Drummond.

An article written in response to a new review in the Nature Reviews Neuroscience Journal discussing the potential of psychedelic drugs in helping to treat people suffering from several medical conditions including depression and PTSD.

Fox News "Scientists Want to Bring Back LSD and Mushrooms" by Kate Kelland.

An article with quotes from Swiss researchers, that discusses the potential of psychedelic drugs such as ketamine, LSD and psilocybin in helping to treat a variety of mental disorders and chronic pain. It was originally posted on Reuters, but can also be found on the MSNBC and ABC News websites as well as those for China Daily, Vancouver Sun, Calgary Herald & the Montreal Gazette.

August 18, 2010

The Sun "LSD Could Cure Depression" by Rhodri Phillips.

This broad article discusses the potential of several psychedelics to treat psychological disorders.

August 17, 2010

BayCitizen.org "Dutch Company Enters Oakland Pot Scene" by Kate Mclean.

A Dutch marijuana producing company that recently set up shop in California is reported on in this article, with a quote from MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin.

August 12, 2010

StopTheDrugWar.org "Ecstasy found to Help Alleviate PTSD among Military Veterans" by Al Camus.

This is a brief article about the results of the recent MDMA-PTSD pilot study and touches on the implications of future studies for war veterans.

August 11, 2010

Medical Observer "Could psychedelic drugs treat depression and addiction problems?" by Kirrilly Burton.

An article that discusses the renewed interest in psychedelics for relieving depression, anxiety and PTSD. It discusses the potential of psilocybin for helping relieve depression and MDMA’s potential in helping PTSD patients. It includes a section about the dangers of using these substances and what skeptics in the field are concerned with.

Examiner.com "Know what MDMA is?" by Linda Chalmer.

This article discusses the protocol and results from the recent MAPS sponsored MDMA-PTSD study and mentions the recently approved new study for veterans with PTSD.

The Huffington Post "Cops For and Against the War On Drugs" by Norm Stamper.

An article that discusses the various attitudes towards the war on drugs from within the police enforcement community.

August 8, 2010

HealthForAll "Clot-Busting Drug Immediately Improves Patient’s Condition"

This article discusses the results of a study examining the effects of the hallucinogen (tPA) on stroke patients.

August 5, 2010

Calgary Sun "Ecstasy drug a potential PTSD treatment" by Kathleen Harris.

This article printed orginally in the Toronto Sun was picked up by other Canadian papers. Additional text has been added.

August 4, 2010

Toronto Sun "DND would consider using Ecstasy to treat PTSD: Top doctor" by Kathleen Harris .

In this article, Lt. Col. Rakesh Jetly, a psychiatrist and senior health adviser for the Canadian Forces, said the department of national defence (DND) is committed to evidence-based care, and would embrace any treatment that has undergone rigorous scientific research to help relieve suffering of battle-scarred troops. “If you replaced Ecstasy with substance X - whether it was an absolutely approved legal drug, a mainstream medication, my answer would be the same. The fact that it’s Ecstasy means nothing to us,” Jetly told QMI Agency. “If there’s any substance, any drug that has the research, the randomized controlled studies, the publications to prove its efficacy, we would entertain adding it as an approved treatment.”

EmaxHealth.com. "One Ketamine Dose Wipes out Bipolar Depression" by Kathleen Blanchard.

A brief article written about the recent study using ketamine to help people suffering from bipolar disorder.

August 3, 2010

Australian Broadcasting Corporation News "Ecstasy May Help Traumatised Veterans"

“United States scientists say the drug ecstasy may help war veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.” Reports this Australian news source.

MedscapeToday "Ketamine Yields Swift Antidepressant Effect in Treatment of Refractory Bipolar Depression" by Megan Brooks.

An in-depth article discussing the recent published study examining the effectiveness of using ketamine in treating treatment-resistant bipolar disorder.

Reuters "Ketamine Lifts Mood Quickly in Bipolar Disorder" by Anne Harding.

This article discusses the results of new small study that showing that ketamine might be effective in helping people suffering from bi-polar disorder and depression. It briefly discusses on the possible mechanisms of action that ketamine might work in the brain.

August 2, 2010

Treatment Solutions Network "Using Ecstasy to Treat PTSD" by Bethany Winkel.

This story begins, “Many of the illicit drugs in our world today originally came about for medicinal uses. Most of the other drugs people abuse are current medications that are strictly regulated. Sometimes the line is even blurred between necessary medical use and the abuse of a drug. Occasionally, a drug will begin as an illicit drug and then be found to be effective in treating some mental or physical condition. Ecstasy, though its origin is not completely clear, has certainly been an illicit drug for many years, and just recently has been found to have some positive uses.”

The Post and Courier (online) "Ecstasy drug under study for PTSD"

This article discusses the recent MDMA-PTSD pilot study and mentions the new veteran study.

Examiner.com "Ketamine found to reduce depression symptoms in bipolar disorder" by Michael Velardo.

This article discusses a recent study on the potential of ketamine to help people suffering from bipolar disorder.

EnvironmentalGraffiti.com "“Making Medicine from Magic Mushrooms”" by The Blunt.

This article discusses the potential role of psilocybin in helping a variety of health issues. It also discusses the new study at New York University examining the effectiveness of psilocybin in helping the terminally ill.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation News "“Ecstasy may help traumatised victims”"

This is a brief article that discusses the effects of the MDMA-PTSD pilot study.

Medpage Today "Ketamine Cuts Depression in Bipolar Illness" by John Gever.

This article discusses the results of a new small study funded by the NIH examining the effectiveness of ketamine in helping people suffering with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder.

WebMD "Anesthetic Shows Promise for Bipolar Disorder: Single Injection of Ketamine Provides Relief" by Katrina Woznicki.

This article discusses the results and implications of a new study showing that ketamine might be effective in treating bipolar disorder and depression.

Business Week "Ketamine Eased Depression in Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Disorder"

A brief article discussing the results of the new study on the effects of ketamine in people suffering from bipolar disorder.

August 1, 2010

NursingLibrary.org "Researchers Use Ecstasy to Treat PTSD"

This article briefly discusses the outcomes of the recent MDMA-PTSD pilot study and touches on the history or, and potential dangers of MDMA.

DailyNewsToday "Research Finds Ecstasy helps treat PTSD"

A brief article discussing the outcomes of the recent MDMA-PTSD pilot study.

High Times "Crop Blockers" by David Jay Brown.

This is an excellent expose about Dr. Mahmoud Elsohly’s NIDA sponsored marijuana production facility at the University of Mississippi. The article discusses the federal government’s blocking of research into the benefits of marijuana.

July 31, 2010

Lifestyle.com "Psychedelic Psychotherapy at Eleusis" by Pamala Duncan.

This articles discusses the Eleusis drug addiction treatment center and the role of ketamine in helping people overcome addictions.

Epagini.com "“Ecstasy, treatment for post traumatic stress disorder.”"

This article is brief and discusses the MDMA-PTSD pilot study.

Lifestyle.com "Psychedelic Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Now Available at Eleusis" by Pamala Duncan.

This articles discusses the Eleusis drug addiction treatment center and the role of ketamine in helping people overcome addictions.

Epagini.com "Ecstasy, treatment for soldiers suffering from post traumatic stress disorder"

This article is brief and discusses the MDMA-PTSD pilot study.

July 30, 2010

"138 articles about mdma/ptsd therapy"

The Journal of Psychopharmacology's publication of MAPS' MDMA/PTSD study led to at least 138 media articles!

MAPS "Over 100 Media Articles About Journal of Psychopharmacology Publication"

There were at least 138 media articles about the publication of MAPS’ U.S. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy study for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. A list of these media mentions are compiled here in no particular order.

July 28, 2010

Inthemix.com "Ecstasy tested on traumatized war veterans." by JackT.

This brief article comments on the use of MDMA for treating PTSD in war veterans.

Alternet.com "Has a Common Marijuana Test Resulted in Thousands of Wrongful Convictions?" by John Kelly.

The faults of the most common test used by law enforcement to detect the presence of marijuana are explored in this article.

July 27, 2010

Vanity Fair "The Electric Beverly Hills; Cary in the Sky with Diamonds" by Cari Beauchamp and Judy Balaban.

Before Timothy Leary and the Beatles, LSD was largely unknown and unregulated. But in the 1950s, as many as 100 Hollywood luminaries—Cary Grant and Esther Williams among them—began taking the drug as part of psychotherapy. With LSD research beginning a comeback, the authors recount how two Beverly Hills doctors promoted a new “wonder drug,” at $100 a session, profoundly altering the lives of their glamorous patients, Balaban included. The MAPS-sponsored Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century conference is mentioned in the article’s conclusion.

July 23, 2010

Scienceblogs.com "MDMA for PTSD: The first peer-reviewed clinical trial report" by Drugmonkey.

This article discusses the preliminary outcomes of the MAPS pilot study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD.

AlterNet "80% of Post-Traumatic Stress Sufferers Lost Symptoms After Taking Ecstasy" by Craig K Comstock.

This article discusses the preliminary outcomes in the MAPS pilot study on MDMA-assisted for the treatment of PTSD.

July 22, 2010

Mental Health News Organization "Ecstasy Research to Enter Phase 2, Seeking FDA Approval" by Shandra Bruce.

The title of this article is incorrect, since the research is already in Phase 2 with FDA permission, but the article is informative.

Medscape "Ecstasy-Assisted Psychotherapy and PTSD" by Deborah Brauser.

The South Carolina Phase II MDMA study results are reviewed in this article with great depth and detail, with comments and criticisms by participating researchers and other medical professionals.

Medscape. "Ecstasy-Assisted Psychotherapy May Help Patients With Treatment-Resistant PTSD" by Deborah Brause.

The South Carolina Phase II MDMA study results are reviewed in this article with great depth and detail, and includes comments and criticisms by participating researchers and other medical professionals.

Nursingtimes "Ecstasy Used to Treat Post Traumatic Stress"

Very brief summary of the pilot Phase II study of MDMA-assisted
psychotherapy of the treatment of PTSD

July 21, 2010

ModernMedicine "Ecstasy May Help Relieve Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Appears to help patients resistant to…" by HealthDay.

“The drug ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as ecstasy, appears to be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) without evidence of harming patients, according to research published online July 19 in the Journal of Psychopharmacology” reports ModernMedicine.

Popsci "Ibogaine: Fighting Drugs With Drugs" by Steven Kotler.

The practice and potential of administering Ibogaine to treat drug addictions is discussed in this article, with comments from Rick Doblin, Ph.D., MAPS Executive Director, and Valerie Mojeiko, MAPS Deputy Director.

Online-International News Network "Ecstasy ‘may help trauma victims"

A Pakistan based news network reports on the recent MDMA findings, another example of the considerable amount of exposure the study is getting.

Lifescientist "Ecstasy Study Gives Hope to PTSD Sufferers" by David Binning.

This article is a thorough summary of outcomes in MAPS pilot phase II study
of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Also covers the problem of PTSD, as well
as currently approved drugs for treatment.

July 20, 2010

Stars and Stripes "New treatment for PTSD? Dropping some Ecstasy" by Leo Shane III.

The MDMA-PTSD study is briefly covered in a military blog. The author thinks the VA will avoid studies with MDMA because ” Earlier this year, officials rejected calls for expanded use of marijuana for PTSD patients, noting that their doctors cannot consider prescribing anything illegal to patients.” But, since this writing the VA has switched positions and allows veterans in Medical Marijuana states to use medical cannabis.

ScienceDaily "MDMA (Ecstasy)-assisted psychotherapy relieves treatment-resistant PTSD, study suggests" by By SAGE Publications UK.
MDMA (±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as Ecstasy), may one day offer hope for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), even people for whom other treatments have failed. Clinical trial results out July 19 in the Journal of Psychopharmacology suggests that MDMA can be administered to subjects with PTSD without evidence of harm and could offer sufferers a vital window with reduced fear responses where psychotherapy can take effect.

Tweed Daily News "Ecstasy ‘may help trauma sufferers’" by AAP.

Some background information on MDMA and PTSD appear in this article along with a discussion on the recently published results of the Phase II MDMA PTSD study.

Psych Central "MDMA May Have Role in Treatment of PTSD" by Jessica Ward Jones.

This thorough article covers the details and results of the MDMA PTSD study recently published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Toke of the Town: Cannabis Culture News and Views "Can Ecstasy Ease Post-Traumatic Stress?" by Steve Elliot.

The results of the South Carolina MDMA study are discussed in this article, with details on the study and comments by Dr. Mithoefer.

The Guardian "Banning naphyrone will get us nowhere" by David Nutt.

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs’ (ACMD) recent recommendation to ban the drug naphyrone sparks a discussion over the lack of solid scientific evidence or reasoning for the efficacy of drug prohibition.

Straight.com "Canada’s war on drugs bucks the global trend" by Carlito Pablo.

This article discusses some of the recent changes in drug policy, contrasting changes in South American countries with those in Canada and the United States.

Time "Ecstasy Shows Promise in Relieving PTSD" by John Cloud.

Time reports on the recent study, MDMA's potential as a medication, and comments that the recently published paper on the results “represents the first time in a generation that psychedelic drugs have been taken seriously as treatment.”

Natural News "Ecstasy as a viable treatment for trauma victims?" by Jonathan Benson.
Natural News covers the results of the study recently published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

WebMD "Ecstasy May Ease PTSD Symptoms" by Denise Mann.

This thorough article from WebMD touches on a number of topics, including details and results of the South Carolina study, the possible risks and benefits of MDMA, and ‘Ecstasy’s’ role in treating PTSD. Harriet deWit, PhD a professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Chicago, comments “the results were quite dramatic and it is proof of concept and very good early evidence.”

USNavySeals.com "Study Uses Ecstasy to Treat PTSD"

This article discusses the preliminary outcomes of the MAPS pilot study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD.

Post and Courier "Ecstasy drug under study for PTSD" by Staff Report.

This is another article that discusses the results of the study and gives some general information on MDMA and PTSD.

July 19, 2010

Reason Magazine "Clinical Study of MDMA Confirms Benefits Noted by Therapists Before It Was Banned" by Jacob Sullum.

A report of the Journal of Psychopharmacology article, as well as a quote from MAPS about therapeutic use prior to criminalization, and links to earlier coverage of the Mithoefer study.

MedPage Today "’Ecstasy’ May Help Alleviate PTSD" by Todd Neale.

The author of this article prefaces it with two action points: “Explain to interested patients that the drug MDMA (commonly called Ecstasy) is not legally available in the U.S. outside of a clinical trial setting.” and “Point out that MDMA was used in a strictly controlled setting with intensive support from therapists before, during, and after use of the drug during psychotherapy sessions”.

Daily News Today "Research finds ecstasy helps treat PTSD" by Sam Walker.

“People who suffer from pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may one day find relief with ecstasy. A small clinical study found that 80 percent of the participants were treated with a combination of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and psychotherapy, are no longer signs of PTSD, without serious side effects.” This article reports.

Boston Globe "‘Ecstasy’ helped PTSD patients, small study says" by Elizabeth Cooney.

This Boston-based publication reviews the results of the recently published MDMA research. Roger Pitman, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School discusses the possibility in using MDMA to help relieve people with terminal illnesses of anxiety and pain.

New Scientist "Ecstasy may help trauma victims" by Arran Frood.

This balanced article discusses MAPS' PTSD research and the prospect of having MDMA a legal drug for therapy in the future. The author also offers caution that this is still an early investigation and that more research is needed.

UK National Health Service "Ecstasy Tested for Trauma Therapy"

This article by the UK's National Health Service gives a good critique of MAPS Phase II pilot-study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD.

Investors.com "The drug MDMA"

This brief article shows the far reach of MAPS research - even investors are taking interest!

NHS Choices "Ecstasy Tested for Trauma Therapy"

This article gives a very thorough overview of the entire MAPS pilot Phase II
study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD.

AOL News "Ecstasy Shows Promise as PTSD Treatment; FDA Aproves Another Study" by Katie Drummond.

This article explains how MDMA is actively being used to treat PTSD in
the pilot Phase II study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy by MAPS.

Techeye "Ecstasy Can Help Treat Sufferers of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder" by Hector Dish.

Thorough Summary of the outcomes of the pilot Phase II study of
MDMA-assicated psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD.

The Sun "Ecstasy Pills Can Treat Soliders"

Briefly states that MDMA made PTSD patients “less frightened” and allowed
them to “open up more”.

Fox News "Study: Ecstasy Can Help Traumatized Soldiers"

Very brief overview of the outcomes of the pilot phase II study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD

CBS News "Ecstasy Helps Treat PTSD Patients, Trial Finds" by David S. Morgan.

Summarizes the findings of the pilot Phase II study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

BBC News: Health "Ecstasy may help trauma victims"

This article discusses the preliminary outcomes of the MAPS pilot study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD.

July 18, 2010

U.S. News & World Report: Health "Researchers Use Ecstasy to Treat PTSD: Safety Concerns Remain" by Madonna Behen.

This article covers the successes of the Phase II study using MDMA to treat PTSD. Some of the safety issues concerning the drug are also addressed.

July 16, 2010

Military.com "Study: Ecstasy Treats PTSD" by Bryant Jordan.

The leading online news source for the military reported about the results of our U.S. MDMA/PTSD study. “The drug Ecstasy shows positive results in the majority of patients when used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a report coming out Monday in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.”

July 1, 2010

Wall Street Journal "Reefer Madness" by Randy E. Barnett.

The Lancet Oncology "Cancer and hallucinogens: a long, strange trip"

This article discusses the preliminary outcomes of the MAPS pilot study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD.

June 16, 2010

San Francisco Chronicle "On Dangerous Meds, the Feds and ’Heads’" by Eugene Schoenfeld.

Psychiatrist Schoenfeld, author of this opinion piece, remarks on two deaths that took place at a rave in San Francisco over Memorial Day Weekend. He points out "Due to federal government interference, we don’t know how best to prevent harm at raves other than to just say no to drugs, obviously and tragically an ineffective strategy." Schoenfeld mentions Julie Holland M.D.'s presentation at Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century.

June 11, 2010

Progressive Radio Network "‘Of Consuming Interest’ hosts Rick Doblin" by .

MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D. gave a one hour interview on this radio show. Listen to it on the MAPS website (or on the Progressive Radio Network website).

June 1, 2010

Catalyst "Psychedelic Renaissance" by Trisha Macmillan.
page 1 page 2

This Salt Lake City, Utah periodical writes that "the MAPS conference could mark the end of a 30-year dark age regarding the study of entheogens."

May 25, 2010

CBC News "Ecstasy may damage brain cells, study finds" by .

Recently Kish and colleagues published a study chiefly assessing serotonin transporter sites in ecstasy users and controls who had had not used substances other than alcohol and cannabis, reporting modest but significant differences between the two groups. The study's authors also assessed cognitive function (as memory or planning) and measured a number of confounds, as variations in serotonin transporter genes or hormone levels. The study is retrospective rather than prospective and results do not deviate much from current research findings, but the study is well-crafted and thorough. A review and commentary on the paper by MAPS Research Specialist Ilsa Jerome Ph.D. is included with the full text of the article.

May 19, 2010

NPR "NPR. “Can Marijuana Ease PTSD? A Debate Brews”" by Jeff Brady.

This article reports on persons with PTSD, including veterans of war, who are using medical marijuana to ease anxiety and other symptoms, the debate within the Veterans Affairs, and the conflict between state laws and federal laws.

April 26, 2010

Originally found at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/craig-k-comstock/psychedelic-science_b_547070.html "The Huffington Post. “Can Psychedelic Drugs Treat PTSD?”" by Craig Comstock.

Kept on hold for close to half a century, especially in the U.S., psychedelic science is now coming back to life, in large part due to efforts by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies and researchers it has recruited and supported and with whom it has won approvals to do legal studies here and abroad. This month, MAPS held a conference with main speakers from, for example, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, NYU, Purdue, UCLA, and leading European universities.

Originally found at: http://theweek.com/article/index/202281/Can_ecstasy_cure_PTSD "Can ‘ecstasy’ cure PTSD?" by .

An illegal psychedelic has promise as a cure for post-traumatic stress disorder in soldiers. Following, a quick guide to "the peace drug"

April 23, 2010

CNN "CNN: Hallucinogens Could Treat Ailments" by Dan Simon.

USA Today "Psychedelic drugs aid anxiety treatments in cancer patients" by .

With this mention in the USA Today, it really does seem that the mainstream media has become friendly to discussing psychedelic research!

Yahoo News "Psychedelic trips aid anxiety treatments in study" by Malcolm Ritter.

This article discusses one subject's treatment with psilocybin as part of the NYU psilocybin/cancer anxiety research project, as well as mentioning the Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century conference. Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Steve Ross, M.D., and David Nichols, Ph.D. are each quoted.

Associated Press (VIDEO) "Cancer Patients go on a Psychedelic Trip" by .

This video news article interviews Steve Ross M.D. of the NYU psilocybin/cancer anxiety reserch team and one of his subjects who took psilocybin under his care.

April 21, 2010

Huffington Post "Amanda Feilding’s Talk at the Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century Conference" by Amanda Feilding.

The text of Beckley Foundation Director Amanda Feilding's opening talk at Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century was reprnted on the Huffington Post.

Popular Science "Study of Vets Finds Ecstasy an Effective Treatment For PTSD" by Jeremy Hsu.

CNN "Psychedelic Drugs For Your Health" by Campbell Brown and Sanjay Gupta, M.D..

Watch it on the on the MAPS website (or fullscreen on CNN's website.)

This is one of many great media pieces that arose from the Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century conference. This television news piece features interviews with Steven Ross, M.D. from the NYU psilocybin/cancer research team and CNN health correspondent Sanjay Gupta, M.D.

April 20, 2010

Iran PressTV "Ecstasy can alleviate PTSD symptoms" by .

Wired "Modern Psychedelic Scientists Find Data in Countercultural Past" by Alexis Madrigal.

CNN "Science Takes a New Look at Psychedelics" by Dan Simon.

This television news article (MOV) features short interviews with Rick Doblin and Michael Mithoefer, and coverage of the Psychedelic Science in 21st Century conference. (Watch in fullscreen at CNN's website.)

Santa Cruz Weekly "Santa Cruz Psychedelic Drug Research Group Sees Progress" by Jessica Fromm.

This is a different version of the article that appeared in the Silicon Valley Metro News the week before the Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century conference.

Scientific American "Can the Peace Drug Help Clean Up the War Mess?" by Brian Vastag.

At the Psychedelic Science conference, researchers reported positive results on the effectiveness of MDMA in relieving PTSD and talked about psilocybin in reducing stress in late-stage cancer patients

Muslims.net and PressTV "Psychedelic confab closes in NorCal"

The largest gathering on psychedelic science in four decades has been held in San Jose, California.

CNN "MOV File" by .
CNN. "Science Takes a New Look at Psychedelics." With Correspondent Dan Simon.

This television news article features short interviews with Rick Doblin and Michael Mithoefer, and coverage of the Psychedelic Science in 21st Century conference.

April 19, 2010

MSNBC (Reuters) "Party drug ecstasy eases PTSD in small study" by .

Talk therapy combined with MDMA curbed distress, experiment showed

ABCnews.com "Psychedelics Soothe Dying: NYU Researchers Study Use of Psilocybin to Help the Terminally Ill" by Susan Donaldson James..

SantaCruz.com "Psychedelic Conference a Big Hit" by Danny Wool.

Timothy Leary once said that “We are dealing with the best-educated generation in history, but they’ve got a brain dressed up with nowhere to go.” Well, they could have gone to the San Jose Holiday Inn to attend the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Conference. The Santa Cruz-based group brought together 1,000 people to discuss the benefits of psychedelic drugs, especially as a means of helping people tackling such problems as depression, OCD and PTSD.

April 18, 2010

Silicon Valley Mercury News "Psychedelics conference describes the long strange trip to the lab" by Lisa M. Krieger.

This article discusses the close of the Psychedelic Science conference in San Jose, California. (Reprinted in the Philadelphia Inquirer with the title, "Psychedelic drugs get a second look from science.")

BBC Global News "Rick Doblin at Psychedelic Science" by .

Rick Doblin was interviewed twice by the BBC after the Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century conference. His portion in audio file 2 starts at 25:43 (Audio File 1: Audio File 2).

April 17, 2010

"Psychedelic Science Connie Littlefields’ Tribute to the Shulgins"

Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century - Shulgin Tribute from Conceptafilm on YouTube.

The Times of India "Ecstasy could help ease trauma long term" by .

Ecstasy pills may offer treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), say experts. According to clinical-trial results presented at a conference in San Jose, California, the effect of the party drug seems to continue for years after the initial treatment, reports Nature.

April 16, 2010

Nature News "Party drug could ease trauma long term" by Lizzie Buchen.

Ecstasy, a drug that is illegal in most countries, is showing increasing potential as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to clinical-trial results presented at a conference in San Jose, California, today. The effect seems to continue for years after the initial treatment.

April 15, 2010

KQED "Forum" by Michael Krasny.

Rick Doblin, Ph.D. and Charles Grob, M.D. spoke on KQED, San Franciso's largest NPR station the opening morning of Psyhcedelic Science in the 21st Century.

April 14, 2010

Silicon Valley Metro "Psilicon Valley" by Jessica Fromm.

This front page article previewed Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century.

April 13, 2010

Fox 5 (Atlanta) "Hallucinogens Tested to Help Treat Cancer Patients" by .

According to The New York Times doctors are dabbling in psychedelic drugs, like psilocybin, to treat patients with depression and anxiety with a new focus on the terminally ill. To further investigate the effects of hallucinogens the Johns Hopkins Psilocybin Cancer Project is looking for cancer patients between the ages of 21 and 70 who are willing to volunteer. Eligibility requirements include a cancer diagnosis that is potentially life-threatening and experiences of anxiety or depressed mood.

Digital Journal "Psilocybin, psychedelics back on scientific radar" by .

Since the early 1960s scientific research into Psilocybin and other hallucinogenic drugs has been at a standstill because of widely held taboos. In the twenty-first century that bias is fading and the medical value of psychedelics is again in the news.

April 12, 2010

CBS News "Report: Doctors Give Psychedelics Second Look"

Early Research Shows Hallucinogens May Be Effective at Treating a Range of Psychiatric Disorders.

New York Times "Hallucinogens Have Doctors Tuning In Again" by John Tierney.

This article by John Tierney, written for the NY Times Health section, gives an overview of emerging psychedelic research in medicine. The article follows up with a patient who participated in the Johns Hopkins Psilocybin end-of-life distress study as an introduction to the greater psychedelic science community. Rick Doblin, president of MAPS, is quoted, as well as UCLAs Dr. Charles Grob.

AOLNews.com "Doctors Again Dabbling in Psychedelic Drugs" by Katie Drummond.

Katie Drummond, a contributor for AOL News, followed up the recent NY Times article "Hallucinogens Have Doctors Tuning In Again", by expanding on psychedelic science being conducted in the U.S. The article has quotes from Michael Mithoefer, a MAPS-sponsored psychiatrist in Charleston, S.C., who has been running FDA-approved studies using MDMA.

April 6, 2010

MNdaily.com "Salvia ban a burn to science" by .

MNdaily.com, a student-produced newspaper of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, published this editorial which criticizes Rep. Morrie Lanning, R-Moorhead, for introducing a bill to ban the sale of the psychedelic herb Salvia divinorum in the state of Minnesota. The editorial lambastes the lawmaker for using fear-driven politics to introduce a law which could stifle legitimate research into finding treatments for illnesses such as Alzheimers disease and schizophrenia.

March 31, 2010

The Huffington Post "Medical Marijuana And PTSD: VA Doctors Can’t Prescribe Pot Despite New Mexico’s Promising Example" by Sue Major Holmes.

Despite the fact that a huge proportion of patients enrolling in New Mexico’s medical marijuana program cite combat-related PTSD as their reason for using medical marijuana, the Veterans Administration refuses to provide it to soldiers suffering from the disorder. MAPS’ planned study of marijuana for symptoms of PTSD in war veterans has passed the FDA review process, but it remains to be seen whether the federal government will allow us to purchase the marijuana we need to conduct the study. In the meantime, thousands of veterans are waiting for a treatment that works.

March 29, 2010

The Daily Campus "Psychedelic drugs should be considered medically useful" by Sam Tracy.

This editorial article by Sam Tracy, written for The Daily Campus, The Independent News Source of the University of Connecticut, argues for ending the legal ban on psychedelic drugs in medicine. The author points to MAPS and its ongoing efforts to help heal people suffering from PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a move in the right direction.

March 23, 2010

Playboy "The Psychedelic Renaissance" by Steven Kotler.

This fantastic article (PDF) discusses MAPS' role in the new psychedelic renaissance, and features a lengthy and detailed interview with Rick Doblin, Ph.D., MAPS Founder and Executive Director.

March 22, 2010

Alternet "The Future of Drug Reform Is Bright" by Fred Gardner.

This article discusses the recent Students for a Sensible Drug Policy conference in San Francisco. This landmark event was attended by over 470 campus activists seeking to network, strategize, party and share updates on the War on Drugs and the widening range of youth resistance efforts.

March 10, 2010

USA Today "Nation’s sole marijuana farm focuses on limiting abuse" by Chris Joyner.

This article is about marijuana research being conducted at the University of Mississippi. The report quotes the main researcher as saying that marijuana may see use in treating Parkison's and cancer. The article is significant in that it brings to light the fact that the only federally mandated marijuana farm is under the control of the National Institute on Drug Abuse whose primary goal is to support Drug War polices rather than investigating medical uses for drugs.

March 5, 2010

Huffington Post "Questions Coming Back to Life" by Craig K. Comstock.

This article discusses the reintegration of psychedelics into the mainstream culture, and mentions MAPS' research with veterans of war and PTSD. The author calls MAPS executive director Rick Doblin "persistent and ingenious."

February 24, 2010

Scienceline "Psychedelic Therapy: New Research Shows Psychedelics Might Hold Therapeutic Potential" by Alex Liu.

Scientists at NYU and the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center are discovering powerful evidence that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can help people deal with the stress and anxiety that people often experience when struggling with life-threatening cancer. According to the article, psilocybin research is helping us learn a lot about the neurobiology of spirituality and the potential that psychedelics hold as healing tools.

February 22, 2010

Los Angeles Times "Position on pot is a bit hazy" by Editorial department.

When President Obama nominated Michele Leonhart to head the Drug Enforcement Administration last month, those hoping for a sensible federal policy regarding medical marijuana -- one that promotes scientific research into its medicinal value and eschews prosecution when it is used in accordance with local laws -- shivered.

February 19, 2010

"Overview of amphetamine-type stimulant Deaths in the UK - Critical Review and Commentary" by Ilsa Jerome.

MAPS. "Overview of amphetamine-type stimulant deaths in the UK - critical review and commentary." By Ilsa Jerome, Ph.D.

Despite news generated by a new study authored by Schifano and colleagues, ecstasy is not especially deadly in younger people.

February 18, 2010

The New York Times "Howard Lotsof Dies at 66; Saw Drug Cure in a Plant" by Dennis Hevesi.

Howard Lotsof, discoverer and advocate of the anti-addicitve properties of ibogaine, is commemorated in this article.

February 12, 2010

Financial Times "Charity pushes for LSD use in medicine" by Andrew Jack.

The Financial Times, a prominent business newspaper out of London, UK, published this report about the medical uses of LSD. The article chronicles psychedelic research science being advanced by The Beckley Foundation of the UK. Among LSD research mentioned are the one Swiss and two U.S. studies of psychedelic use as a medical application.

February 8, 2010

HerbalGram, The Journal of the American Botanical Council "The State of Clinical Cannabis Research in the United States" by Lindsay Stafford.

This article (PDF) comes from a peer-reviewed journal and with efficient detail describes the DEA's and NIDA's obstruction of medical marijuana research and the proposed MAPS-sponsored marijuana production facility at UMass Amherst. The author concludes that lengthy delays by the DEA "highlight the significance of the state-level medical marijuana movementWhile more people are able to obtain marijuana for treatment under some state laws, little research is being done to document the efficacy and safety of cannabis as a medicine."

February 5, 2010

High Times Magazine (online) "Psychedelic Science Conference to Be Held in California" by .

High Times Magazine, a popular marijuana and psychedelic periodical published this preview of the MAPS Psychedelic Science conference this April 15-18 in San Jose, California.

January 19, 2010

The New York Times "Researchers Find Study of Medical Marijuana Discouraged" by Gardiner Harris.

Major national attention is being drawn to federal obstruction of medical marijuana research. The New York Times reported on the first page of the National section, about the DEA's refusal to license Professor Lyle Craker to operate a MAPS-sponsored marijuana production facility at UMass Amherst. Marijuana is the only Schedule I drug of which the federal government has a monopoly on the legal supply for research. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) determines who is granted marijuana. NIDA's mission does not include providing marijuana to researchers who seek to develop the plant form of marijuana into FDA-approved prescription medicines. In 2001, Craker submitted an application to the DEA to start a marijuana production facility sponsored by MAPS in order to grow marijuana for MAPS' medical marijuana drug development efforts. After years of inaction by the DEA, Craker filed a lawsuit against the DEA. On February 12, 2007, DEA Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Bittner presented a recommended ruling that it would be in the publics interest to end the NIDA monopoly on supply by licensing Craker. The DEA failed to respond for almost two years. Then, on January 14, 2009, the DEA rejected ALJ Bittner's recommendation. The DEA's final order has not gone into effect because we have a "Motion to Reconsider" pending before the DEA. However, the DEA is currently winning by delay. In turn, we have a pending appeal filed with the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals in order to launch a lawsuit should the DEA's final ruling actually go into effect. Our hope is that new leadership at the DEA will accept the original recommended ruling and reverse the DEAs pending Final Order. Unfortunately, President Obama has not yet appointed new leadership to replace the Bush-era leaders at the DEA.

January 15, 2010

Global Health News "Study Uses Psychoactive Agent to Promote Well-Being for Cancer Sufferers"

This article covers a current NYU study that is using psilocybin to help counter the emotional distress of terminal illness.

January 13, 2010

Discover Magazine "Treating Agony With Ecstasy" by David Jay Brown.

This article gives information and statistics about a pilot study in South Carolina where MAPS-sponsored psychiatrist Michael Mithoefer is targeting PTSD with MDMA in victims of crime or war. The article points to the initial success of the study and mentions other MDMA/PTSD studies in the works at ohter research facilities.

January 8, 2010

Psychedelic Press UK "Interview with Rick Strassman M. D." by .

Dr. Strassman, author of "DMT: The Spirit Molecule," conducted medical research with the psychedelic substance DMT from 1990-1995; he was the first person in the United States after twenty years of prohibition to embark on human research with psychedelic, hallucinogenic, orentheogenic substances. Dr. Strassman discusses the process of writing "DMT: The Spirit Molecule" as well as future and ongoing psychedelic projects."

2009 Media Articles...

December 29, 2009

AlterNet "10 Reasons the U.S. Military Should (Officially) Use Pot" by Penny Coleman.

This article discusses the sad state of affairs regarding medical marijuana and the US Veterans Association. Although marijuana may have a host of advantages over other treatments for traumatized vets the VA still won't study its efficacy.

December 23, 2009

Hplus Magazine "Soul Medicine: Ecstasy (MDMA) as Therapy" by Oliver Hockenhull.

A beautifully written, brief history of MDMA.

December 14, 2009

The Huffington Post "President Obama: Free the Medical Marijuana Researchers!" by Doug Bandow.

The Huffington Post. "President Obama: Free the Medical Marijuana Researchers!" By Doug Bandow

This editorial urges President Obama to instruct the DEA to license Professor Craker to be able to grow marijuana for research, among other suggestions for increases scientific investigations of medical marijuana.

November 24, 2009

Vancouver Courier "Therapists tout ecstasy as treatment for stress disorder" by Cheryl Rossi.

This article discusses MAPS planned MDMA/PTSD study in Vancouver, British Columbia and mentions former Vancouver Mayor Philip Owens support of the research.

November 20, 2009

"Join Together. “AMA Calls for More Research into Medical Use of Marijuana”" by Bob Curley.

The federal government should consider moving marijuana out of Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act in order to facilitate clinical research and development of cannabinoid-based medications, the American Medical Association (AMA) said in a new policy statement. Rick Doblin, Ph.D., executive director of MAPS, said the AMA policy shift demonstrates that there is "clearly more interest in medical marijuana in the medical community than ever before." However, Doblin -- who has long contended that NIDA has worked to block medical-marijuana research through its gatekeeping role over supplies of marijuana for research -- said the policy will have "zero effect in getting NIDA out of the loop." Doblin said that a unique and open-ended Public Health Service (PHS) review process for medical-marijuana research, coupled with NIDA's monopoly on the drug supply, has prevented most basic research studies on smoked marijuana from getting off the ground.

Originally appeared at:

http://www.jointogether.org/news/features/2009/ama-says-marijuana-has.html

November 16, 2009

Telegraph.co.uk "Can mind-altering drugs have mental health benefits?" by Arran Frood.

This article opens with an account of two deaths and one person entering into a coma as the result of a group psychotherpay session that allegedly involved illegal drugs. The article quickly moves to a discussion of the ideas behind psychedelic research and names several prominent people conducting studies. The author briefly recounts two sessions he particpated in which he was invited to because he has written about the use of hallucinogenic drug research for many years for scientific media such as Nature and New Scientist.

November 4, 2009

Alternet "Letting the Science, Not the Politicians, Decide About Marijuana" by Jag Davies.

This is an incredibly intelligent article about the hypocrisy of Drug War officials and their obstruction of medical marijuana research. Author Jag Davies is the publications manager for the Drug Policy Alliance and a former MAPS staff member.

October 24, 2009

The Guardian "Scientists study possible health benefits of LSD and ecstasy" by Denis Campbell.

This article originally appeared in print on page 9 of the UK news section.

October 10, 2009

The Guardian "Face To Faith" by Alexander Beiner.

This article discusses how the prohibition of psychedelics infringes on persons ability to choose how they experience the divine. MAPS is mentioned for spearheading the renaissance in psychedelic research.

October 2, 2009

Clinical Psychology Review "PDF File" by Judith Cukor, Josh Spitalnick, JoAnn Difede, Albert Rizzo, and Barbara O. Rothbaum.

Clinical Psychology Review. "Emerging treatments for PTSD." By Judith Cukor, Josh Spitalnick, JoAnn Difede, Albert Rizzo, and Barbara O. Rothbaum

This scientific, peer-reviewed paper has a section on MDMA. The authors quote an article from Rick Doblin, Ph.D. published in 2002 which was about MAPS' MDMA/PTSD Clinical Plan. They also quote Andy Parrott about MDMA's therapeutic potential, even though he has mostly written about the risks of MDMA.

October 1, 2009

Scientific American "LSD Returns—For Psychotherapeutics" by Gary Stix.

This article features commentary from MAPS-sponsored LSD researcher Peter Gasser, M.D.

Psychology Today Brainstorm Blog "Flood the Psych Zone" by Editors.

From September 25 to 27, about 350 people attended the third annual Horizons Conference, which took place at Judson Memorial Church in New York City. Experts from across North America and Europe gathered to discuss the ongoing renaissance in the exploration of psychedelic drugs. MAPS Deputy Director Valerie Mojeiko gave a thoughtful, personal and well-received presentation entitled, "Psychedelic Harm Reduction--Rethinking the 'Bad Trip'." Valeries talks was mentioned in this article.

September 29, 2009

The Mcgill Tribune "The Psychotherapy Movement: Acid’s Long Trip Back to Clinical Research" by Carolyn Gregoire.

This report in Canada's Mcgill University Student paper is an excellent overview of the current status of LSD research and has quotes from MAPS Director of Communication Randolph Hencken, M.A..

September 27, 2009

San Francisco Chronicle "LSDs long strange trip back into the lab" by Erin Allday.

This article about LSD reemerging in research laboratories appeared on the front page of the Sunday paper.

September 2, 2009

Globe and Mail "Landmark B.C. study lets trauma sufferers find relief with ecstasy" by Frances Bula.
MDMA/PTSD Research Reported in Canadian Globe and Mail

The popular British Columbian Globe and Mail newspaper ran an article about MAPS planned MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) study, to take place in Vancouver, BC. The article titled, "Landmark B.C. study lets trauma suffers find relief with ecstasy" was written by Frances Bula, who presented a concise overview of the study to Canadian readers. As a result of this article, Ingrid Pacey, M.D. the Principal Investigator of the study, received a deluge of media inquiries and even discussed the study on Canadian National TV.

August 20, 2009

The Daily Beast "Is LSD Good for You?" by Paul Schrodt.

This article explores the resurgence of LSD research and includes information about cluster headaches and MAPS' Swiss study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of anxiety associated with life-threatening illnesses.

August 10, 2009

Miller-Mccune "The Ecstasy and the Agony" by Matt Palmquist.

Matt Palmquist, writer for Miller-Mccune, published an article titled, The Ecstasy and the Agony, featuring interviews with Norwegian scientists Pl-rjan Johansen and Teri Krebs. They discuss their paper, "How could MDMA help anxiety disorders? A neurobiological rationale," published in the Journal of Pharmacology.

August 1, 2009

Scientific American "Salvia on schedule: New rules on a mind-altering herb could slow medical research" by David Jay Brown.

This informative article (PDF) on Salvia Divinorum is by MAPS' friend and guest editor David Jay Brown.

July 31, 2009

Washington Post "All in Due Time" by Fred Page.

This short article discusses the Obama Administration's possible picks for new leadership at the Drug Enforcement Administration. The two front runners are rumored to be Deputy FBI Chief John Pistole, New York Assistant U.S. Attorney Boyd Johnson.

July 23, 2009

Good Times (Santa Cruz Weekly) "Transcendental Medication" by Damon Orion.

This cover article (image) in the Santa Cruz Weekly news and entertainment paper gives an up-to-date perspective of MAPS. MAPS operational headquarters are in Santa Cruz.

July 14, 2009

The Vancouver Observer "Healing severe trauma with MDMA" by Brandi Cowen.

MAPS planned MDMA/PTSD research in Vancouver, Canada led by Principal Investigators Dr. Ingrid Pacey and Andrew Feldmar is featured in this article.

July 9, 2009

Der Spiegel "Tune in, Turn on and Cheer UpSwiss Psychiatrist Fights Fear with LSD" by Samiha Shafy.

MAPS-sponsored Swiss study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of anxiety associated with life threatening illnesses was featured in a popular German news magazine.

July 8, 2009

The Huffington Post "Read the Never-Before-Published Letter From LSD-Inventor Albert Hofmann to Apple CEO Steve Jobs" by Ryan Grim.

This article discusses a letter from Albert Hofmann to Steve Jobs that was encouraged by MAPS President Rick Doblin. MAPS board member John Gilmore and MAPS Supporter Kevin Herbert are also included in the story.

July 2, 2009

"Medical Marijuana, Inc. Signs the First Cannabis Collective in Venice, California to Use Tax Card" by .

Medical Marijuana Inc. is a publicly traded company that recently signed Venice California Dispensary 99 High Art Collective. 99 High Art Collective is displaying light paintings by Dean Chamberlain. Sales of the paintings will benefit MAPS.

June 4, 2009

British TV News Channel 4 "Agony or Ecstasy the MDMA Dilemma" by David Fuller.

This newsclip (MOV) features Dr. Michael Mithoefer discussing his MAPS-sponsored study with MDMA to treat PTSD at the United Kingdom's Royal College of Psychiatry.

May 24, 2009

Gnostic Media "Psycho-spiritual evolution an interview with Dr. Neal Goldsmith" by Jan Irvin.

This podcast has an interview with MAPS' good friend Dr. Neal Goldsmith. This an in-depth discussion of the influence of psychedelics on psychotherapy, with a lot about his personal background and experience.

May 18, 2009

"DEA filed an Interim Order requesting that Craker submit list of potential witness by June 5, 2009"

On May 18, DEA filed an Interim Order requesting that Craker submit by June 5, 2009, potential witness and document lists regarding our pending Motion to Reconsider. DEA also extended the effective date of its final ruling to July 1, 2009, leaving it three weeks to consider whether or not to grant our Motion to Reconsider.

CNN.com "Government runs nation’s only legal pot garden" by Mike Ahlers and Jeanne Meserve.

CNN's online story mentions MAPS' struggle to obtain a license for professor Craker to grow marijuana at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Rick Doblin's admission of marijuana use to DEA court is cited as one of the reasons that DEA is denying the application:

"[DEA...] objected to Craker's sponsor, saying the sponsor's 'past and ongoing' use of marijuana 'is unacceptable for anyone seeking to have a prominent role in overseeing' a marijuana farm."

April 22, 2009

Alternet "The War on Pot Is an Abject Failure ... Now’s the Time for a New Approach" by Jag Davies.

Former MAPS' Communication Director Jag Davies, now Beckley Foundation U.S. Public Policy Coordinator, probes the foundations proposals for international marijuana law reform.

April 1, 2009

High Times "MAPS’ Quest: The High Times Interview with Rick Doblin" by David Bienenstock.
This excellent interview with Rick Doblin was published in High Times.

March 31, 2009

Jerusalem Post "A growth sector" by David Brinn.

A well-written, detailed article about an Israeli medical marijuana facility that MAPS helped fund.

March 26, 2009

New York Times "Relief for Patients" by Editorial Staff.

Attorney General Eric Holder announced last week that the federal government will no longer prosecute dispensers of medical marijuana if they comply with state law. The New York Times editorialist writes, “Mr. Holder deserves credit for recognizing that going after medical marijuana dispensers is not only bad policy, it is a distraction from work that really matters.”

March 23, 2009

New York Times "Contraception Pill Strictures Are Eased by a Judge" by Natasha Singer.

This discussion is significant to MAPS because MAPS's plans to make MDMA and psychedelic drugs into prescription medicines are modeled on the success of a nonprofit entity making the oral contraception pill into a prescription medicine.

March 19, 2009

Reuters "‘Ecstasy’ may help PTSD victims get better" by Anne Harding.

This article discusses the March 1, 2009 Journal of Psychopharmacology article by Norweigian researchers Pal Johansen and Teri S. Krebs, titled How could MDMA (ecstasy) help anxiety disorders? A neurobiological rationale.

The New York Times "Attorney General Signals Shift in Marijuana Policy" by Thomas Watkins, The Associated Press.

An article from NYTimes online reported that new Attorney General Eric Holder "signaled a change on medical marijuana policy Wednesday, saying federal agents will target marijuana distributors only when they violate both federal and state law. That would be a departure from the policy of the Bush administration, which targeted medical marijuana dispensaries in California even if they complied with that state's law."

The Jerusalem Post "High times" by David Brinn.

This article discusses the Israeli medical marijuana production facility and program supported by MAPS.

March 18, 2009

Congress Daily "Health: Obama Administration Likely to Review Umass Scientist’s Bid to Grow Marajuana" by Katie Sanders.

On March 18, an article in the National Journal (Congress Daily) quoted an anonymous White House official saying that it was likely that there would be a review of the DEA's last-minute rejection of DEA ALJ Bittner's recommendation that it would be in the public interest for Prof. Lyle Craker to receive a DEA license to grow marijuana exclusively for federally-approved research.

March 10, 2009

Los Angeles Times "The science of pot" by Editorial Desk.

The Los Angeles Times editorialized in favor of DEA licensing of Prof. Craker's medical marijuana production facility, citing as support President Obama's March 9, 2009 statement about scientific integrity. The LA Times editorial said, "DEA is one of the many federal agencies ready for enlightenment."

March 9, 2009

Eureka Alert! - SAGE Publications (UK) "Ecstasy could help patients with post-traumatic stress disorder : New research published in JPP" by Mithu Mukherjee.

The Times of India "Rave party narcotic may help in psychiatric treatment" by .

March 8, 2009

Nature Medicine "US drug agency blunts supply of marijuana for research" by Arran Frood.

Nature Medicine, a prestigious research magazine, has published an article on the Cracker case.

e! Science News, Sawf News "Ecstasy could help patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD)" by .

March 7, 2009

CNET "Ecstasy treatment draws rave reviews" by Mark Rutherford.

March 5, 2009

The Economist "Failed states and failed policies: How to stop the drug wars" by Editorial Desk.

March 4, 2009

Blog.wired.com "Ecstasy Pushed as PTSD Treatment" by Noah Shachtman.

Military.com "‘Party’ Drug Could be PTSD Treatment" by Bryan Mitchell.

Military.com is one of the most active websites online, and gets more hits than Erowid. MAPS is excited that news of our research is reaching the military audience. The comments by the readers are very intriguing.

March 1, 2009

Journal of Psychopharmacology "How could MDMA (ecstasy) help anxiety disorders? A neurobiological rationale" by Pal Johansen and Teri Krebs.

This article (PDF) about MDMA in the treatment of anxiety by MAPS' associates T Krebs and P Johansen was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

February 27, 2009

San Francisco Chronicle "U.S. to yield marijuana jurisdiction to states" by Bob Egelko.

This Chronicle article reports on the end of DEA medical marijuana raids under the Obama Administration. MAPS DEA lawsuit is mentioned in the last lines: "The Bush administration also blocked a University of Massachusetts researcher's attempt to grow marijuana for studies of its medical properties. Piper, of the Drug Policy Alliance, said he hopes Obama will reverse that position. 'If you removed the obstacles to research,' he said, 'in 10 to 15 years, marijuana will be available in pharmacies.'"

February 17, 2009

Guardian.co.uk "Ecstasy trials for combat stress" by David Adams.

February 11, 2009

Counterpunch "Change We Can Smoke?" by Fred Gardner.

This online political newsletter examines the possibilities around the DEA/Craker lawsuit and what the courts and Obama Administration might do. MAPS President Rick Doblin PhD discusses the best and worst scenarios for the political and legal outcomes.

February 10, 2009

New Scientist "Ecstasy’s long-term effects revealed" by Graham Lawton.

This article discusses contemporary research into the risks of MDMA use as a recreational drug. It points out that long term studies show very few impairments as a result of moderate ecstasy use.

January 30, 2009

Search Magazine "Mystics Under the Microscope" by Peter Bebergal.

Is there such a thing as a core, common mystical experience? This article looks at the research into this question.

January 28, 2009

McClatchy Newspapers "Medical marijuana raid raises question: What’s Obama policy?" by Michael Doyle.

One week after Obama took office the DEA raided a South Tahoe medical marijuana dispensary. This article discusses the legal conundrum that Obama has inherited in the fight between federal law and state law regarding medical marijuana.

The Colorado Springs Independent "Less agony, no Ecstasy" by Anthony Lane.

Dr. Mithoefer is mentioned in this military town’s publication about veterans with PTSD.

January 26, 2009

Marketplace-American Public Media "Food vendors sell with personal touch" by .

Vaporizers aren’t just for inhaling marijuana vapors anymore – they are also good for creating enhancing aromas for the culinary elite.

January 19, 2009

Boston Globe "Marijuana monopoly: Letter to the Editor" by Rick Doblin PhD.

January 16, 2009

CNN.com "Keeping the lid on pot" by Caleb Hellerman.

A CNN editorial about the DEA's refusal to grant Prof. Craker a license to grow marijuana for research purposes.

Daily Kos & Drug Law Reform Project "In Parting Shot, Bush’s DEA Blocks FDA Research Route for Medical Marijuana" by .

January 14, 2009

The Boston Phoenix "The DEA says no (again) to medical marijuana. Now what?" by Mike Milliard.

January 13, 2009

Reason Magazine Online "Marijuana Monopoly Maintained" by Jacob Sullum.

Associate Press "DEA denies professor’s marijuana-for-research bid" by Andrew Miga.

Boston Globe "UMass loses marijuana lab bid" by Bina Venkataraman.

The Med Guru "DEA rejects professors plea to grow medical marijuana for research" by Riya Chauhan.

Scientific American (Magazine) "No way, dude: DEA just says ‘no’ to scientist’s pot request" by Jordan Lite.

January 12, 2009

Salem-News.com "DEA Rejects Judge’s Ruling, Quashes Medical Marijuana Research Project" by .

Boston Globe "DEA rejects UMass request to grow medical marijuana" by Bina Venkataraman, Globe Correspondent.

Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul) "DEA rejects UMass professor’s bid to grow marijuana for medical research" by Andrew Miga with contributions from Rodrique Ngowi.

"PDF Article" by .

MAPS and the ACLU put out a press release in response to the DEA’s ruling against the MAPS-sponsored marijuana production facility at UMass Amherst.

Political Blotter, Inside the Bay Area "Political Blotter: Politics in the Bay Area and Bey" by Josh Richman.

January 7, 2009

New York Times "Purple Heart Is Ruled Out for Traumatic Stress" by Lizette Alvarez and Erik Eckholm.

Despite scientific evidence that trauma from war can cause debilitating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the US Pentagon has officially refused to honor vets with a PTSD a Purple Heart – an honor for being wounded in war. MAPS’ goal is to help veterans who suffer from PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

January 2, 2009

HaMagazin "Prescription for A Joint" by Dan Even (translated by Dana Peleg, MA).

An excellent article on the Israeli medical marijuana program published in an Israeli newspaper.

2008 Media Articles...

December 29, 2008

The New York Times Magazine (p. MM39) "Albert Hofmann: Day Tripper, born 1906"

This is glowing article about the father of LSD. Albert is honored as a tolerant man who was thoughtful in his pursuits of science and spirituality.

December 19, 2008

The Economist "Agony and Ecstasy: Ecstasy may be good for those who cant get over something truly horrible" by .

This is well written article that explores stories of two patients in Dr. Mithoefers study, the history of MDMA, and efforts of MAPS and other scientists in the psychedelic research renaissance.

December 1, 2008

CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics "The Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Review" by Torsten Passie MD, John H. Halpern MD, Dirk O. Stichtenoth, Hinderk M. Emrich, & Annelie Hintzen.

This comprehensive review of LSD (PDF) was authored by colleagues of MAPS. MAPS’ Swiss LSD/end-of-life anxiety study is the research that Dr. Passie referred to at the end of the following abstract:

“With the entry of new methods of research and better study oversight, scientific interest in LSD has resumed for brain research and experimental treatments. Due to the lack of any comprehensive review since the 1950s and the widely dispersed experimental literature, the present review focuses on all aspects of the pharmacology and psychopharmacology of LSD. A thorough search of the experimental literature regarding the pharmacology of LSD was performed and the extracted results are given in this review. (Psycho-) pharmacological research on LSD was extensive and produced nearly 10,000 scientific papers. The pharmacology of LSD is complex and its mechanisms of action are still not completely understood. LSD is physiologically well tolerated and psychological reactions can be controlled in a medically supervised setting, but complications may easily result from uncontrolled use by layman. Actually there is new interest in LSD as an experimental tool for elucidating neural mechanisms of (states of) consciousness and there are recently discovered treatment options with LSD in cluster headache and with the terminally ill.”

November 21, 2008

The Huffington Post "Obama Drug Czar Pick: No Recovery from War on Drugs?" by Maia Szalavitz.

November 20, 2008

"Damaging Freedom: Psychoactive Drugs and the Duty of the State" by Jonathan Wyse.

A talk presented to the University Philosophical Society of Trinity College

Nature "Ecstasy could augment the benefits of psychotherapy" by Nature Editors.

The renowned publication Nature mentioned the preliminary successes of our MDMA/PTSD pilot study.

November 13, 2008

Nature (online) "Illegal drug shows promise in treating trauma symptoms: MDMA may boost the benefits of psychotherapy" by Arran Frood.

CNN "Ecstasy may help PTSD" by Chief Health Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

This two-minute cable television news segment (MOV) was broadcast the day Dr. Mithoefer presented the findings of our MDMA/PTSD pilot study at the International Society for Traumatic Studies conference. Gail Westerfeld, one of Mithoefers Subjects, told CNN that she has been without nightmares for four years after her MDMA-assisted therapy sessions.

November 12, 2008

WJZ Baltimore TV "Could Tripping On Acid Help Those With Cancer (TV transcript)" by Derek Valcourt.

November 6, 2008

Slate Magazine "High Expectations" by Amanda Schaffer.

Slate Magazine contributor Amanda Schaffer wrote an excellent article on the promise of, and obstacles to, medical marijuana research. The article discusses a variety of successful research applications of marijuana and marijuana derivatives.

October 28, 2008

"Burning Man, at Both Ends" by .

The National Review featured an article about Burning Man that discusses Entheon Village.

October 21, 2008

"PDF Article" by .
British Psychiatrist Ben Sessa, wrote an opinion piece for the Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry about the need for more exploration into psychedelic drugs.

October 20, 2008

"Stone Age man took drugs, say scientists" by .

Archaeologists from North Carolina unearthed evidence that supports the belief that humankind has pursued altered states long before the modern era. Writer Jonathan Wune-Jones reported in the UK telegraph that researchers from the University College of London and North Carolina State University found artifacts of drug paraphernalia that were used for inhaling drugs over 2100 years ago.

October 16, 2008

"Rebuttal to “Damaging Freedom : Psychoactive Drugs and the Duty of the State”" by Rick Doblin, PhD.

October 13, 2008

The Independent "Ethics expert calls for drugs to ‘enhance’ death" by .

UK's The Independent reported that ethics experts believe that psychedelics should be available to enhance and demedicalise a persons death experience.

October 9, 2008

"Prohibition maximizes problems and minimizes benefits" by Rick Doblin, PhD.

A speech presented to the Trinity Philosophical Society

"DRUGS" by Tony Allwright.

A speech presented to the Trinity Philosophical Society

October 8, 2008

"MP3 File" by .

Neal M. Goldsmith, Ph.D. was interviewed on Friday, 26 September, 2008 at 12:00 AM on Bob Fass' radio show on WBAI FM. The topic was Psychotherapy, Psychedelics, and the Emergence of an Integral Society. You can listen to it here: http://www.maps.org/avarchive/sept26.2008_radiounamable.mp3 [MAPS Permalink].

"External Link" by .

Audio recordings of the talks from the 2008 Horizon's NYC Conference are available at this URL: http://www.archive.org/details/Horizons2008.

October 7, 2008

The Independent "LSD cured my headache" by Arran Frood.

Arran Frood wrote another great article about the therapeutic applications of psychedelics for The Independent, a London based media outlet. This time Frood explored how people with cluster headaches are finding permanent relief from using LSD.

October 2, 2008

Ecollegetimes.com "Despite medical research, salvia may be outlawed" by Emily Murray.

Staff writer Emily Murray wrote a well-balanced article on Salvia Divinorum. She interviewed MAPS Communications Director Randolph Hencken who told her, "our concern about people outlawing this drug is that it is a knee jerk reaction to something they don't understand. It would take this potentially useful substance that naturally occurs on our planet out of the hands of researchers who could possibly find that salvia is the tool we need to cure cancer, Alzheimer's or schizophrenia."

September 25, 2008

Alternet "What Happens When You Put 300 Experts on Psychedelics in the Same Room" by Steve Wishinia.

Steve Wishinia reported on Alternet about the second annual Horizons conference in New York City. MAPS president Rick Doblin was a speaker at the event, as were Sasha and Ann Shulgin, and numerous other noted persons in the psychedelic renaissance.

September 19, 2008

"Best Of Baltimore > Baltimore Living Winners" by .

Roland Griffiths won the "Best Scientist" award from the Baltimore City Paper. Griffiths and his team at John Hopkins were honored for the courage to study the spiritual benefits of psychedlic use and for bringing the research "out of the dorm room and back into the laboratory."

September 17, 2008

Wall Street Journal "Burning Man Is Hedonistic but Has Social Service, Too" by Charles Shaw.

September 16, 2008

Wall Street Journal "Desert Wanderers Find Their Promised Land" by Travis Kavulla.

The Wall Street Journal printed a hostile article about Burning Man. Journalist Travis Kavulla’s article explicitly mentioned Entheon Village as a “klatch of latter-day hippies and New Agers” and he attempted to discredit Charles Shaw as a witless one-liner wielding conspiracy theorist. A few days later the Wall Street Journal printed Shaw’s abridged rebuttal to Kavulla’s article.

Reality Sandwich "Emerging from the Dark Age: The Revival of Psychedelic Medicine" by Charles Shaw.

Reality Sandwich, published an updated and extended version of Charles Shaw's article Emerging from the Dark Age: The Revival of Psychedelic Medicine. Charles writes in detail about his own journey out of the darkness with the assistance of entheogens.

September 15, 2008

"The federal court ruled on the side of California’s medical marijuana law" by .

The federal court ruled on the side of California’s medical marijuana law. U.S. District Court Judge Jeremy Fogel, found that the federal government had made a concerted effort to sabotage state medical marijuana laws. This is a long overdue victor in the federal court system, and a triumph for California, Wo/men’s Alliance for Medical Marijuana (WAMM), and Santa Cruz city and county (plaintiffs in this court case).

September 11, 2008

ABC News Online "Hurdles keep street drugs out of medicine chest." by Russell Goldman.

ABC News Online (permalink) featured Michael Mithoefer's MDMA/PTSD research in Russell Goldman's article "Hurdles keep street drugs out of medicine chest." The article discusses the problems that scientists face when trying to conduct research with drugs that are illegal, but are suspected of having medical benefits.

MAPS president Rick Doblin is quoted, "It is hard to quantify the lost benefits by not allowing this research to go on. But how can the government justify keeping drugs that improve or save people's lives out of their hands?"

September 10, 2008

BBC "Is doctor-precribed LSD and ‘shrooms on the way" by Arran Frood.

The BBC's Arran Frood authored an optimistic article about the future of psychedelics as a prescription medicine in his article "Is doctor-precribed LSD and 'shrooms on the way."

September 8, 2008

"Towards a Culture Of Responsible Psychoactive Drug Use" by Earth and Fire Erowid.

Earth and Fire Erowid wrote an excellent essay that was part of a Cato Institute online discussion. Responses to the essay came from Jacob Sullum, Jonathan Caulkins, and Mark Kleiman.

September 5, 2008

New Scientist "Interview: Keeping the psychedelic dream alive" by Aaran Frood.

The New Scientist, a preeminent science weekly, printed a compelling interview with MAPS president Rick Doblin. Journalist Arran Frood noted that Doblin “kept the faith” in spite of bureaucratic obstacles to psychedelic research.

August 25, 2008

Calgary Herald "Tripping into mental health" by .

Canada’s Calgary Herald published an article titled "Tripping Into Mental Health," which is an enthusiastic response to Andrew Feldmár’s editorial in the Guardian. Kevin Brooker, the author, credits MAPS with opening the doors to MDMA research.

August 23, 2008

The Times "Can Illegal Drugs Help Depression?" by Arran Frood.

The Times Online (permalink) featured Amanda Fielding of the Beckley Foundation in Arran Frood's article "Can illegal drugs help depression?" The Beckley foundation is a generous funder of MAPS. Amanda told Frood, “What motivates me is that I feel [scientific researchwith pscyhedelic drugs is] an area where one can contribute a real benefit to humanity.”

August 20, 2008

The Guardian "Psychedelic drugs could heal thousands" by Andrew Feldmar.

Andrew Feldmar, the 68-year-old Canadian banned from entering the United States after a border guard found an article he had written about entheogen-assisted psychotherapy, wrote an editorial for the UK's Guardian about the numerous healing potentials of psychedelic psychotherapy.

August 14, 2008

Sarasota Herald Tribune "Had a nice trip. Wish you could, too." by Billy Cox.

The Herald Tribune from Sarasota, Florida, home to MAPS President Rick Doblin's Alma Mater New College, featured an article on Doblin, and MAPS' MDMA/PTSD research. Former acting director of NIDA Glen Hanson tries to detract the possibility of MDMA ever being approved as a prescription medicine, but Doblin counters that pre-existing MDMA data will expedite the process of approval by the FDA. NORML's executive director Alan St. Pierre likens Doblin to a mythical deity, "Rick is Pan," St. Pierre says. "He's Pan with the fife. And I've got to admit, I'm not immune to that at all."

August 12, 2008

The Guardian "Clinical trials test potential of hallucinogenic drugs to help patients with terminal illnesses" by James Randerson.

Psychedelic research appeared in the Guardian (Permalink) again. Journalist James Randerson wrote about research done by MAPS, Griffith, and Grob in the piece Clinical trials test potential of hallucinogenic drugs to help patients with terminal illnesses.

The online edition contains an audio clip by the author, and lengthy video clip of Pamela Sakuda, a subject with cancer from Grobs study, discussing her experience with psilocybin.

MAPS president Rick Doblin was quoted: These drugs, these experiences are not for the mystic who wants to sit on the mountain top and meditate. They are not for the counter-culture rebel. They are for everybody."

The Telegraph "Drugs like LSD and Ecstasy ‘could help terminally ill’" by Graham Tibbetts.

The telegraph.co.uk (Permalink) published a straightforward article about the resurgence of psychedelic research. Graham Tibbet's piece Drugs like LSD and Ecstasy could help terminally ill, discusses the MAPS sponsored LSD study in Switzerland, MDMA/PTSD research, Grobs Harbor-UCLA psilocybin research, and Grifiths psilocybin research.

The Mail on Sunday "LSD used to treat terminally ill patients in clinical trials" by DAILY MAIL REPORTER.

A third article about the psychedelic renaissance appeared online in the Mail Online (Permalink) reported about the clinical trials with LSD, MDMA and psilocybin. Norbert Litzinger, the husband of the late Pamela Sakuda, declared that Sakuda's participation the Grobs psilocybin study greatly benefited the final days of her life.

July 30, 2008

WUNC "MP3 File" by .

An excellent radio show (MAPS permalink) on WUNC FM broadcast out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina featured an interview with Anne Levy about her experience as a subject in Dr. Charlie Grob's study on the use of psilocybin for treatment of anxiety in late stage cancer patients.

July 11, 2008

AlterNet "Emerging from the Drug War Dark Age: LSD and Other Psychedelic Medicines Make a Comeback" by Charles Shaw.

Charles Shaw published an insightful article on psychedelic research and MAPS on Alternet titled Emerging from the Drug War Dark Age: LSD and Other Psychedelic Medicines Make a Comeback. Shaw wrote: More than anyone else in his field, [MAPS president] Doblin is all too familiar with what he refers to as the 40-year-long bad trip that researchers like him have faced in dealing with the fallout from the introduction of LSD and other psychedelic compounds to the Western psyche in the mid 1960s. This 40-year intellectual Dark Age, Doblin says, has been characterized by enormous fear and misinformation and a vested interest in exaggerated stories about drugs to keep prohibition alive.

July 6, 2008

The Sunday Baltimore Sun "Tuning In, Not Out" by .

The Sunday Baltimore Sun published an editorial ("Tuning In, Not Out") supporting research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. The editorial mentions the MAPS-supported research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in people with PTSD and ends by stating, "Instead of banning drugs that are perceived as bad simply because of their recreational use, scientists should be encouraged to pursue legitimate study - lest we miss out on a valuable medicinal tool."

July 3, 2008

Nature News "Benefits of ‘magic mushroom’ therapy long lasting" by .

Nature News published a piece on Griffiths' follow-up to his human psilocybin research. MAPS President Rick Doblin posted a comment in response to the piece which is included in the full text.

July 2, 2008

Newsweek "A Really Long Strange Trip" by Jeneen Interland.

A web exclusive piece published online by Newsweek discusses Griffiths' psilocybin research and his piece containing guidelines for human research with psychedelic compounds, relating it to the history and future of human stuides with psychedelic compounds.

July 1, 2008

Wired "Psilocybin Study Hints at Rebirth of Hallucinogen Research" by .

Wired just published a story on Roland Griffiths' recently published 14-month follow-up to his initial human psilocybin study, and discusses another paper that he and collaborators M Johnson and W Richards publish in the same journal that presents guidelines for conducting research with high doses of psychedelic compounds, a report Griffiths describes in the Wired story as possibly the more important of the two papers.

Bohemian.com "The Counterculture Colonel" by Martin A. Lee.

Though the article is called "The Counter-culture Colonel," Jim transcends the Culture/Counter-Culture divisions. Jim's ability to be on good terms with US Military, Ann and Sasha, and others in the psychedelic community are an example of how we need to go about integrating psychedelics within our culture, being in close touch with diverse elements and trusted by all.

"NIDA/PHS Review of MAPS’ Vaporizer Protocol" by .

The psilocybin/mystical experience study was primarily funded by the Council on Spiritual Practices. Bob Jesse, founder of the Council on Spiritual Practices, has recently sent out a fundraising letter seeking support for further research in healthy volunteers.

Associated Press "Study finds long benefit in illegal mushroom drug" by Malcolm Ritter.

Roland Griffiths and his study of psilocybin have made the news again, as recounted in this Associated Press news report, with the appearance of a 14-month follow-up to his original study that reported mystical experiences after psilocybin, but not methylphenidate. In the follow-up, people continue to say their experiences with psilocybin were some of the most meaningful in their lives.

June 18, 2008

"PDF Article" by .

British Psychiatrist Ben Sessa, in a scholarly exploration, argued for the renewal of research into psychedelic drugs in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

June 12, 2008

NHPR "Tripping Out at Harvard" by Virginia Prescott.

Virginia Prescott with New Hampshire Public Radio interviews freelance writer Peter Bebergal who is based in Cambridge, Mass., and wrote about the new wave of psychedelic-drug research for the Boston Phoenix.

May 28, 2008

The Boston Phoenix "Will Harvard Drop Acid Again?" by Peter Bebergal.

These two articles - from the Boston Phoenix and the UK Independent respectively - both give MAPS' ongoing research some excellent reviews.

May 19, 2008

"From MAPS: Letter to Editor of the Economist" by .

From MAPS: Letter to Editor of the Economist

Dear Editor,

The obituary for Albert Hofmann, the inventor of LSD who died April 29 at age 102, reported that LSD research was stopped in the early 1970s and never resumed. Actually, a protocol evaluating LSD-assisted psychotherapy in subjects with anxiety associated with end-of-life issues was approved in Switzerland in December 2007, shortly before Albert's wife, Anita Hofmann, died, after 72 years of marriage. Albert spoke about that approval as " the fulfillment of my heart's desire." The first LSD session in that study took place on Tuesday, May 13. This will become the first controlled, scientific study of the therapeutic potential of LSD in over 36 years. As Albert hoped, his problem child may yet become a wonder child, much as perhaps the most feared drug of all, thalidomide, has returned as a prescription drug to treat cancer and leprosy.

Furthermore, to set the record straight (so to speak), Albert himself took LSD for the last time at age 97.

Rick Doblin, Ph.D.
President, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS, http://www.maps.org)

[MAPS is sponsoring the Swiss LSD study]

May 13, 2008

NPR "MP3 File" by .
Another short audio clip about Albert Hofmann and his 'Problem Child' (MP3) from NPR.

"MP3 File" by .

This recent letter from Rick Doblin, Ph.D. to the editor of The Economist about Albert Hofmann's death appeared in an audio release of the paper and is available here in MP3 format.

May 8, 2008

The Economist "Albert Hofmann, chemist, died on April 29th, aged 102"

The Lancet "Research on psychedelics moves into the mainstream" by Kelly Morris.

The May 8 issue of the well-known medical journal The Lancet published "Research on psychedelics moves into the mainstream", a news article that discusses renewed research into therapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs and MDMA.

May 7, 2008

Google News "Albert Dies, LSD Psychotherapy Research Lives" by Rick Doblin, PhD.

New York Times "Albert Hofmann Obituary" by Benedict Carey.

NPR "MP3 File" by .

Remembrances - 'Father of LSD' Dies at 102 by Scott Simon: This MP3 recording from the Weekend Edition (Saturday, May 3, 2008) of NPR discusses Albert Hofmann, the self-described "father of LSD," and his discovery of the substance while working for a pharmaceutical company in 1938 and includes Rick Doblin's comments about Hofmann's discovery and the state of current (and past historical) LSD research.

"MP3 File" by .

Presidential Politics in a Changing America (MP3): from WED APR 30, 2008 - America as a whole is more diverse than ever before, but its increasingly crowded with citieseven neighborhoods--where everybody thinks like everybody else. What does that mean for the presidential campaigns? Is "political unification" a distant dream? Also, an update on a sluggish economy, and the life and death of Albert Hofman, who accidentally discovered LSD and started the "psychedelic generation."

May 4, 2008

The Sunday Times "Ecstasy is the Key to Treating PTSD" by Amy Turner.

The Sunday Times (London) recently published "Ecstasy is the Key to Treating PTSD," an in-depth piece on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in people with PTSD, focusing on Dr. Mithoefer's MAPS-supported study and featuring quotes from MAPS president Rick Doblin and British psychiatrist Ben Sessa.

May 3, 2008

NY Times "Albert Hofmann Obituary" by Benedict Carey.

Another extraordinary obituary of Albert Hofmann.

May 1, 2008

National Post (Canada) "On Albert Hofmann, inventor of LSD" by Colby Cosh.

The Independent (UK) "Trip of a lifetime: How LSD rocked the world"

April 30, 2008

"Albert Hofmann Obituaries" by .

Rolling Stone Magazine (PDF)
Gaia Media
London Times
London Telegraph
Chicago Tribune
NY Times
LA Times
Washington Post
CNN
Reuters
SFGate
National Post (Canada)
The Economist
NZZ (German language only)
NY Times Obituary by Benedict Carey
Rick Doblin comments on Albert's life in Google News
Gaia Media Memorial of Albert Hofmann

Bloomberg News "LSD May Shed Hippie Image With Swiss Study of Medical Benefits" by Dermot Doherty.

This recent article entitled LSD May Shed Hippie Image With Swiss Study of Medical Benefits focused on MAPS Swiss LSD study directed by Peter Gasser, M.D. discusses both the current political climate that lead to the study's approval and the counter-cultural currents that spawned the banning of this research in the 1960's.

April 15, 2008

Basler Zeitung (2 articles) "I am no cheerleader for psychedelic drugs" by .

Two intriguing articles about MAPS' involvement in the World Psychedelic Forum 2008 were recently published in the Basler Zeitung newspaper. The first article entitled "Of the Enlightened and the De-Narcotised" is slightly critical about the conference, but it notes that Doblin's comments were balanced, and Michael Mithoefers research was solid. The second article aptly entitled "I am no cheerleader for psychedelic drug" features an interview with Rick Doblin, Ph.D. at the conference.

April 2, 2008

The Capital-Journal Editorial Board "Drug laws — Good riddance" by .

The drug war barrels onward in Kansas as this article from The Capital-Journal Editorial Board suggests. The article discusses the recent legislation to ban sales of hallucinogen in Kansas, boldly claiming that this legislation "isn't an overreaction, it's good for the state"

The London Times "LSD, Ketamine and Cannabis could treat conditions from headache to diabetes" by Arran Frood.

This recent article by Arran Frood which was published in the London Times discusses some of the more exciting and far-sighted uses of psychedelics in the treatment of various illnesses.

March 17, 2008

World Radio Switzerland "LSD and ecstasy bend minds in Basel" by Vincent Landon.

World Radio Switzerland aired a segment about the World Psychedelic Forum in Basel. The segment featured conference organizer Dieter Hagenbach and MAPS sponsored researcher Dr. Peter Gasser.

March 12, 2008

PostModernTimes "MOV File" by .

This intriguing webisode of an interview with MAPS' Founder and President Rick Doblin, Ph.D. was filmed in New York a few months ago by the PostModernTimes.

March 11, 2008

"Is Salvia the Next Marijuana?" by Jesica Gresko.

A recent article from the AP entitled "Is Salvia the Next Marijuana" by Jessica Gresko discusses the US Federal Government's upcoming crackdown on Salvia Divinorum. The article highlights the notion that this legislation is basically an overreaction to a minor problem, despite the fact that no one is disputing the fact "that the plant impairs judgment and the ability to drive".

February 26, 2008

Counterpunch "American College of Physicians Takes Pro-Cannabis Stand (Mostly)" by Fred Gardner.

Counterpunch recently published this online article by Fred Gardner entitled American College of Physicians Takes Pro-Cannabis Stand (Mostly) discussing (as the title implies) the ACP's nearly-unanimous endorsement of dropping the US Federal Government's "monopoly" on Medical Marijuana Research in the United States.

February 21, 2008

The LA Times "Physicians group urges easing of ban on medical marijuana" by Kevin P. Casey.
In what will most likely turn out to be a critical paradigm shift in the battle for Medical Marijuana rights recently, this article from the LA Times entitled "Physicians group urges easing of ban on medical marijuana" discusses the American College of Physicians' decree that "the federal government [should] ease its strict ban on marijuana as medicine and hasten research into the drug's therapeutic uses."

February 19, 2008

"WMV File" by .

Another intriging video from the BBC's Horizons Series is this clip entitled "Brittan's Most Dangerous Drug".

February 18, 2008

"Lauren Anderson Payne on “Shattered Lives”" by .

Listen to this excellent radio interview (available as WAV or MP3) on "Shattered Lives" with MAPS Staffer Lauren Anderson Payne.

February 12 was the one-year anniversary of DEA Administrative Law Judge Mary Ellen Bittners historic ruling in which she found that it would be in the public interest for the DEA to license Prof. Craker to produce marijuana for federally approved research, breaking NIDA's monopoly on the supply of marijuana legal for research. Since Judge Bittner's ruling, the DEA has predictably opted for its strategy of delay and has not yet issued a final ruling in response to Judge Bittner's recommendation.

On Monday, January 28, Sharon North interviewed MAPS Government Relations Associate Lauren Anderson Payne on Shattered Lives Radio KZFR, Community Radio for the Sacramento Valley. They discussed the current state of Professor Craker's bid for a license to produce research-grade marijuana for use in FDA-approved protocols. Currently MAPS is working with several other organizations to try to secure Senatorial support for the UMass-Amherst facility. We're starting to mobilize grassroots activists to contact their Senators to provide local support, in addition to the policy arguments we're providing directly to Senatorial staff. We're optimistic that other Senators will soon join Sens. Kennedy and Kerry by signing a letter of support addressed to the DEA urging it to implement Bittners ruling. Let your Senators know that you think medical marijuana research should be put in the hands of scientists, not blocked by politicians! Find your Senators' contact info at http://www.senate.gov and call them today! Your calls can make an important difference, in combination with our work in DC.

February 17, 2008

AlterNet "Breaking the Drug Taboo: Group of Traumatized Veterans Get Ecstasy Treatment" by Scott Thill.

This excellent article by Scott Thill from AlterNet entitled "Breaking the Drug Taboo: Group of Traumatized Veterans Get Ecstasy Treatment" discusses MAPS' role in helping US Military Veterans to get treatment for PTSD as well as providing an insightful overview of MAPS' MDMA/PTSD research in general.

February 12, 2008

"WMV File" by .

This video from BBC entitled Horizons: Psychedelic Science is an excellent introduction into the science and theory behind the psychedelic research movement and the ideas that motivated its founders and continues to drive its proponents.

February 8, 2008

"LA marijuana vending machines violate international treaties, UN-affiliated board says" by .

This article from the Associated Press talks about the U.N.'s concern with the recent installation of computerized medical marijuana vending machines in Los Angeles California.

February 6, 2008

The Province "UN NGO Consulation" by Suzanne Fournier.

This short snippet about the UN NGO's Consultation in Canada from The Province brings up some interesting issues, both criticizing the United States "War On Drugs" and offering the viewpoints of both those for Drug legalization and against it.

February 5, 2008

Arch Gen Psychi "Reply No evidence of decrease in cognitive function in users of low-dose ecstasy" by Schilt, T, de Win MM, Koeter M, Jager G, Korf D, van den Brink W, Schmand B.

February 4, 2008

Canadian Press "U.S. cities have taken note of Vancouver safe-injection site: conference"

January 28, 2008

"MAPS Staffer Valerie Mojeiko Speaks on Psychedelic Therapy at the University of Amsterdam" by .

On January 28th MAPS Program Director Valerie Mojeiko addressed an audience of over two hundred and fifty psychology students and faculty, as well as others interested in MAPS research, at the University of Amsterdam. Her powerpoint presentation is available as a ZIP file online. Ms. Mojeiko spoke about MAPS current research into the use of LSD and MDMA in psychotherapy and about the principles of psychedelic emergency work. The talk was co-sponsored by Stichting Open, a Dutch foundation that is seeking to stimulate academic research into psychedelic substances.

January 23, 2008

"Using LSD to Treat the Fear of Dying" by Jean-Martin Büttner.

This newspaper article was recently published in the TAGES ANZEIGER paper discussing the new MAPS' sponsored Swiss LSD study - the first of its kind to be initiated in over 40 years. You can find the original German language article as a PDF here.

January 18, 2008

San Francisco Chronicle "RX for Big Pharma - heal thyself. Hey, try this pill." by Mark Morford.

This article by Mark Morford of the SF Chronicle gives a dashing and daring comparison of MDMA with other "licit" drugs (such as Lyrica from Pfizer used to treat fibromyalgia).

January 5, 2008

"Swiss TV News Interview with LSD’s creator Albert Hofmann and MAPS’ researcher Peter Gasser" by .

Now available: a transcript of the December 2007 Swiss TV interview with LSD's creator Albert Hofmann and MAPS' researcher Peter Gasser.

2007 Media Articles...

December 28, 2007

"Licensed by the State of Israel"

December 25, 2007

Chicago Tribune "New Year, New Laws" by Robert Mitchum.

The Chicago Tribune recently published this article about Illinois State's proposed rescheduling of Salvia Divinorum as an illegal drug.

December 5, 2007

"PDF File" by .

Scientific American Mind magazine published this (PDF) article by David Jay Brown about psychedelic medicine in their December/January 2007 issue. The article "Psychedelic Healing?" summarizes much of the research into psychedelics that has gone on in recent years, most of which has been supported by MAPS. Brown discusses how psychedelics are being studied as treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, cluster headaches, anxiety associated with cancer, drug addiction, and other difficult-to-treat psychiatric disorders.

November 30, 2007

Science Daily "Methamphetamine is not MDMA"
An excellent article about studies on the effects of methamphetamine, not MDMA, describes findings in rats, not people.

November 29, 2007

Journal of Psychopharmacology "MDMA, politics and medical research: Have we thrown the baby out with the bathwater?" by Ilsa Jerome.

Sessa and Nutt have recently published an editorial in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, "MDMA, politics and medical research: Have we thrown the baby out with the bathwater?", speaking out against the effects of politics and regulation on medical research with MDMA and in favor of more basic and medical research. In their editorial, Sessa and Nutt discuss the costs to the research enterprise imposed by regulation of MDMA, and proposes at least three avenues of further research. The piece is provocative and uneven, but makes for encouraging reading for supporters of MDMA psychotherapy research.

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE"

This press release discusses the North Dakota Supreme Court’s rejection of the 8 year bid of North Dakota farmers to grow industrial hemp as well as the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between North Dakota State University (NDSU) and the ND Supreme Court.

November 27, 2007

"PDF Articles" by .

Two Spanish-language summaries of the recent Washington Post Sunday Magazine article entitled "The Peace Drug" about MAPS' South Carolina MDMA/PTSD study (published on Nov. 26, 2007) were published in the ABC (PDF) and El Mundo (PDF) newspapers in Spain.

November 26, 2007

"MP3 File" by .

After the article about the MAPS-sponsored MDMA/PTSD study appeared in the Washington Post, Dr. Mithoefer and Post editor Tom Shroder were interviewed live on NPR's on "Tell Me More" hosted by Michelle Martin.

November 25, 2007

Washington Post "Comments on The Peace Drug" by Tom Shroder.

Washington Post "The Peace Drug" by Tom Shroder.

Washington Post magazine published an article (MAPS PDF Permalink) featured as the cover story about MAPS’ and Dr. Michael Mithoefer’s MDMA-PTSD research entitled "Peace Drug". This article is overall positive with one minor mistake--the idea of MDMA being prescribed only by specially trained therapists in psychedelic clinics is attributed to Dr. Michael Mithoefer when it should have been attributed to Rick Doblin Ph.D.’s dissertation. This article is unique as it is the first time that a reporter has been allowed to interview a research participant from this historic study. You can read the comments about this article here.

November 12, 2007

Freakonomics blog "On the Legalization or Not of Marijuana" by Stephen J. Dubne.

The Freakonomics blog on The New York Times site features an interesting point/counterpoint-style review of the arguments for against the prohibition of marijuana.

November 9, 2007

Salem-News "American Psychiatric Association Assembly Unanimously Backs Medical Marijuana" by Tim King.

The American Psychiatric Association has passed a unanimous resolution supporting medical marijuana.

November 8, 2007

Reality Sandwich "Rising Researchers on the Psychedelic Horizon" by Diana Slattery.

MAPS member Diana Slattery has an interesting article on Reality Sandwich in which she interviews Thomas Roberts, PhD, about the future of psychedelic research. Click here to read "Rising Researchers on the Psychedelic Horizon."

November 4, 2007

Drugsense.org Blog "Teens Who Smoke Pot But Not Tobacco Function Well" by .

According to a new study by Swiss researchers, teenagers who smoke marijuana but not tobacco appear to be more likely to get good grades, play sports and live with both parents than those who also use tobacco. Moreover, the study found that teens who smoke pot were more likely to have a good relationship with their friends than teens who smoked neither tobacco nor pot, found the study published in the November issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Click here to read a report.

November 1, 2007

"Short snippets of speeches on various topics by Rick Doblin, PhD, and videos from Houston, TX" by .

1. General http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMBwPToKdOc
2. LSD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxRyFUfoH3I
3. MDMA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIo5zf7AFu4
4. Marijuana 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGBjGrHPr8c
5. Marijuana 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8jP3D8iAmY

These YouTube videos feature Rick Doblin, founder and president of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies

October 30, 2007

The Georgia Straight "The Quest for the Ultimate Cure for Addiction" by Alex Roslin.

Canada's largest urban weekly, The Georgia Straight, published a feature article about the MAPS-sponsored observational case study in British Columbia evaluating ibogaine treatment in subjects with opiate dependence. The article includes some interesting personal anecdotes and analysis from MAPS President Rick Doblin, PhD, as well as a discussion of MAPS' FDA Phase II research evaluating MDMA-, LSD-, and psyilocybin-assisted psychotherapy.

October 29, 2007

The Guardian "Sheer genius: from the web to Homer Simpson" by Rachel Williams.

London's Guardian published an article about a consulting survey of the British public finding that Albert Hofmann, PhD, shares the top spot for #1 as the person considered to be the greatest living genius. Hofmann, the Swiss chemist who is best known for synthesizing LSD, shares the top spot with British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee, and surprisingly ranks ahead of Stephen Hawking (#7), Nelson Mandela (#5), Matt Groening (#4) and George Soros (#3). Click here to read "Sheer Genius: From the Web to Homer Simpson." In 2006, MAPS published a new edition of Hofmann's long-out-of-print autobiographical book, LSD: My Problem Child. MAPS is also raising funds for LSD and psilocybin research by selling books and visionary artwork signed by Albert Hofmann. For details and more information, please visit the MAPS Webstore.

October 1, 2007

American Medical News "Altered Perceptions: Good Outcomes from ‘Club Drugs’" by Victoria Stagg Elliot.

American Medical News published a feature article entitled "Altered Perceptions: Good Outcomes from 'Club Drugs'"? MAPS President Rick Doblin, PhD, and researchers Michael Mithoefer, MD, John Halpern, MD, and Charles Grob, MD, are quoted. American Medical News is a weekly newspaper for physicians published by the American Medical Association that is ciculated to over 230,000 physicians and health policy regulators.

September 18, 2007

"MAPS Swiss LSD Study Featured in Major Swiss TV News Report" by .

A major Swiss TV news report was broadcast earlier this month about Dr. Peter Gasser's MAPS-sponsored study evaluating LSD-assisted psychotherapy for subjects with end-of-life anxiety secondary to end-stage illness. The report includes a new interview with Albert Hofmann, who rarely speaks publicly due to his fragile health. Click here to watch the broadcast (in German) on the MAPS site. To follow the interview in English, we've posted an English-language transcript online.

September 12, 2007

Chemistry World "Doblin and Halpern on CWPodcast (Sept. 2007)" by .

Chemistry World's monthly podcast (MAPS Permalink to the MP3 File) about medical research evaluating psychedelics features interviews with MAPS President Rick Doblin, PhD, and researcher John Halpern, MD. A transcript of the interview is also is available.

September 11, 2007

"WVC Audio/Visual Archive" by .

The 2007 Women's Visionary Congress audio recordings are now available for download and streaming audio (mp3) in the MAPS A/V Archive.

September 4, 2007

"PDF File" by .

Chemistry World magazine recently published a comprehensive feature-length article about the "resurgence of medical hallucinogens." MAPS President Rick Doblin, PhD, is quoted throughout the article.

August 27, 2007

Los Angeles Times "Headway in developing a faster-acting antidepressant" by Denise Gellene.

The Los Angeles Times published an article about research evaluating ketamine's effect on depression -- "Headway in developing a faster-acting antidepressant."

August 26, 2007

"External Source" by .

MAPS President Rick Doblin gave a comprensive interview about MAPS' medical marijuana efforts on Health Radio with Dr. Meg Jordan. Click here to listen to the full interview.

August 20, 2007

Foreign Policy "Think Again: Drugs" by Ethan Nadelmann.

Foreign Policy published a cover story by Ethan Nadelmann, PhD, "Think Again: Drugs." While not directly about MAPS, the article points to the larger challenges our work faces because of prohibitionist public policy. Nadelmann is executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), the nation's leading organization working to reform the nation's drug laws. DPA awarded MAPS a grant earlier this year for $12,500 for our medical marijuana case.

August 15, 2007

Medical Marijuana "Letter to the Editor" by Daniel Pope.

Neurology Now published a strong letter to the editor from a medical marijuana patient in Colorado that urges DEA to accept Judge Bittner's recent ruling on behalf of MAPS and Professor Lyle Craker.

August 9, 2007

Orange County Register "Treatment Interrupted" by Alan Bock.

Orange County Register Senior Editor Alan Bock published an insightful editorial about the implementation of California's medical marijuana law. Bock connects the challenges of implementation to the federal government's obstruction of scientific research. He descibes MAPS' effort to establish the nation's first privately-funded research-grade marijuana production facility at UMass-Amherst, which would pave the way for an FDA drug development effort with marijuana.

July 30, 2007

"Will One Joint Really Make You Schizoid?" by Maia Szalavitz.

In response to the recent sensationalistic media coverage exaggerating the link between marijuana and schizophrenia, Maia Szalavitz published an analysis on stats.org debunking the hysteria.

July 21, 2007

"MP3 File" by .

MAPS founder and president Rick Doblin, PhD, gave an extensive intereview on "Of Consuming Interest" on the Progressive Radio Network. Click here to listen to a streaming mp3 of the interview. The interview is primarily about MAPS' strategy to halt the federal government's obstruction of medical marijuana research aimed at developing the plant into an FDA-approved medicine.

July 17, 2007

Huffington Post "A Home for Ibogaine in Barcelona" by Mary Clare Ditton.

The Huffington Post's Mary Clare Ditton published an interesting article about a new ibogaine treatment center in Barcelona. The article discusses the MAPS-sponsored long-term observational case study in Vancouver as well as the parallel ibogaine study that MAPS is developing in Mexico.

July 16, 2007

Chemistry World News "Hallucinogenic drug in the clinic" by Karen Harries-Rees.

Chemistry World published an article, "Hallucinogenic Drug in the Clinic," about MAPS' research, in particular Dr. Peter Gasser's MAPS-sponsored LSD therapy study in Switzerland for subjects with end-of-life-anxiety secondary to terminal illness.

July 3, 2007

"MP3 File" by .
MAPS President Rick Doblin, PhD, appeared as a special guest and gave a lengthy interview on the Deborah Ray Healthy Talk Show. (The interview comes on about halfway into the show.)

June 29, 2007

Nature Medicine "Scientists Stir the Pot for Right to Grow Marijuana" by Arran Frood.

Nature published an excellent article ("Scientists stir the pot for right to grow marijuana") about MAPS' campaign to break the federal government's illegal monopoly on the supply of research-grade marijuana for use in privately funded clinical studies that would determine whether marijuana meets the FDA's standards for safety and efficacy.

June 27, 2007

Washington Post "Oyez, Oyez" by Charles Lane.

The Washington Post published a fascinating article ("Justice Stevens Calls On History He Lived") about Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens' dissenting opinion in the recent 'Bong Hits 4 Jesus' Supreme Court case. The 87-year-old Justice Stevens, the third oldest Judge ever to sit on the Supreme Court, reflected on the failed policy of alcohol prohibition and compared it to today's marijuana policy. Stevens wrote:

"[T]he current dominant opinion supporting the war on drugs in general, and our anti-marijuana laws in particular, is reminiscent of the opinion that supported the nationwide ban on alcohol consumption when I was a student. While alcoholic beverages are now regarded as ordinary articles of commerce, their use was then condemned with the same moral fervor that now supports the war on drugs."

June 26, 2007

"Commentary on News Coverage of Ecstasy User/Memory Meta-analysis" by Ilsa Jerome.

Breitbart.com "Dance drug Ecstasy ‘Affects Memory’"

Reuters "Taking Ecstasy Once Can Damage Memory - Study"

Times On Line "Even Low Ecstasy Use Harms Memory" by .

News coverage of a soon-to-be published research report in the journal Human Psychopharmacology vary in depth and accuracy, with some claiming "Even Low ecstasy use harms memory," or Taking Ecstasy Once can Damage Memory", while others provide more details suggesting that this is not the case. The research in question is a meta-analysis of previous research studies. Read initial comments and reflections on the news coverage and research report13.

June 25, 2007

"Under the Spell of the Magic Mint" by .

GQ published a thorough feature about the Salvia divinorum, "Under the Spell of the Magic Mint" (available at pdf).

June 18, 2007

"Crackpot Legislation" by Henry I. Miller.

After the New York State Assembly passed a medical marijuana bill (it still needs to pass the State Senate and be signed by the Governor to become law), the New York Times Metro section published an op-ed by Henry I. Miller, "Crackpot Legislation." Unfortunately, while Miller makes the important point that marijuana should be evaluated by FDA-approved research, he fails to make any mention of the federal government's systematic obstruction of such research.

June 12, 2007

The Times (of Trenton, New Jersey) "Let’s find out if marijuana belongs on the Pharmacy shelf" by Kenneth Wolski.

Kenneth Wolski, MD, published a strong op-ed in The Times (of Trenton, NJ) that focuses on the federal government's obstruction of medical marijuana research and the recent DEA Judge's ruling in favor of a MAPS-sponsored medical marijuana production facility that would be the prerequisite for putting marijuana through FDA clinical trials to determine whether it can be developed into a legal, precsripction medicine.

June 1, 2007

The Advertiser (Adelaide, Australia) "Pyne’s pain" by Dr. David Caldicott.

A strong op-ed by Dr. David Caldicott in South Australia's Adelaide Advertiser criticizes an Australian politician's fearmongering about MDMA, his misguided advocacy of "Americian-style Prohibition policies" and his "ignorance of drug policy and indeed illicit drugs themselves..."

May 31, 2007

LA Times "Not Enough Marijuana" by .

The Los Angeles Times published a strongly supportive editorial in favor of MAPS and Prof. Craker in their struggle with the DEA to break the federal government's monopoly on medical marijuana research by establishing an independent research-grade marijuana production facility at University of Massachusetts.

May 30, 2007

"Spiritual Highs and Legal Blows" by Jacob Sullum.

Senior Editor Jacob Sullum wrote a couple of interesting articles related to MAPS and its agenda in the June 2007 issue of Reason. "Spiritual highs and legal blows: The power and peril of religious exemptions from drug prohibition" is a thorough discussion of the implications of last year's Supreme Court victory by the UDV, the Religous Freedom Restoration Act, and the politics of the religous use of psychedelics and marijuana. Along a similar vein,"Looking for God in All the Wrong Places" discusses more consisely the limits of the Religous Freedom Restoration Act. Both articles quote MAPS President Rick Doblin, Ph.D.

May 28, 2007

Alternate 101 "Mapping a New Frontier" by Greg M. Schwartz.

San Jose's weekly magazine Alternate 101 (circulation 27,000) published a thorough cover story about MAPS, "Mapping a New Frontier." The writer, Greg Schwartz, visited the MAPS Love Creek office and paints a relatively comprehensive picture of MAPS' current projects and overall mission.

May 25, 2007

Honolulu Star Bulletin "Editorial: Medical Marijuana Research Should Not Be Hampered"

New York Times "Marijuana Researchers Make Progress in the Lab, but not in Washington"

Washington Post (Also appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle) "Researchers Press DEA to Let Them Grow Marijuana"

"Stan Grof: Journey into the Holo-deck of the Unconscious" by Diego Pignatelli.

Associated Press (As published in the Boston Globe) "UMass professor seeks to grow medical marijuana" by .

Now that the ball is in the DEA's court to decide whether to accept or reject the DEA Administrative Law Judge's Recommended Ruling in favor of Prof. Craker and MAPS, the media is keeping the issue of MAPS' marijuana drug development initiative alive. Here's a sampling of last week's news on the case:

May 21, 2007

The Economist "Joint Action" by .

The Economist published a great editorial in favor of MAPS and Professor Lyle Craker's application to establish the nation's first privately funded medical marijuana production facility.

May 17, 2007

Philadelphia Inquirer "Making a case for marijuana use in relieving pain" by Kay Goodstad.

The Philadelphia Inquirer published an editorial strongly in favor of medical marijuana, entitled "Making a case for marijuana use in relieving pain".

May 15, 2007

The Walrus "Peaking on the Prairies" by Jake MacDonald.

The Walrus published a fascinating article entitled"Peaking on the Prairies" that describes Dr. Humphrey Osmond's extensive psychedelic therapy research program in the 1950's.

May 12, 2007

"Organizations Writing to DEA Supporting Prof. Craker"

May 11, 2007

"FDA dubious over medical marijuana" by Jean Chemnick.

Washington D.C.'s Politico published an article entitled "FDA dubious over medical marijuana" that describes MAPS' efforts to establish an independent supply of research-grade marijuana as a prerequisite to MAPS-sponsored FDA clinical trials, and how this relates to Senator Coburn's recent medical marijauana legislation.

May 9, 2007

"Inhaling Cannabis Without the Smoke" by Arran Frood.

University of California - San Francisco "Marijuana Vaporizer Provides Same Level Of THC, Fewer Toxins, Study Shows" by .

A new study from University of California-San Francisco provides strong evidence that vaporization has promising potential as a method of medical marijuana delivery. The study, published online by the journal Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, was conducted at UCSF by a team led by Donald Abrams, MD, and compared a commercially available vaporizer to smoking in 18 volunteers. The researchers found that, "vaporization of marijuana does not result in exposure to combustion gases, and therefore is expected to be much safer than smoking marijuana cigarettes." Dr. Abrams was able to obtain permission from FDA to conduct his study based in part on data on the composition of the ingredients in marijuana vapor gathered in research sponsored by MAPS and CaNORML. That line of MAPS-sponsored research is currently blocked since NIDA has refused to sell marijuana for additional studies. Click here to read Dr. Abrams' full report.

Arran Frood at Nature Medicine published "Inhaling Cannabis Without the Smoke," and Science Daily covered the story in the article "Marijuana Vaporizer Provides Same Level Of THC, Fewer Toxins, Study Shows."

May 7, 2007

Slate "Spirit Tech - How to wire your brain for religious ecstasy" by John Horgan.
John Horgan at Slate magazine published "Spirit Tech - How to wire your brain for religious ecstasy," which discusses MAPS-sponsored psychedelic research.

Litmus Magazine "Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out … Get Well?" by Jaime McCutcheon.

Litmus magazine published a thorough article about the history of psychedelic therapy research and MAPS' current efforts. In addition, Litmus published an interview with MAPS founder and president Rick Doblin, PhD.

May 5, 2007

Th Washington Times "When the law can be painful" by Fred Reed.

The Washington Times published an article about the use of LSD and psilocybin to treat cluster headaches, and MAPS-initiated research at Harvard's McLean Hospital investigating the efficacy of this treatment.

April 29, 2007

"External Source" by .
MAPS Director of Communications Jag Davies gave an interview on the RU Sirius show, transcribed and published in print as "Prescription Ecstasy and Other Pipe Dreams." The interview is about 20 minutes long and covers a broad range of topics related to MAPS' research.

April 20, 2007

Jerusalem Post "Going to Pot" by Sheera Claire Frenke.

The Jerusalem Post published "Going to Pot" -- an article about the medical use of marijuana in Israel, for which there is growing political and medical support.

April 19, 2007

Time Magazine "Was Timothy Leary Right?" by John Cloud.

Time magazine published a relatively balanced article about MAPS' efforts to evaluate the medical and therapeutic applications of psychedelics, entitled "Was Timothy Leary Right?" The article starts by posing the question, "Are psychedelics good for you?" The writer, John Cloud, goes on to say, "today ... we have a Leary for a less naive age: Richard Doblin. Also a Harvard guy--his Ph.D. is in public policy--Doblin founded the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in 1986 to help scientists get funding and approval to study the drugs ... Doblin has painstakingly worked with intensely skeptical federal authorities to win necessary permissions. MAPS helped launch all four of the current Ecstasy studies, a process that took two decades. It's the antithesis of Leary's approach. All drugs have benefits and risks, but in psychedelics we have been tempted to see only one or the other. Not anymore."

April 15, 2007

Sacramento Bee "OPED: Rejected in Court, Medical Pot Advocates Turn to DEA" by Claire Cooper.

This op-ed published in the Sacramento Bee is an excellent summary of the political and legal implications of MAPS' recent legal victory over the DEA in MAPS' quest to put marijuana through FDA clinical trials.

April 12, 2007

Tikkun Magazine "Can Science Validate the Psychedelic Experience?" by Charles Hayes.

Charles Hayes, author of Tripping: An Anthology of True-Life Psychedelic Adventures (available in the MAPS store), has published a thought provoking article in Tikkun magazine (A Bimonthly Jewish Critique of Politics,
Culture & Society) entitled, “Can Science Validate the Psychedelic Experience?”; Many of MAPS’ psychedelic research studies are mentioned.

April 4, 2007

The Jerusalem Post "Significant Synchronicities" by Reuven Goldfar.

The Jerusalem Post published an interesting article about Pessah, the discovery of LSD, the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the human psyche entitled “Significant Synchronicities.” In the article, the writer, Reuven Goldfarb, highly recommends Albert Hofmann’s autobiographical book LSD: My Problem Child, which was re-published by MAPS in 2006.

April 3, 2007

St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MO "Medical Use of Marijuana Should Be Legalized" by Montel Williams.

The TV talk show host Montel Williams published an articulate op-ed in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “Medical Use of Marijuana Should be Legalized.” Williams uses medical marijuana to treat the dehabilitating neuropathic pain caused by multiple sclerosis. Williams writes that, “My doctors wrote me prescriptions for some of the strongest painkillers available. I took Percocet, Vicodin and Oxycontin on a regular basis, knowingly risking overdose just trying to make the pain bearable. But these powerful, expensive drugs brought me no relief ... When someone suggested I try marijuana, I was skeptical. But I also was desperate. To my amazement, it worked after the legal drugs had failed. Three puffs and within minutes the excruciating pain in my legs subsided. I had my first restful sleep in months.”

March 31, 2007

Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA) "Barr Shifts in Support of Medical Marijuana" by .

As reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, former Republican Congressman Bob Barr has become a vocal supporter of medical marijuana and has taken a new position as a lobbyist for the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). Read about this development in “Barr Shifts in Support of Medical Marijuana”. Last month, MPP awarded MAPS a grant of $45,000 for lobbying efforts to pressure DEA to accept the recent Administrative Law Judge ruling in favor of Prof. Lyle Craker’s proposed MAPS-sponsored marijuana production facility.

March 30, 2007

The New York Times "Pompoms, Pyramids and Peril" by Bill Pennington.

The New York Times published “Pom-Poms, Pyramids, and Peril,” a feature article describing the the high rate of catastrophic injury among cheerleaders and other “recreational” athletes. This story is noteworthy in light of Jag Davies’ article in the Winter 2006-07 MAPS Bulletin, “Ecstasy and Cheerleading: A Basic Risk Comparison”.

March 25, 2007

The Orange County Register "Still Waiting to Inhale" by Alan Bock.

Alan Bock, senior editorial writer for the Orange County Register published “Still Waiting to Inhale,” describing several recent signs of hope for medical marijuana patients, such as the recent DEA ALJ ruling in favor of ending NIDA’s monopoly on marijuana research and licensing Prof. Lyle Craker’s proposed MAPS-sponsored medical marijuana production facility.

March 23, 2007

AP "Study: Alcohol, Tobacco Worse Than Drugs" by Maria Cheng.

The Guardian "Alcohol Worse Than Ecstasy On Shock New Drug List" by James Randerson.

London’s Guardian published “Alcohol worse than ecstasy on shock new drug list.” The article describes a groundbreaking report published in the medical journal The Lancet from a group of the UK’s leading scientists, including members of the government’s top advisory committee on drug classification, that concluded that alcohol and tobacco should be rated as more dangerous than cannabis, LSD and ecstasy. Back in the US, the Associated Press covered the report in “Study: Alcohol, Tobacco Worse Than Drugs”.

The Associated Press "Study: Alcohol, Tobacco Worse Than Drug" by Maria Cheng.

March 22, 2007

The Guardian "Drugs: Stop the War" by .

London’s Guardian published a stinging indictment of the Drug War, entitled “Drugs: Stop the War”.

March 20, 2007

Time Magazine "Taking A Trip For Your Mental Health" by John Cloud.

Time Magazine's annual "What's Next" issue ran a brief story entitled "Taking a trip for your mental health," highlighting MAPS-sponsored MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine research.

March 19, 2007

American Medical New "DEA Judge’s Ruling Could Help Medical Marijuana Research" by Amy Lynn Sorrel.

American Medical News published an article about MAPS’ recent legal victory in our quest for a medical marijuana production facility.

March 16, 2007

San Francisco Chronicle "Opinion: The Laws Against Marijuana are Stupid" by Jon Carroll.

Wall Street Journal "Reefer Madness" by Randy E. Barnett.

"PDF Article" by .

On March 14, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously rejected (3-0) an appeal by medical marijuana patient Angel Raich, ruling that the 10th amendment does not protect her right to use medical marijuana and that there is no constitutional right to use marijuana to treat pain and suffering. MAPS and MPP submitted an amicus curiae brief for the appeal, as well as for Raich’s previous cases, detailing the federal government’s obstruction of medical marijuana research. Raich, a mother of two, uses marijuana to treat severe chronic pain, an inoperable brain tumor, wasting syndrome, and seizures. With Raich’s appeal lost, one more potential door to federally-legal medical marijuana is firmly shut, making the route through FDA even more necessary than before.

Prof. Randy Barnett, Raich’s lawyer and a professor at Georgetown University Law Center, published a thorough op-ed in the Wall Street Journal. The San Francisco Chronicle also published a candid op-ed, “The laws against marijuana are stupid”.

March 6, 2007

"External Source" by .
Peter Jennings' special ABC report entitled Ecstasy Rising is available for viewing. This groundbreaking documentary discusses MDMA's cultural history, its use as a therapeutic tool, the government's criminalization and exaggeration of its risks, and MAPS' recent success with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research. Regarding this clip we would like to give SPECIAL thanks to Nathan for ripping this footage and hosting it onsite

Many gracious THANX...!

February 27, 2007

The Guardian "The Trip Goes On" by Duncan Campbell.

This article about LSD entitled >The Trip Goes On was published in UK’s The Guardian.

February 26, 2007

"DEA stymies science"

The Boston Globe "Judge: Let Prof Grow Medicinal Marijuana" by David Abe.

San Francisco Chronicle "Judge Sides with Botanist on Pot Supply" by Bob Egelko.

San Jose Mercury News "Judge Rules Government Supply of Marijuana is Inadequate" by Michael Doyle.

Daily Journal "Ole Miss May Get Competition in Growing Legal Marijuana" by Errol Castens.

Republican, The (Springfield, MA) "Marijuana Research a New Field at UMass?"

Bay Area Reporter "Judge Tells DEA to Issue License to Grow Pot for Research" by Bob Roehr.

Austin Chronicle "Reefer Madness: Judge Supports Bid to Grow Research Pot" by Jordan Smith.

Chicago Tribune "Truth and medical marijuana" by .

MAPS and medical marijuana advocates won a major victory against the federal government on February 12, as the DEA's administrative law judge ruled on behalf of Professor Lyle Craker, who is attempting to break the government's 65-year monopoly on marijuana research by establishing a MAPS-sponsored research-grade marijuana production facility at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. News of the lawsuit victory was covered by more than 100 media outlets, and most of the top media outlets across the country have repoorted on and editorialized about MAPS' historic legal triumph over the DEA.

One of the best quotes comes from an editorial in the Chicago Tribune that says, "If the government is so sure that marijuana has no medical value, it should welcome this sort of research. If it refuses to facilitate such studies, it must fear knowing the truth."

Here are some more of the articles that we have archived over the past couple weeks:

Chicago Tribune
Truth and Medical Marijuana

St. Petersburg Times:
DEA stymies science

Boston Globe:
Judge: Let prof grow medicinal marijuana

San Francisco Chronicle:
Judge sides with botanist on pot supply

McClatchey News newswire article, which was carried in The Miami Herald, San Jose Mercury-News, Seattle Post-Intelligencer and others:
Judge rules government supply of marijuana is inadequate

Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal:
Ole Miss may get competition in growing marijuana

Springfield Republican:
Marijuana Research a New Field at UMass?

Bay Area Reporter:
Judge tells DEA to issue license to grow pot for research

Austin Chronicle
Reefer Madness: Judge Supports Bid to Grow Research Pot

Sky News (UK) "Ecstasy Trials Approved"

The UK’s Sky News published a short article describing Dr. Peter Oehen’s MAPS -sponsored pilot study evaluating MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for subjects with treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

February 20, 2007

Prince Albert Daily Herald "Weyburn Experiments With LSD" by Paul Spasoff.

The Prince Albert Daily Herald published an article about the pioneering psychedelic research program at the University of Saskatchewan’s Weyburn Hospital in the 1950s and 60s, led by Dr. Humphrey Osmond.

February 19, 2007

Cosmos Magazine "The Acid Test" by Alex Wilde.

Cosmos magazine published an article about medical research with LSD.

February 14, 2007

Swiss Radio International "“Ecstasy” Used to Treat Swiss Trauma Victims" by .

Swiss Radio International's Swissinfo published a brief original article describing Dr. Peter Oehen's ongoing MAPS-sponsored pilot study evaluating MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for subjects with treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder.

February 13, 2007

Washington Post "Research Supports Medicinal Marijuana" by Rick Weiss.

The Washington Post reported in "Research Supports Medicinal Marijuana" on Dr. Donald Abrams' double-blind study of smoked marijuana for HIV-related peripheral neuropathy that was published in the respected journal Neurology. The findings showed that marijuana can be a safe and effective medication for many people with this condition, and is evidence of marijuana's therapeutic potential. Yet, no researchers are continuing Dr. Abrams' promising research, because NIDA's monopoly and arbitrary review process deters any private sponsor from investing in a medical marijuana drug development effort. The article finished by mentioning MAPS' victory in our lawsuit against DEA/NIDA, although it unfortunately doesn't explicitly connect the two issues.

February 7, 2007

New York Times "Court Allows Medicinal Use of Marijuana" by DEAN E. MURPHY.
The Ninth Circuit federal appeals court has refused to reconsider its Raich-Monson decision that allows Californians to grow and use marijuana to treat their illnesses. Not a single judge on the circuit voted to accept the government’s request for reconsideration. The government’s only recourse to reverse the Raich-Monson decision is to appeal to the Supreme Court. The government has 90 days to file a petition for certiorari. An article about this decision by Dean Murphy appeared in the New York Times.

February 1, 2007

"‘Shroom Science: Safe and Effective?" by Glenn McGee.

The Scientist published an article about psilocybin research that attempts to point to the risks of psychedelic research. Read Are Ritalin and psilocybin equivalent in terms of effect and safety?

January 31, 2007

Reuters "“Smokable” Pain Drugs Promise Faster Action" by Toni Clarke.

Reuters reported in "Smokable Pain Drugs Promise Faster Action" on Alexza's development of smokeable drugs for migraine, pain, panic and agitation. This development could have implications for research with medical marijuana, since one of the government's main arguments has been that no legitimate medicine is smoked.

January 23, 2007

Slate "What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been - Ecstasy, The New Prescription Drug?" by Amanda Schaffer.

Slate published a positive description of MAPS' MDMA drug development efforts in a front page article entitled "What a Long, Strange Trip It's Been: Ecstasy, the New Prescription Drug?"

January 20, 2007

"Tackling Depression with Ketamine" by Maia Szalavitz.

The New Scientist‘s Maia Szalavitz reports on promising ketamine research in “Tackling Depression with Ketamine”.

January 13, 2007

The Lancet "An Affirming Trip" by Kelly Morris.

UK medical journal The Lancet published a concise book review of Prof. Thomas Roberts’ book Psychedelic Horizons. Thomas “...challenges swathes of current thinking by asking questions about altered states of consciousness, including those induced by psychedelics. The variety of these experiences clearly suggests our minds are multistate, and prompt further questions about the potential of these different states for healing, psychology, cognitive studies, and education.”

2006 Media Articles...

December 28, 2006

"Cluster Busters" by Arran Frood.

Nature featured an article describing MAPS-sponsored efforts to initiate research with LSD and psilocybin to treat cluster headaches, a rare and painful condition that is difficult to treat.

December 14, 2006

"News Coverage of Dutch Prospective Ecstasy User Studies" by Ilsa Jerome.

In response to the sensationalistic and inaccurate recent news coverage of prospective Ecstasy user studies by Dutch researcher Dr. Maartje M. de Win, MAPS President Rick Doblin, Ph.D. wrote this open letter to Dr. de Win voicing his concerns, and MAPS Clinical Research Associate Ilsa Jerome, Ph.D., wrote a special report evaluating the media's claims and how they relate (or not) to the actual data.

December 11, 2006

BBC News "Psychedelic drug ‘hope for OCD’" by Arran Frood.

Today’s BBC News features an article describing Dr. Francisco Moreno’s Heffter- and MAPS-sponsored research at the Univ. of Arizona-Tucson evaluating psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as treatment for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Dr. Moreno recently published his findings in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

December 8, 2006

"PDF File" by .

While in Thailand to testify in a medical MDMA trial, MAPS President Rick Doblin took the opportunity to do an interview with The Nation, Thailand's largest English-language daily newspaper. In the interview, Doblin speculates on the possibility of conducting MDMA/PTSD research with tsunami victims and discusses MAPS' international psychedelic research agenda.

December 7, 2006

Chronicle of Higher Education "Researchers Explore New Visions for Hallucinogens" by Susan Brown.

The Chronicle of Higher Education published the article “Researchers Explore New Visions for Hallucinogens.” This article describes the current renaissance in psychedelic research, particularly Dr. Francisco Moreno’s recently-published Heffter- and MAPS-sponsored study evaluating psilocybin as treatment for OCD. The article also discusses the recent psilocybin/mystical experience study at John Hopkins, and Dr. Charles Grob’s ongoing Heffter’ sponsored study at UCLA evaluating psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as treatment for individuals with anxiety disorders secondary to advanced-stage cancer.

December 6, 2006

The Prague Post "Long Strange Trip" by Kristina Alda.
Prague's largest English daily, The Prague Post, reported today in "Long, Strange Trip" onMAPS-sponsored long-term follow-up research with Czechoslovak patients that were treated with LSD as part of a government-sponsored program between 1956-1974. A proposed MAPS-sponsored LSD-assisted psychotherapy study in Switzerland could soon become the first LSD research in the world in 35 years.

December 4, 2006

Lone Star Iconoclas "Safer Deals: The Pastors" by Nathan Diebenow.

"Safer Deals: the Pastor" was published in Crawford, Texas' Lone Star Iconoclast this week, describing some of the unusual alliances that have been formed between religious groups and secular activists in order to help medical marijuana research gain credibility. MAPS isn't mentioned explicitly but Professor Lyle Craker's DEA lawsuit for a MAPS-sponsored marijuana production facility is mentioned.

December 2, 2006

"PDF Article" by .
The norwegian newspaper Dagens Næringsliv published an interview of John Halpern and Pål Johansen about the rapidly evolving field of clinical research investigating the therapeutic use of hallucinogens and MDMA. The interview was conducted related to Dr. Halperns visit to Norway where he hold workshops and guest lectures. Dr. Halpern got excellent feedback from the workshops, to read more visit the organizers webpage www.evidence.no/en.

December 1, 2006

Concious Choice "Cultural Re:Evolution" by Seamus Presley.

Conscious Choice Magazine "Strangers in the White Tent" by Dan Simborg.

Conscious Choice Magazine "Psychedelic Therapy" by .

The Chicago-based magazine Conscious Choice published a series of articles this week about MAPS, psychedelic therapy, and Entheon Village, the Burning Man theme camp that hosted MAPS' 20th anniversary gathering last summer.

~"Psychedelic Therapy: MAPS Founder Rick Doblin riffs on Burning Man, applied psychedelics, the culture of harm reduction, and America's 40-year long bad trip" is a thoughtful interview with MAPS President Rick Doblin, Ph.D.
~"Chicago's Entheon Village reinvents counterculture with art, community, and activism" discusses MAPS' 20th Anniversary celebration at this year's Burning Man Festival.
~"Strangers in the White Tent: Or, how Burning Man totally flipped my wig" is a well-written account from long-time MAPS member Dan Simborg.

National Public Radio "External Source" by .

"This American Life" on National Public Radio features a story about a former heroin addict who has been treating people addicted to heroin with the psychedelic drug ibogaine. MAPS is currently sponsoring an IRB-approved long-term observational case study of ibogaine treatments at the Iboga Therapy House in Vancouver, Canada.

November 29, 2006

Nature Medicine "US Marijuana Laws Clamping the Lid on Pot Research" by Brian Vastag.

Of particular applicability to MAPS' medical marijuana drug development efforts is Brian Vastag's new "US marijuana laws clamping the lid on pot research," published in Nature Medicine, which speaks to the difficulties faced by marijuana researchers.

November 27, 2006

Biology News Net "Ecstasy can harm the brains of first-time users"

"Interview on NYPR:" by .
Take note that MAPS researchers John Halpern and Michael Mitthoefer were featured on a New York Public Radio show on November 27th, 2006 about Therapeutic or Psychedelic Psychotherapy. The archived show can be heard here (or download by right clicking on the preceeding link and selecting 'save target as').

November 19, 2006

The Los Angeles Times "Mushrooms Take a Trip Back to the Lab" by Denise Gellene.

The LA Times ran "Mushrooms Take a Trip Back to the Lab," on the front page of its Sunday edition. The article describes MAPS-initiated research at Harvard/Mclean Hospital evaluating psilocybin as treatment for cluster headache, Dr. Charles Grob's psilocybin/end-of-life anxiety pilot study at UCLA, and the recent Johns Hopkins study demonstrating that psilocybin induces mystical experiences. MAPS is in the early stages of protocol design for a study evaluating psyilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a potential treatment for end-of-life anxiety. Unfortunately, although the article is mostly accurate, Times Staff writer Denise Gellene misleadingly prefaces her article by stating, "Nothing scientists have learned so far indicates that recreational use of mushrooms is safe," a far cry from the truth.

November 6, 2006

REVISTA DE NEUROLOGIA "Chronic cluster headaches responding to psilocybin" by A.P. Sempere, L. Berenguer-Ruiz, F. Almazán.

The Spanish-language journal Revista de Neurologia published a case report of a man with chronic cluster headaches treating the condition with monthly sub-psychedelic doses of psilocybin-containing mushrooms.

October 31, 2006

"Working with Difficult Psychedelic Experiences" by .

Working with Difficult Psychedelic Experiences

MAPS' first educational video, a practical introduction to the principles of psychedelic therapy, is now available for viewing online. This 20-minute educational video teaches psychedelic drug users how to minimize psychological risks and explore the therapeutic applications of psychedelics. Narrated by Donna Dryer, M.D., the video demonstrates examples of when and how to help a friend, peer, or loved one make the most out of a difficult experience with psychedelics.

October 25, 2006

YouTube "External Source" by .

MAPS President Rick Doblin, Ph.D. Presents at the First Arab-Israeli Joint Conference on Drug Policy

October 18, 2006

"External Source" by .

New research from the University of Cincinnati suggests that MDMA can increase the survival of dopamine cells in the brain during fetal development, which are critical in the regulation of voluntary movement, potentially leading to better therapies for neurological diseases like Parkinson's. The press release mentioned MAPS-sponsored research evaluating MDMA-assisted therapy as a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Forbes Magazine also reported on this research, along with a report on new research from Ohio State University validating other findings that the active ingredients in marijuana may slow the prorgression of Alzheimer's disease.

October 16, 2006

The Globe and Mail "The LSD Treatment" by .

The Globe and Mail published an editorial entitiled, “The LSD Treatment”, describing a study just published in the journal Social History of Medicine about a long-term follow-up study on Dr. Humphrey Osmond’s research treating alcoholics with LSD-assisted therapy.

October 2, 2006

The Los Angeles Times "Oh, Dear God It’s Him Again" by Gina Piccalo.

Bestselling author Sam Harris (“Letter to a Christian Nation,” “The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason”) revealed inan LA Times article that his “deep-seated thinking about religion” originated from an experience while on MDMA in 1986.

September 18, 2006

"External Source" by .
Nicholas Powers' "The Ecstasy of Exile" explores the racial politics of Burning Man and describes his use of MDMA there. Not directly about MAPS, but raises some compelling issues.

September 13, 2006

"Dropping acid may help headaches" by Arran Frood.

The science journal Nature reported today on MAPS-initiated research at Harvard/Maclean Hospital investigating the efficacy of LSD and psilocybin to treat cluster headache. Click here to read “Dropping acid may help headaches.”

September 12, 2006

The Washington Post "Marijuana Aids Therapy" by Rick Weiss.

The Washington Post published the article, <"Marijuana Aids Therapy," describing a study just published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, finding that marijuana can improve the effectiveness of drug therapy for hepatitis C, a potentially deadly viral infection that affects more than 3 million Americans. "The work adds to a growing literature supporting the notion that in some circumstances pot can offer medical benefits," wrote

Post reporter Rick Weiss.

September 9, 2006

Ny Tid "A new time; about developments that change the world" by .

Norway's largest week magazine Ny Tid, feature an article under the section "A new time; about developments that change the world" covering Dr. Halperns workshops. The article stressed the enormous therapeutic potential of almost all the MAPS sponsored research, and critically discusses the supression and schedulling history of this research. To read more about Dr. Halperns workshop visit the organizers webpage www.evidence.no/en.

September 2, 2006

"External Source" by .
The San Francisco Chronicle published an article about a structure built by MAPS Patron Member Vanja Palmers that served as a meditation Zendo in Entheon Village during MAPS' 20th anniversary gathering at Burning Man. Palmers donated the structure -- made entirely from recycled materials -- to MAPS for use at future conferences and events.

August 20, 2006

"PDF File" by .
VG, one of the largest Norwegian newspapers, published a very positive piece on MDMA psychotherapy research that includes interviews with Charles Grob, M.D., and Pål-Ørjan Johansen, Ph.D. (View PDF of article).

August 18, 2006

The Guardian "Truth About Ecstacy’s Unlikely Trip from Lab to Dance Floor" by David Adam.

The Guardian reports on Merck's official history of MDMA, as recounted in a recently published paper in the journal Addiction.

August 16, 2006

Chicago Sun-Times "Pain Sufferer Turns to ‘Shrooms’" by Jim Ritter.

Health Reporter Jim Ritter published in the Chicago Sun-Times today “Pain Sufferer Turns to ‘Shrooms’.” The article describes the use of psilocybin as a treatment for cluster headaches and MAPS-initiated research at Harvard/McLean Hospital investigating LSD and psilocybin as treatment for subjects with cluster headache.

August 15, 2006

Lancet Neurology "Hallucinogen Research Inspires Neurotheology" by Kelly Morris.

In their “Newsdesk” section, the journal Lancet Neurology published “Hallucinogen Research Inspires Neurotheology,” a report on developments in research with psychedelic compounds, such as ketamine or psilocybin. The piece contains comments from Roland Griffiths, John Halpern and Deborah Mash.

August 9, 2006

The Tyee "External Source" by .

British Columbia’s The Tyee published “Psychedelics Could Treat Addiction, Says Vancouver Official,” reporting that Vancouver’s top drug policy official and B.C. public health physicians believe addicts might be treated by giving them psychedelic drugs, and they hope the city will lead in exploring the controversial approach. Last month, MAPS received “conditional approval” from a Canadian IRB for a long-term observational case study examining changes in substance use in 20 consecutive people seeking ibogaine-based addiction treatment for opiate dependence at Iboga Therapy House.

August 8, 2006

"External Source" by .

As reported in the science journal Nature, National Institute of Mental Health-sponsored researchers published a study today in the Archives of General Psychiatry finding that ketamine shows breakthrough potential as a treatment for depression. In the study, 17 people suffering from major depression who had failed to respond to treatment with standard antidepressant drugs or more drastic methods were treated with ketamine. The results showed that 71% felt better the day after taking ketamine, and 35% still felt better a week later, while none improved when dosed with a placebo.

August 3, 2006

Austin Chronicle "External Source" by .

The Austin Chronicle published a brief article describing Prof. Craker’s DEA lawsuit for refusing to license a MAPS-sponsored marijuana production facility. “...Marijuana-law-reform advocates are anxiously awaiting a ruling from a Drug Enforcement Administration administrative-law judge on whether the National Institute on Drug Abuse will be allowed to maintain a monopoly on growing and distributing pot for use in clinical research,” the Chronicle reported.

August 2, 2006

YouTube "External Source" by .

Peter Jenning’s hour-long 2004 primetime special Ecstasy Rising has been posted on YouTube. Ecstasy Rising has to be seen to be believed: the mainstream media acknowledging the government’s fraudulent claims about Ecstasy and openly discussing the history of its therapeutic applications. Click here to watch.

"Peter Jennings Ecstasy Rising" by .
Peter Jenning's hour-long 2004 primetime special Ecstasy Rising has been posted on YouTube. Ecstasy Rising has to be seen to be believed: the mainstream media acknowledging the government's fraudulent claims about Ecstasy and openly discussing the history of its therapeutic applications. Click here to watch.

July 26, 2006

Reuters "Taking Ecstasy Once Can Damage Memory - Study"

July 11, 2006

The Washington Post "Drug’s Mystical Properties Confirmed" by David Brown.

Wall Street Journal "Go Ask Alice: Mushroom Drug Is Studied Anew" by Ron Winslow.

LA Times "Counterculture Drug Provides Spiritual Boost" by Denise Gellen.

ABC News "Tripping Out: Scientists Study Mystical Effects of Mushrooms" by Joy Victory, Bharathi Radhakrishnan, Andrea Carter.

Boston Globe "Psychedelic Mushrooms Earn Serious 2d Look from Science" by Gareth Cook.

The Economist "The God Pill" by .

A NIDA-funded research team from John Hopkins University published the first modern-day continuation of the Good Friday Experiment, finding that psilocybin is likely to induce spiritual experiences in most subjects. A former NIDA director and a former deputy director of ONDCP supported the results of the study, but the current NIDA director issued a statement distancing NIDA from the study. Read about this amazing psychedelic research development as reported by the Economist, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, and ABC News, which features a salient quote from MAPS President Rick Doblin.

Later the same week, National Public Radio"s Weekend America aired two related stories: one detailing the implications of the John Hopkins study, and another desribing Dr. Charles Grob's research investigating psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for subjects with advanced stage cancer suffering from clinical anxiety. Click here to listen. The Boston Globe's Science section also published "Psychedelic mushrooms earn serious 2d look from science".

June 22, 2006

"External Source" by .

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, USA (PCUSA) voted on June 21 to support access to medical marijuana for people who have a doctor’s recommendation. The Presbyterian Church, USA, is the seventh major denomination to take a position in support of medical marijuana. The others are the United Methodist Church, Episcopal Church, United Church of Christ, Union for Reform Judaism, Progressive National Baptist Convention and Unitarian Universalist Association. No denomination has come out officially against medical marijuana. Read more here.

June 21, 2006

http://www.cpdd.org "College on Problems of Drug Dependence" by G. Jager, M. Win, J. van Ree, W. van den Brink, R. Kahn and N. Ramsey.

May 28, 2006

Boston Globe "Weed Control" by .

The Boston Sunday Globe published "Weed Control," an article describing the proposed medical marijuana growing facility at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, the current government monopoly on marijuana grown for research and the MAPS-supported lawsuit filed against the DEA to end this monopoly. The piece describes MAPS' involvement in developing the proposed facility and features quotes from MAPS' president Rick Doblin. The article, with multiple graphics, was the lead article in the Ideas section which most everyone reads since it contains the editorials, the op-eds and other feature articles.

May 25, 2006

Cancer Monthly "Medical Marijuana: The FDA Loses More Credibility"

InTheseTimes.com "Science: The Drug Wars Latest Victim" by Salim Muwakkil.

May 24, 2006

Alternet "External Source" by .

Click here to read “The Electric Kool-Aid Medicine Test,” an interview by Terrance McNally published by AlterNet in which psychedelic researcher Dr. Charles Grob explains how psychedelic drugs have the potential to alter modern medicine.

May 21, 2006

New York Times "The New York Times published a letter to the editor from Jerry Epstein of the Drug Policy Forum" by .

The New York Times published a letter to the editor from Jerry Epstein of the Drug Policy Forum of Texas, in which he cites the federal governement's obstruction of Dr. Lyle Craker's proposed MAPS-sponsored medical marijuana production facility as an example of its "insane policy against the medical use of marijuana". Click here to read the full text of Epstein's letter.

May 17, 2006

Medscape General Medicine "Medical Marijuana; Politics Trumps Science at the FDA" by Gregory T. Carter MD; Bruce Mirken.

May 16, 2006

"External Source" by .

Australian Democrats MP Sandra Kanck made a controversial and groundbreaking speech before the Australian Parliament last week advocating harm-reduction drug education and the therapeutic use of MDMA. Read the full text of her speech here, in which she cites MAPS-sponsored research investigating MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for individuals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Advertiser also reported on MAPS President Rick Doblin’s offer of support as she encountered the inevitable political backlash. As evidenced by an article published today in The Australian, however, MP Kanck is standing by her statements and receiving “widespread support.”

May 15, 2006

The Boston Globe "A Good Death" by Scott Allen.

The Boston Globe published "A Good Death", an article that discussess the resurgence of interest in studying MDMA and psychedelic drugs to help people with cancer deal with anxiety and pain. The piece describes research MAPS helped design and locate funding for that will look at the potential therapeutic benefits of MDMA in people who are anxious as a result of advanced stage cancer. The latest MAPS Bulletin contains an article about the woman described in this article who used MDMA to treat cancer-related pain and anxiety. A PDF of the this piece is now available.

May 5, 2006

LA Times "Puffing is the Best Medicine" by Lester Grinspoon.

The LA Times published "Puffing is the Best Medicine", an opinion piece by Lester Grinspoon supporting smoking as an effective means of taking medical marijuana in response to a recent statement on this topic from the FDA.

April 29, 2006

The New York Times "External Source" by .

The New York Times reports Mexico Passes Law Making Possession of Some Drugs Legal. Mexican lawmakers defied US pressure in passing a bill that makes it legal to possess small amounts of marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, and psychedelics such as LSD, MDMA/Ecstasy, peyote, and psilocybin muchrooms. President Vicente Fox had proposed the law in January 2004 in the hopes of slowing down Mexico’s rapid growth in drug addiction.

April 27, 2006

New York Times "The Politics of Pot"

"24 Members Say Agency Needs To Start Responding To Science & Not To Political Pressure"

The Economist "Medical Marijuana" by .

Following the FDA’s abrupt and poorly documented statement on April 20th, a critical backlash has ensued. The Economist published “Reefer Madness: Marijuana is medically useful, whether politicians like it or not” on the heels of editorials in the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune admonishing the FDA for its transparent politicization of science.

April 26, 2006

"Politics Trumps Science at the FDA"

The San Diego Union-Tribune published an Op Ed piece by Stephen Sidney and Bruce Mirken on the FDA statement on medical marijuana.

April 23, 2006

Chicago Tribune "Dissembling on Medical Pot"

The Chicago Tribune responded to the FDA’s recent statement concerning the medicinal potential of cannabis with an editorial, “Dissembling on Medical Pot” that quotes Prof. Lyle Craker of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, saying “The reason there’s no good evidence is that they don’t want an honest trial.”

April 21, 2006

Associated Press "FDA Rejects Marijuana for Medical Uses" by Lou Kesten.

Washington Post "FDA Criticizes Attempts To Legalize Marijuana"

New York Times "FDA Dismisses Medical Benefit From Marijuana" by Gardiner Harris.

The FDA issued a statement indicating that marijuana had no currently accepted medical uses. Stories in the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Associated Press reported on this statement and responses to it within and outside the medical community. Prof. Lyle Craker is quoted discussing his lawsuit against the DEA for refusing to issue him a license for a marijuana production facility. NIDA's marijuana was criticized for poor quality, but not for the more comprehensive lack of an "adequate and uninterrupted" supply that is the basis of Prof. Craker's lawsuit. FDA's statement wasn't that marijuana had no medical uses. Rather, what the statement actually means is that due to a lack of research data from large Phase III studies, which won't take place until NIDA's marijuana monopoly is broken, FDA will consider marijuana to have no currently accepted medical uses. This statment points yet again to the need for large-scale, privately-funded Phase III studies with smoked and vaporized marijuana, which DEA is blocking by refusing to issue Prof. Craker his license.

April 17, 2006

"PDF Article" by .

The University of Pennsylvania published “Psychedelic Psychotherapy: The Ethics of Medicine for the Soul.”

April 15, 2006

New Scientist "Psychedelic Healing" by .
Sue Blackmore interviewed Torsten Passie about psychedelic healing for the NewScientist.

April 14, 2006

The Guardian "Lancet Calls for LSD in Labs" by James Randerson.

The Lancet "Reviving Research into Psychedelic Drugs" by .

A recently published editorial in the Lancet supports research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelic drugs and calls for a new legal structure that makes this research easier and less burdensome to conduct. The Lancet editorial was likely inspired by a commentary published in the British Journal of Psychiatry. This editorial was then covered by the British newspaper, the Guardian.

April 7, 2006

Daily Nexus "Activists Assemble for Cannabis Conference" by Ryan Grandov.

The Daily Nexus published Activists Assemble for Cannabis Conference, announcing The Fourth National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics at Santa Barbara City College, which features lectures from doctors, health care researchers and patients, as well as talk show-host and medical marijuana advocate Montel Williams.

April 5, 2006

BBC News "External Source" by .

BBC News International publishes “The Trip of a Lifetime,” which describes the resurgence of interest in psychedelics in the medical community and Dr. Charles Grob’s pilot study using psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for subjects with advanced-stage cancer suffering from clinical anxiety disorders.

April 4, 2006

BBC "External Source" by .

BBC Radio 4's weekly program All in the Mind aired a program about LSD, current psychedelic research, and the possible role of these kinds of drugs in modern psychiatry.

Tribune Media Services "Psychedelic ‘Cookies’ are a Mushrooming Problem" by Suzy Cohen.

Tribune Media Services published “Psychedelic ‘cookies’ are a mushrooming problem,” an op-ed written by a registered pharmacist who mentions the LSD/Psilocybin Cluster Headache study at Harvard Medical School and who would rather consume her mushrooms “at a nice restaurant, smothered in Marsala sauce.”

The Guardian "The Strange Case of the Man Who Took 40,000 Ecstasy Pills in Nine Years" by David McCandless.

UK Newspaper The Guardian published “The strange case of the man who took 40,000 ecstasy pills in nine years,” reporting on what London University doctors believe is the largest amount of ecstasy consumed by a single person.

March 29, 2006

Cal NORML "Ninth Circuit Asks Probing Questions at Raich Hearing" by Dale Gieringer.

March 3, 2006

Juxtapose "St. Albert and the LSD Revelation Revolution"

March 1, 2006

San Diego City Beat "Ibogaine - Exploring the New Frontier of Psychedelic Addiction Therapy" by Kia Momtazi.

San Diego CityBeat published a positive depiction of ibogaine as a treatment for addiction at the Ibogaine Association in Tijuana, Mexico.

February 21, 2006

Washington Post "Court Allows for Use of Hallucinogenic Tea" by William Branigin.

New York Times "Sect Allowed to Import Its Hallucinogenic Tea" by Linda Greenhouse.

Associated Press "Supreme Court OKs Hallucinogenic Tea" by Gina Holland.

As reported by the Associated Press, the Washington Post, and the New York Times, on Tuesday morning, February 21, 2006, the US Supreme Court unanimously approved the religious use of ayahuasca by the Uniao do Vegetal (UDV).

February 18, 2006

The Australian "Psychedelic Drugs are Enjoying Renewed Attention from Medical Researchers" by Rak Razam.

The Weekend Australian published LSD faces an acid test as a pain killer, an article about proposed MAPS-sponsored cluster headache research.

February 17, 2006

The Scientist "Growing Pot for Science" by Ishani Ganguli.

British weekly The Scientist published Growing pot for science, an article that covers Dr. Lyle Crakers DEA lawsuit for a MAPS-sponsored medical marijuana production facility.

February 4, 2006

The Age "Tripping the Light Fantasmic" by Rak Razam.

Australian newspaper The Age published “Tripping the light fantasmic,” a positive and in-depth article covering the history of LSD from the perspective of its infamous father, Albert Hofmann.

January 25, 2006

New Zealand Herald "Mental Scars of Iraq Conflict Participants Exposed" by Kim Sengupt.

Dear Editor,

The 25.01.06 article, "Mental scars of Iraq conflict participants exposed" by Kim Sengupta, reported that the US military was giving soldiers fighting the Iraq war "Ecstasy tablets to help free them of flashbacks and recurring nightmares," after the FDA "authorised the issuing of the MDMA drug to Iraq veterans after successful initial research carried out at a facility in South Carolina." This is not quite accurate. Its true that the initial MDMA research in South Carolina is generating very promising results, and the FDA did authorize the expansion of the research to include soldiers. However, no soldiers have yet been treated and the initial study has not been completed. Much larger studies will be needed before MDMA is ever a prescription medication. Research with MDMA for war and terrorism-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been approved in Israel and MDMA/PTSD research is soon to be approved in Switzerland. If approved as a treatment, MDMA will never be issued as tablets directly to soldiers or other patients. MDMA is not a standard pharmacological treatment. MDMA is intended to be used under direct supervision of a therapist as part of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

Rick Doblin, Ph.D.
President, MAPS (http://www.maps.org)
MAPS is the non-profit organization that is sponsoring
the research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy

New Zealand Herald "Mental Scars of Iraq Conflict Participants Exposed" by Kim Sengupta.

An article in the New Zealand Herald about posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans mentions the use of MDMA for PTSD but makes some incorrect claimsA letter to the editor from Rick Doblin corrects the mistakes. This article demonstrates that there is a widely perceived need for more effective treatments for PTSD and that the MDMA research is increasingly accepted as a necessary and not very controversial effort.

January 16, 2006

Wired News "LSD: The Geek’s Wonder Drug?" by Ann Harrison.

Wired News published LSD: The Geek’s Wonder Drug?, an article that covers the LSD Conference in Basel, the history of LSD, and the therapeutic potential of LSD and other currently-illegal substances.

January 13, 2006

Reuters "Secret of Longevity Eggs not LSD: Discoverer" by .

Reuters published an article about Albert Hofmann’s 100th birthday, noting that he attributes his longevity to daily egg breakfast rather than his infamous discovery, LSD.

January 12, 2006

Times Union "LSD’s Creator Celebrates 100th Birthday" by Kenneth Aaron.

The Times Union in Albany, New York published an article anounncing Albert Hofmann’s 100th birthday and includes an interview with Roger Walsh, providing his description of what a LSD trip might be like and its potentital to benefit the user.

China Daily "UK Psychiatrists Mull Use of LSD as Treatment" by .

The China Daily published “UK psychiatrists mull use of LSD as treatment,” reviewing the current state of psychedelic and MDMA drug research around the world.

January 11, 2006

The Guardian "Drug Inventor Celebrates 100th Birthday Today" by Sarah Boseley.

UK Newspaper The Guardian published “Psychiatrist calls for end to 30-year taboo over use of LSD as a medical treatment,” reporting on Dr. Ben Sessa’s assessment of LSD and its therapeutic potential.

January 8, 2006

New York Times "Dr. Hofmann on NYT Saturday Profile" by Craig Smith.

January 7, 2006

"Hofmann Letter to the New York Times"

The New York Times published a sincere portrait of Albert Hofmann as his 100th Birthday approaches, marked by an International LSD Symposium in honor of the father and his infamous problem child.

2005 Media Articles...

December 27, 2005

Washington Post "A Political Debate On Stress Disorder" by Shankar Vedantam.

An article in the Washington Post, "A Political Debate On Stress Disorder," by Shankar Vedantam, reports that in 2004 the US Veterans Affairs Department spent $4.3 billion on PTSD benefit payments to a total of 215,871 veterans. If the results of the second half of our MDMA/PTSD study are as promising as the results of the first half, we will have data suggesting that it would be financially wise for the VA to fund the entire $5 million cost of MAPS' Phase III studies to evaluate whether MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD should become approved by the FDA as a legally-available treatment for PTSD.

The New York Daily News Washington Bureau "City Pols vs. Feds Over Medical Pot" by Kenneth R. Bazinet.

The New York Daily News Washington Bureau published a succint and informative article about the DEA Lawsuit.

December 24, 2005

The Guardian "Daddy Ecstasy" by Dan Glaister.

Mail & Guardian Online, Africa’s first online newspaper, published Daddy Ecstasy, an positive article offering a window into the world of Sasha Shulgin, tracing his path as the forgotten father of modern ecstasy and his thoughts on current therapeutic uses of MDMA.

December 23, 2005

Reuters "Medical Frauds: Korean Scientist Hardly the First" by .

An article by Reuters news service, "Medical frauds: Korean scientist hardly the first", lists several previous articles that have had to be withdrawn from major medical journals. Included in the list is the 2002 paper in /Science/ by Ricaurte/McCann claiming that MDMA damaged dopamine neurons and could cause Parkinson's, retracted since the animals had actually been administered methamphetamine and not MDMA.

December 20, 2005

"DEA Hearing Report by Rick Doblin, Ph.D., MAPS"

I'm back home after a week in DC for the DEA hearings. Our lawyers and I are convinced that the DEA witnesses ended up helping our case substantially more than the DEA's case. The hearings are now almost all over except for one additional witness who is scheduled to testify on January 17. The story of this final witness will help explain the DEA's self-destructing case (though whether the DEA Administrative Law Judge Mary Ellen Bittner will recommend that Prof. Craker receive his license is too difficult to predict).

The DEA called Mahmoud ElSohly, NIDA's grower at UMiss, as a witness on both Monday and Tuesday. He claimed that he could provide marijuana of any potency and CBD content and thus no alternative source of supply was needed. At one point, he was looking at a document that contained information on the marijuana in NIDA's inventory. We managed to ask to see it and then get it introduced into evidence. There is nothing in the inventory with a CBD content more than about half of what the Dutch government is offering, and only small amounts of high-THC content marijuana, which have even lower amounts of CBD. There is nothing comparable to a strain offered by the Dutch government, containing 18% THC and 0.8% CBD.

ElSohly consistently defended the quality of NIDA's marijuana. He was quite sensitive about the quality of his product and explained proudly about the new equipment that can take the seeds and the stems out of NIDA's marijuana cigarettes. One of his mistakes was to get defensive about the picture of the seeds and stems from 3 of NIDA's cigarettes that was published in Dr. Ethan Russo's article about the study of the Compassionate Use patients. He got so defensive that he ended up stating that the picture couldn't have been from NIDA's cigarettes but could have been from the raw material, prior to the seeds and stems being taken out. He even said that the seeds looked larger than they should have compared to the size of the stems and came as close as you could to claiming the photo was fraudulently doctored without actually saying the word fraud.

After ElSohly's testimony, I contacted Al Byrne, who was in the room when the picture was taken, and ask Al if he would testify. After ACLU lawyer Allen Hopper had a conversation with Al's lawyer, Al agreed to submit a signed affidavit that we tried to introduce into evidence on Friday. The affidavit was submitted to DEA lawyer Brian Bayly and the Judge. The Judge then asked Mr. Bayly whether he had any objections to introducing the affidavit as rebuttal evidence. At this point, one of the most telling moments in the entire hearing took place, the classic pregnant pause. Mr. Bayly was silent and stared at the letter for an extended period of time. Nobody in the courtroom said a word for more than a minute, a long, slow period of time. We could tell that Mr. Bayly was struggling to figure out how to object to this affidavit, and was perhaps also cursing ElSohly for making such foolish and unnecessary statements. He remained still for so long that Judge Bittner felt it necessary to speak again, asking him once more if he had any objections. He then shook off his paralysis and went over the letter paragraph for paragraph, line for line, trying to exclude whatever background information that wasn't directly about the photograph itself. Our attorney, Julie Carpenter, did a great job of arguing that the background information was helpful to provide context. The Judge then ruled to admit the letter in its entirety! We now have ElSohly claiming that NIDA marijuana can't possibly be as bad as it really is, and we have photos and witnesses to prove that it is indeed that bad.

Then, in what seems like an example of pulling an even greater defeat out of the jaws of a significant defeat, Mr. Bayly said that he wanted to cross-examine Al Byrne! All the other testimony is over, but the Judge was compelled to schedule another hearing date on January 17 just to bring in Al to be placed under oath on the witness stand. Al is eager to have his day in court in order to be able to tell the Judge all he knows about the low quality of NIDA's pot. What I think Bayly was hoping is that Al wouldn't want to be called to testify, and we'd withdraw the affidavit. Once Bayly learns that Al can't be intimidated into withdrawing his testimony, we suspect that Bayly will decide to cancel his testimony.

ElSohly also was forced to explain his personal commercial interests in marijuana-based products, such as his THC suppository and his new DEA license permitting him to grow marijuana to extract THC for sale to the pharmaceutical company, Mallincrodt, to manufacture generic Marinol, which is now off-patent. We established that ElSohly has a major conflict of interest if he were to be the sole supplier of marijuana to MAPS for prescription use, if such use were permitted by FDA.

ElSohly also claimed that if marijuana were to be approved by FDA using marijuana provided by NIDA, that we would have no trouble just switching to another product with similar THC levels. Testimony on Friday by DEA's expert on pharmaceutical drug development blew this apart, as I'll explain below.

In the DEA hearing on Wednesday, we got several very important admissions out of Steve Gust, Assistant Director of NIDA. First off, he said that the PHS/NIDA review of protocols, after FDA review, takes between 3-6 months. This is incredibly damning since time delays in pharmaceutical drug development are very expensive and substantially impede the process. Alternatively, FDA has just 30 days to respond to protocol submissions. Then Steve Gust said that there is no formal appeal process but that if an appeal is made, it might take another 3-6 months! He couldn't explain why the PHS/NIDA review of Chemic's vaporizer protocol and request for 10 grams took more than two years. Furthermore, he admitted that unlike normal peer-review processes, the PHS/NIDA peer review process is composed entirely of government employees, with no outside experts. He also claimed that there were FDA staff on the Chemic review committee but couldn't name anyone from FDA and had to back off that claim. He then said there is no clear way to obtain a list of the reviewers. These sorts of delays, on top of the arbitrary nature of the review process, are more than enough to persuade any funders of marijuana research that it isn't worth investing millions of dollars in a serious drug development effort. The problems with the NIDA review process provide a strong argument for the research-restricting nature of NIDA's monopoly on the supply of marijuana legal for FDA-approved research.

Steve Gust said that the purpose of NIDA's review was to make sure that the protocols were scientifically meritorious, and that FDA just reviewed for safety. Unfortunately for him, the official HHS statement of policy about the provision of marijuana to privately-funded studies says in no uncertain terms that FDA reviews Phase I studies primarily for safety but reviews Phase II and Phase III protocols for scientific merit! We directed Steve Gust to that portion of the guidelines and got him to admit, reluctantly, that FDA doesn't just review for safety but also for scientific merit. He wouldn't say it but this makes the NIDA review clearly duplicative and unnecessary.

We also got Gust to acknowledge that the priorities of the HHS guidelines for providing marijuana to researchers are clearly skewed away from research aimed at developing marijuana into a medicine in its plant form, with the guidelines even using the word "must" be aimed at developing marijuana extracts. He tried to dodge saying that it wouldn't make any difference to NIDA if protocols were aimed at developing the marijuana plant itself into a prescription medicine, but he couldn't explain away the clear language of the guidelines.

Also on Wednesday, we were able to enter into the official exhibits the updated Congressional sign-on letter to DEA urging approval of Prof. Craker's license, which 38 Reps. have now signed. In order to try to minimize and discredit it, DEA attorney Brian Bayly remarked first off that if we got another several hundred or so, the hearings wouldn't be necessary. Then he said that all the signatories were probably Democrats, as if their support didn't indicate a significant public interest in ending NIDA's monopoly on supply but were only indicative of partisan sniping. We replied that we had two Republicans and also a letter of support from Grover Norquist.

Thursday, the DEA had no witnesses and there were no hearings

Friday, the first DEA witness was Dr. Eric Voth, prominent and long-time prohibitionist. Even though he was supposed to talk about the risks of diversion, and not directly about the risks and/or benefits of marijuana, he couldn't help but talk about the risks of marijuana and compared marijuana smoke to tobacco smoke. That gave us an opportunity to get something into evidence that we'd been looking to do ever since my testimony in August, when I'd failed to find a way to mention Dr. Donald Tashkin's new study showing that marijuana wasn't linked to lung cancer, and actually had a slight protective effect. We asked Dr.Voth about the comparison he made between marijuana and tobacco smoke and he discussed Tashkin's results in a rather accurate manner, getting on the record that there is no scientific evidence linking marijuana to lung cancer! We also got him to admit that the cannabinoids have anti-tumor properties while nicotine does not.

Voth then made claims about the dangers of high-potency marijuana and stated that there was no evidence that people self-titrated high-potency marijuana in a way that enabled them to inhale less smoke. He made other claims about the addictive nature of marijuana, the link to mental illness, etc. This enabled us to ask that a chapter from Lester Grinspoon's Marijuana-The Forbidden Medicine, "Measuring the Risks," be entered into evidence as rebuttal, even though the DEA had previously requested, and the Judge had agreed, to block us from entering Lester's book since the risks and benefits of marijuana wasn't at issue in this case. The Judge now agreed to let us provide this information as rebuttal evidence, and Lester's excellent chapter is now officially in evidence in this case, contradicting Voth's testimony in numerous ways.

Voth's main point was that marijuana has so many ingredients that it can't possibly be made into a medicine. He testified that it was extremely difficult to standardize marijuana since different plant strains could be so different from each other, implying that blocking us from doing marijuana research doesn't matter since there is no way that the FDA would accept the marijuana plant as a prescription medicine. This is the sort of argument that was more persuasive up until about 10 years ago, before the FDA developed guidelines for the investigation of botanical medicines.

Later in the day, over strenuous DEA objections, we were able to enter into evidence FDA statements saying that FDA welcomes research protocols aimed at evaluating whether the marijuana plant is safe and efficacious and deserved to be available as a legal prescription drug. Once again, FDA's willingness to place science over politics was of major assistance to our efforts.

DEA's final witness, Dr. Auslander, was an expert in pharmaceutical drug development. His entire testimony ended up substantially helping our case. He started by reinforcing the view expressed by Dr.Voth that it was extremely difficult to standardize a plant and that different strains might look similar but had significantly different "fingerprints" of the chemical composition. He admitted that cloned plants had identical genetic fingerprints. Most importantly, at the end of his testimony, we asked him if the difference in fingerprints of different strains was something that FDA would be concerned about. He said yes, definitely. We then asked him if it would be problematic for a pharmaceutical company if it did research with one strain of a plant, got FDA approval to market it, but then tried to market a different strain with a different fingerprint. He said this would matter quite a bit to FDA and could require replication of some clinical studies which are very expensive. What he didn't realize was that this is the exact opposite of what ElSohly testified to, saying we could conduct research with NIDA marijuana and then just switch to another plant strain if we didn't want to get marijuana for prescription use from him, of the same strain he grew for NIDA. ElSohly was not presented to the Court as an expert in pharmaceutical drug development, but Dr. Auslander was. His testimony therefore is more important on these points. Dr. Auslander thus supported one of our main points, that conducting research with NIDA marijuana from ElSohly isn't reasonable since NIDA's mission doesn't include providing marijuana for prescription sales, just research. Therefore, if we use NIDA marijuana in research and prescription use is approved, we either have to obtain the same strain from ElSohly, who has major conflicts of interest since he has other products for which smoked or vaporized marijuana would compete plus since he would lack competition could charge anything he wanted, or we could try to obtain FDA approval to market a different strain from a new manufacturer. However, switching to a new manufacturer would present new difficulties due to the different fingerprints of the different strains, even if we matched THC levels (though in our opinion we should also have to match CBD levels since this is a pharmacologically active cannabinoid). In any case, there is no alternative supplier with a DEA license and starting a new facility would take a substantial amount of time, easily a year or more, with these time lags being very costly after investing millions in research. In response to our final questions, Dr. Auslander testified very helpfully that pharmaceutical companies would want to be assured of a reliable and consistent supply of a drug that could be used in research and also be available for prescription sales. This is what we have been saying all along and is something that isn't guaranteed as long as NIDA retains its monopoly.

We ended the week thankful for DEA's witnesses, eagerly looking forward to the final testimony on January 17, though we would not be surprised if DEA decides to cancel the cross-examination of Al Byrne.

The Village Voice "Busted for Iboga" by Aina Hunter.

The Village Voice published Busted for Iboga, reporting on the recent arrest of a Wyoming couple who planned to import the drug for addiction treatment. It points out ibogaine’s success in curing addiction and the negative images generated by such DEA busts and the presence of makeshift clinics around the country.

December 19, 2005

Daily Journal "Ole Miss Marijuana Monopoly Under Fire" by Andy Kanengiser.

The Daily Journal published Ole Miss marijuana monopoly under fire, reporting on the University of Mississippi's insistence that their marijuana is of an acceptable grade.

December 15, 2005

Join Together "Researchers Seek New Source of Marijuana"

Join Together published Researchers Seek New Source of Marijuana.

December 13, 2005

Associated Press "Prof. Questions Gov’t Monopoly on Marijuana" by Andrew Miga.

The Associated Press published Prof. questions gov't monopoly on marijuana, a positive article about the DEA Lawsuit.

WPBFNews.com "Government’s Medical Pot ‘Just Isn’t Strong Enough’ Professor Sues For Permit To Grow Marijuana" by .

The West Palm Beach Florida News published Government's Medical Pot 'Just Isn't Strong Enough'.

December 12, 2005

The Washington Post "Federal Marijuana Monopoly Challenged" by Marc Kaufman.

The Washington Post published Federal Marijuana Monopoly Challenged, an article that comprehensively summarizes the MAPS/Craker DEA Lawsuit, quoting Lyle Craker, Rick Doblin, and Grover Norquist.

December 5, 2005

"DEA to Argue Against U. Mass Growing of Medicinal Cannabis at Administrative Hearing December 12-16" by .

A press release was issued today, "DEA to Argue Against U. Mass Growing of Medicinal Cannabis at Administrative Hearing December 12-16: Grover Norquist, Medical Groups and 35 Members of Congress Tell DEA They Support Expanded Research." We've also posted background information including transcripts of the hearing.

December 3, 2005

Reuters "Ecstasy ‘Has Great Potential’" by .

Reuter’s published Ecstasy ‘has great potential’, a short article referencing Sasha Shulgin’s talk at MIT and his concerns for MDMA’s fate to be known as a dangerous club drug rather than a powerful medicine.

December 2, 2005

"“Dr. Ecstasy” Laments the Rave Drugs Notoriety" by Jason Szep.

Leading the Charge, an Australian weekly newspaper, published “Dr. Ecstasy” laments the rave drugs notoriety, quoting Sasha Shulgin from his talk at MIT about the path and fate of MDMA in our society. The article also mentions the MAPS/MDMA study with Dr. Mithoefer, although not by name.

November 29, 2005

NORML News "Legal Challenge To NIDA’s Pot Monopoly To Resume Next Month" by .

NORML.org published NIDA's Pot Monopoly To Resume Next Month.

November 16, 2005

Reuters "Pressure on FDA Could Stall Advances - Ex-Official" by Michael Conlon.

A Reuters news service article, “Pressure on FDA could stall advances,” by Michael Conlon, discusses the political pressures on FDA regarding women’s health issues. This sort of pressure isn’t happening with psychedelic and marijuana research, where science still carries the day.

November 15, 2005

"PDF Article" by .

An excellent roundtable discussion about psychedelics and Judaism was published in Jewish Currents, published by the Association for Promotion of Jewish Secularism, Inc. The article is entitled, "Just Say Maybe- Psychedelic Drugs, Healing and Politics: An Interview with Four Jewish Researchers (Rick Doblin, Charlie Grob, Julie Holland, Howard Lotsof).

November 11, 2005

"MP3 File" by .

The Good Drugs Guide Radio show, out of England, broadcast a show entitled,"The State of Ecstasy." The show is described as follows, "It's ten years since the death of Leah Betts, a teenager who died after taking a single tablet of ecstasy, also known as MDMA. Her tragic death triggered a huge backlash against the drug here in the UK. Even so, 700,000 people still take E every week in this country. So what have we learnt about ecstasy in the last decade? Do the stories of terrible comedowns, brains like swiss cheese, and instant death have any credibility? Could MDMA really become a prescription drug? And has the music got any better? We find out. Guests include Dr Julie Holland, author of Ecstasy The Complete Guide, Rick Doblin, president of www.maps.org, and Mike Linnell of drug charity Lifeline. The show also uses clips from the excellent ABC documentary, Ecstasy Rising."

November 7, 2005

The Daily Texan "The Harm of Ecstacy, II" by Nishat Mukherji.

"Dear Editor, I Was Disappointed to Read Misleading Information"

The Daily Texan "Debunking Drug Folklore" by Ryan Ash and Elliott Ash.

The Daily Texan "The Harm of Ecstasy" by William Robins.

The Daily Texan, the newspaper of the University of Texas at Austin, published a letter about, "The harms of MDMA" that presented misleading information about MAPS' MDMA research projects. The letter critiqued a previous column entitled, "Debunking drug folklore," MAPS President Rick Doblin replied to correct the record. While taking time to write to a student newspaper may not at first glance represent a wise use of MAPS staff time, in the age of Google, even student letters can be read by a large number of people, especially when the topic is discussed repeatedly in the student newspaper. Indeed, the Daily Texan also published a more reasonable letter, "The harm of Ecstacy, II." While MAPS concentrates on scientific research, our educational mission is also of major importance.

The Washington Post "The Washington Post" by Shankar Vedantam.

The Washington Post publishes an article covering John Halpern’s peyote study.

"Harvard University’s Web Site Presents a Story about Dr. John Halpern’s Peyote Study" by .

Harvard University's web site presents a story about Dr. John Halpern's peyote study in the upper right hand corner of the home page!!

November 6, 2005

Maariv "Peyote to the Masses - New Research Conducted Among Native Americans" by .

Maariv, a popular daily newspaper in Israel, published "Peyote to the masses - new research conducted among native Americans shows that the drug produced from the Peyote cactus does not harm the brain - perhaps even the contrary!" In Hebrew, the article references John Halpern's Peyote study.

November 4, 2005

PBS "Supreme Court and Brazilian Religious Rituals" by Religion and Ethics News Weekly.

PBS's Religon and Ethics NewsWeekly ran a segment about the

November 2, 2005

Associated Press "High Court Hears Hallucinogenic Tea Case" by Gina Holland.

New York Times "Justices Weighing Narcotics Policy Against Needs of a Church" by Linda Greenhouse.

"Justices Weighing Narcotics Policy Against Needs of a Church," a NYTimes article by Linda Greenhouse discusses yesterday's U.S. Supreme Court case about whether the religious use of ayahuasca is protected by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or whether the DEA can criminalize that use, which is what DEA wants to do.

AP wire service reporter Gina Holland also wrote an article, High Court Hears Hallucinogenic Tea Case.

October 21, 2005

Daily Bruin, UCLA "Activists Protest on Campus - Various Animal Rights Groups Rally Against Medical Testing on Primates" by Shauntel Lowe.

An article in the UCLA Daily Bruin discusses animal rights protesters objecting to a proposed study in primates, "Making Connections: MDMA Research on the Mechanisms of Affiliation and Trust." The article mentions that this research was submitted for funding to MAPS, by Anthropology Professor Alan Page Fiske, who is quoted as saying, "The biggest problems we have in the world are people not trusting each other and not feeling a solidarity (and) feeling distant," Fiske said. "If we could understand the basis of compassion and caring, that's about the most important thing human and biological sciences could do." A MAPS Bulletin article about Prof. Fiske's research can be found here. At present, there is no funding for the study.

Briefly stated, MAPS has not funded animal research for about ten years but is not categorically opposed to doing so if the research is of sufficient importance. MAPS considers Prof. Fiske's proposed research to be sufficiently important to be worthy of being conducted but the information it would generate isn't essential for MAPS' program of research intended to develop MDMA into an FDA-approved prescription medication. MAPS' top priority is our human studies into the therapeutic use of MDMA. These studies require substantial resources so our intention is to conduct further research in animals only when required by FDA.

October 19, 2005

Mother Jones Magazine "Respectable Reefer" by Gary Greenberg.

October 19, 2005. Mother Jones Magazine publishes, "Respectable Reefer," an excellent article about medical marijuana by Gary Greenberg that discusses GW Pharmaceuticals, MAPS and drug war politics.

October 15, 2005

Br J Psychiatry "Can Psychedelics Have A Role In Psychiatry Again?" by Dr. Ben Sessa.

The British Journal of Psychiatry publishes four letters and a reply, commenting on Ben Sessa's June 15, 2005 editorial urging the resumption of psychedelic research.

September 27, 2005

Neurology "Sativex, a Cannabis-Based Medicine, Significantly Reduces Central Neuropathic Pain"

The cannabis based medicine, Sativex, is effective in reducing central neuropathic pain and sleep disturbance in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in a UK study published today in the medical journal, Neurology.

September 19, 2005

Salon.com "The Return of Reefer Madness" by Maia Szalavitz.

An article from Salon.com marks the The Return of Reefer Madness, as the US Drug Czar's marketing implies a connection between marijuana and insanity.

September 18, 2005

"PDF Article" by .

The Tampa Tribune reports about the use of ketamine-induced comas in chronic regional pain syndrome.

Washington Post "Man Collects Peyote Buttons From Cactus for American Indian Rites" by Sylvia Moreno.

The Washington Post published "A Rare and Unusual Harvest," an article about the Native American Church's efforts to successfully maintain peyote cultivation in the United States.

September 12, 2005

Letras Libres "Septiembre y el xtasis" by Gerardo Kleinburg.

Mexican website ViveConDrogas.com published "Septiembre y el xtasis," an intriguing article about drug policy reform and MAPS-funded MDMA research.

September 1, 2005

Sarasota Bradenton-Herald "Cannabis College" by Steve Echeverria Jr..

The Sarasota-Herald Tribune published Cannabis College, an article about New College of Florida's ranking in High Times Magazine's list of the nation's top cannabis colleges. The article quotes Rick Doblin, who received his undergraduate degree from New College.

"A Summary of Recent Press Coverage of the MAPS/Craker/DEA Hearing" by .

A summary of recent press coverage of the MAPS/Craker/DEA hearing is available here.

August 31, 2005

"LSD Finds New Respectability" by .

Julia Thompson from McMaster University in Canada published "LSD finds new respectability." The article references the MDMA studies and protocols currently underway and points out that the term 'psychedelic' was coined in Canada.

August 27, 2005

Penthouse "The Gang That Couldn’t Grow Straight" by Michael Simmons.

The New York Times "Letters to the Editor/The New York Times" by Michael Simmons.

New York Times "Marijuana Pipe Dreams" by John Tierney.

The New York Times published op-ed column "Marijuana Pipe Dreams" by John Tierney, reporting on the current Craker-DEA lawsuit. In a subsequent letter to the editor responding to the mention of a Marinol patient choking to death on his own vomit, Michael Simmons informed the New York Times of the vomit-choking myth.

August 25, 2005

Sacramento Bee Washington Bureau "Clash Over Pot Research Gets Personal" by Michael Doyle.

The Sacramento Bee Washington Bureau published Clash over pot research gets personal, an article about the DEA-Craker lawsuit proceedings including a quote from Rick Doblin.

August 22, 2005

ACLU "External Source" by .
The ACLU issues a press release on the MAPS DEA Lawsuit proceedings.

August 18, 2005

New England Journal of Medicine "Medical Marijuana and the Supreme Court" by Susan Oakie.

The Perspective Section of the New England Journal of Medicine published an article, "Medical Marijuana and the Supreme Court," by Susan Oakie, MD, a contributing editor of the Journal. Click here for full text version.

August 17, 2005

"PDF Article" by .

Commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), by Dean Lawrence Gostin, Georgetown Law School, criticizes NIDA for blocking medical marijuana research. The article is entitled, "Medical Marijuana, American Federalism, and the Supreme Court."

August 2, 2005

MAPS "Comments on Sotnikova et al 2005" by Ilsa Jerome, Ph.D.

Read the original article here.

News-Medical.net "Sotnikova et al. 2005 on MDMA and Parkinsons"
Ironically, after NIDA-funded researchers Drs. McCann and Ricaurte claimed that MDMA damaged dopamine neurons and could cause Parkinson's disease, a claim that they later had to retract, new research conducted at Duke University Medical Center has shown that MDMA is the most effective of 60 drugs tested in reversing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease! This research was discussed in an article in News-Medical.Net; note also a brief commentary on this and other related research into MDMA as an anti-Parkinson's disease treatment.

The Guardian "Headache Sufferers Flout New Drug Law" by Mark Honigsbaum.

Guardian publishes a positive article by Mark Honigsbaum, "Headache sufferers flout new drug law- Calls for clinical trials and rethink of legislation as patients claim that magic mushrooms can relieve excruciating condition." MAPS' effort to sponsor research into the use of LSD and psilocybin in treating cluster headaches is favorably mentioned.

July 26, 2005

San Francisco Chronicle "Controlling Medical Pot is Not Such an Out-of-control Idea" by Ethan Nadelmann.

San Francisco Chronicle publishes this op-ed about medical pot regulation and the measures San Fransciso is taking to protect its medical marijuana patients.

July 19, 2005

Australia Herald Sun "Pill poison" by John Ferguson and Michael Warner.

Australia’s Herald Sun publishes “Pill poison,” an article about the proliferation of of ecstasy dealing, consumption, and adulteration in the nation’s most populated region. The link also includes and editorial from the Herald Sun demanding that the community take responsibility for the nation’s drug problems.

July 18, 2005

United Press "Dealers lacing ecstasy with other drugs"

Austrailia’s United Press runs “Dealers lacing ecstasy with other drugs,” reporting on the widespread adulteration of ecstasy tablets throughout the country.

June 29, 2005

"Letter By John C. Lewin, MD"

June 20, 2005

San Francisco Chronicle "Vaporized fumes said to be cleaner, almost toxin-free" by Joe Garofoli.

San Francisco Chronicle writer Joe Garofoli reports on the completion of the nation’s first clinical human study on vaporization at UCSF. He gives an overview of vaporizer benefits and use, and informs readers how to obtain affordable vaporizers.

"PDF Article" by .
A new political advertisement about medical marijuana, mentioning federal obstruction of research and providing a link to the MAPS website for more information, appeared in the National Review, the New Republic, the American Prospect, The Nation, Reason Magazine, and The Progressive. The ad was placed by Common Sense for Drug Policy.

June 17, 2005

The Guardian "The Ecstasy Man" by .

UK News site Guardian Unlimited ran this story about Alexander Shulgin, his history as a pharmacologist, and the repercussions of his 1965 synthesis of MDMA.

June 15, 2005

British Journal of Psychiatry "Meeting with Ronnie Sandison" by Ben Sessa.

Br J Psychiatry "Can Psychedelics Have A Role In Psychiatry Again?" by Dr. Ben Sessa.

Dr. Ben Sessa's article from the British Journal of Psychiatry debates whether psychedelics can have a role in psychiatry again. On October 15, 2005, the Journal published four letters and a reply, commenting on the editorial and its urging for the resumption of psychedelic research. Ben also conducted an interview with Dr. Ronnie Sandison, inventor of the word "psycholytic.

June 13, 2005

Boston Globe "The Medical Pot Hysteria" by Cathy Young.

The Boston Globe ran an article by Cathy Young entitled, “The Medical Pot Hysteria,” that includes a mention of Sally Satel’s terrific New York Times op-ed piece talking about federal obstruction of research.

June 9, 2005

High Times "Conference Review: Mind States" by Mark Miller.

Mark Miller of High Times magazine puts forth a review of the Mindstates Conference held in San Francisco this past May, including quotes from MAPS Founder and President Rick Doblin.

June 8, 2005

Wired Magazine "Legal Pot’s No Pipe Dream" by .

Wired Magazine writes Legal Pot's No Pipe Dream, discussing the recent Supreme Court decision on medical marijuana and MAPS efforts to estabish a medical marijuana pilot production facility at the University of Massachussets at Amherst with Professer Lyle Craker.

Op-Ed New York Times "Good to Grow" by Sally Satel.

Sally Satel pens an Op-Ed in the New York Times today about medical marijuana, focusing on Lyle Craker, UMass Amherst and Federal obstruction of medical marijuana research.

DesMoines Register "Let Terminally Ill Ease Their Pain by Smoking Pot" by Rekha Basu.

DesMoines Register Columnist Rekha Basu delivers a compassionate and practical article on the benefits of marijuana and the "Catch-22" of the present medical marijuana struggle. She dicusses the treatment limitations that patients with serious illnesses face and urges Americans to "push their representatives for legalization of medicinal marijuana and for more unbiased research."

June 7, 2005

LA Times-THE NATION "Marijuana Patients Remain Defiant" by Eric Bailey.

Nature.com "Marijuana: the dope" by Mark Peplow.

Nature.com offers an article by Mark Peplow discussing the U.S. Supreme Court ruling against medical marijuana, mistakeningly stating that over the past two years MAPS has spent over $2 million on marijuana research when in fact, MAPS has spent that figure on all psychedelic research projects.

Salon Magazine "A Guide to Gonzales vs. Raich" by Ryan Grim.

Ryan Grim, Salon Magazine, publishes his article A guide to Gonzales vs. Raich, What the medical marijuana ruling means for patients, the commerce clause, marital sex, Antonin Scalia's career and more. Ryan writes "But if the Supreme Court told us nothing else on Monday, it was that if this drug quagmire is ever going to end, it'll have to be stopped by the ones who started it: members of Congress. Until then, we'll gradually build our way to a society where half the population is locked in prison and the other half is guarding the prisoners."

June 6, 2005

Washington Post "A Defeat For Users Of Medical Marijuana"

The Washington Post reports on today’s Supreme Court decision supporting Federal power over State’s rights in medical marijuana law: A Defeat For Users Of Medical Marijuana. The article quotes John Walters, President Bush’s director of national drug control policy, who said: “Our nation has the highest standards and most sophisticated institutions in the world for determining the safety and effectiveness of medication. Our national medical system relies on proven scientific research, not popular opinion.”

However, the WP article fails to adequately address Federal obstruction of all attempts to engage in research to demonstrate the medical efficacy of marijuana, exemplified by the difficulty MAPS has in obtaining Federal approval for The Amherst MMJ production facility project.

June 2, 2005

Medill News Service "Behind the Vision Vine" by Molly Brown.

Molly Brown of Medill News Service reports on the case between the religious group Uniao do Vegetal (UDV) and the U.S. Supreme Court on the legal status of their sacrament, the Amazonian brew ayahusaca, in this comprehensive article.

June 1, 2005

Il Manifesto "Il Manifesto" by .

Italian publication Il Manifesto reports on MDMA research and quotes Rick Doblin.

May 25, 2005

MPP "Statement by Steve Fox, Director of Government Relations, MPP" by Steve Fox.

ACLU "STATEMENT OF ALLEN HOPPER, ATTORNEY WITH THE ACLU DRUG LAW REFORM PROJECT" by Allen Hopper.

"Illegal Drug Being Promoted by Small Group" by .

The Church of Scientology puts out an article dismissing the therapeutic, medicinal uses of psychedelics and thus continuing the war on psychiatry.

May 23, 2005

CQ Weekly "New Prescriptions for War Trauma" by Tim Starks.

The CQ (Congressional Quarterly) Weekly published an excellent cover story by Tim Starks, entitled "New Prescriptions for War Trauma." The article interviews Dr. Michael Mithoefer and discusses the MAPS-sponsored study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of PTSD.

Nursing Spectrum "Can Ecstasy Help Dying Cancer Patients?" by Lisette Hilton.

Online Publication Nursing Spectrum puts forth an article discussing the Harvard study of MDMA psychotherapy for treatment of anxiety associated with terminal cancer. Author Lisette Hilton quotes Dr. John Halpern that "the benefits of this therapy would have greater application for nurses who tend to dying patients on a daily basis than for the physicians who prescribe the therapy."

May 19, 2005

Psychology Today "Psychedelics in Rehab" by Steve Kotler.

Psychology Today offers two articles about psychedelic research constraints in the United States, one from 2005 and the other from 1994. Compare what 11 years can do!

May 18, 2005

Join Together "Ecstasy as Therapy" by .

Join Together, a drug abuse prevention organization, ran a news summary regarding the recent St. Petersburg Times article on the MDMA research MAPS sponsors.

May 16, 2005

Northern Life "Controversial Drug Ecstasy Might Be Used in Scientific Experiments" by Jason Thompson.

Canadian newspaper Northern Life ran an article in the online "police beat" section by Jason Thompson in which Dr. Stephen Kish of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, among others, discuss problems and potential of MDMA use.

May 12, 2005

MSNBC "Transcript of the program ‘Scarborough Country’ for May 11 on MSNB" by .

Rick Doblin appeared on Joe Scarborough's MSNBC segment yesterday. Here is a transcript as well as a video of the interview.

May 11, 2005

"Dean Chamberlain Albert Hofmann"

We are pleased to present a special signed, numbered limited edition of prints from Dean Chamberlain's Psychedelic Pioneers series, his light painting portrait of Albert Hofmann. This portrait was made in 1997 at Albert's home in Switzerland and is signed by Albert and Dean.

This edition of prints was created to help fund MAPS-sponsored LSD and psilocybin research as well as to commemorate Albert's 100th birthday next year. 50% of the profits from the sale of these prints will go towards

There are only 50 of these beautiful archival pigment prints. The image is 11"x14" and is printed on fine-art matte paper.
We have now sold 45 of these prints and they are going fast.
The price started at $1000 for the first twenty (now sold out), was $1500 for the next twenty (now sold out), and is now $2000 for the final ten:
1-20 $1000 (Sold out)
21-40 $1500 (Sold out)
41-50 $2000
Visit our bookstore to purchase one of the few remaining prints.

Recently Albert's signature on a single sheet of blotter acid art sold at auction for $3000.

Dean Chamberlain developed his light painting technique, which involves working with his camera and subject in completely dark spaces, in 1977. These images are created entirely in the camera, with no computer manipulation. Using extremely long exposures in sessions that often extend to four or five hours, he moves through the composition space with a flashlight and colored gels, illuminating each individual element, not so much photographing a moment but painting with light through time and space. Dean considers this portrait of Albert to be one of his best photographs.

"Rick Doblin on Joe Scarborough’s MSNBC Show"

Rick Doblin appears on Joe Scarborough’s MSNBC Segment to talk about the MDMA therapy studies. Watch the video (permalink) or read the transcript of the interview by clicking the title above.

Cannabis Culture "Waiting to inhale" by Christine Trudeau.

Cannabis Culture offers an article on medical marijuana patient Angel Raich’s struggle in the Supreme Court

"WAV File" by .
Dr. Meg Jordan, Global Medicine Hunter, puts out a podcast about MAPS' research into the use of MDMA in the treatment of postraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Iraq War vets, and about her work with the therapeutic use of MDMA in the late 1970s!

May 9, 2005

Newsweek (International Edition) "A Psychedelic Cure" by .

The International edition of Newsweek published "A Psychedelic Cure", a piece similar to the a piece published last week in the domestic edition, but with greater discussion of proposed studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in Spain and Israel.

The St. Petersburg Times "Party Pill Gets Tryout in Therapy" by Janet Zink.

The St. Petersburg Times ran a front page article, "Party pill gets tryout in therapy" written by Janet Zink, offering reporting on MAPS' mission of decriminizaling the use of MDMA for therapeutic purposes.

May 2, 2005

Newsweek "Ecstasy: A Possible New Role for A Banned Club Drug" by Eve Conant.

Newsweek Magazine runs a story on MDMA research by Eve Conant, Ecstasy: A Possible New Role for A Banned Club Drug.

April 22, 2005

USA TODAY "Post-9/11 security cuts into Ecstasy" by Donna Leinwand.

"The changing economics of Ecstasy is leading a rising number of youths to turn to cheaper, more available drugs. Among them: addictive prescription painkillers such as OxyContin and Vicodin, inhalants such as paint thinner, and methamphetamines. Two recent surveys said OxyContin and Vicodin had passed Ecstasy in popularity among teens."

"And this is considered progress!" comments Rick Doblin, MAPS President.

April 19, 2005

FOX News "Painkiller Warnings Rekindle Debate Over Medical Marijuana" by C. Spencer Beggs.

"External Source" by .

Paul Malkowski conducted an excellent interview with Rick Doblin for a future issue of Recharge e-zine (http://www.rechargemag.com). Paul asked some great questions during the interview. Tragically, Paul died a few days after he completed the interview.

April 18, 2005

Fox News Online "Red Tape, Big Pharm Muscle Strangling Medical Marijuana" by C. Spencer Beggs.

Fox News Online recently published "Red Tape, Big Pharm Muscle Strangling Medical Marijuana," a piece discussing the difficulties of conducting medical marijuana research with current restrictions on the supply of cannabis for research, with quotes from Lyle Craker and John Halpern.

April 11, 2005

The LA Times "Ecstasy’s Good Sid" by Linda Marsa.

The LA Times published, "Ecstasy's Good Side", reporting on MDMA/cancer anxiety study to be conducted by John Halpern MD, and discussed related studies (such as the study of psilocybin in people with cancer-related anxiety conducted by Charles Grob MD, and the ongoing study of MDMA in people with PTSD. Note that the article erroneously reports on the location of the last study, which is at the offices of Michael Mithoefer MD, and not at the Medical University of South Carolina.

March 29, 2005

The New York Times "Medicinal Marijuana On Trial" by Dan Hurley.

The New York Times published "Medicinal Marijuana On Trial", discussing medical marijuana research and Ashcroft v. Raich.

March 25, 2005

Yediot Ahronot Magazine (Israel) "Ecstasy Not What You Thought" by Adi Alia.

The largest Israeli newspaper, Yediot Ahronot, published a favorable article about MAPS' Israeli conference, which took place the day before, and the use of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The article was accompanied by an incredible graphic of a drowning man holding on to a life preserver that was actually an Ecstasy pill with a smiling face.

March 20, 2005

The Sunday Telegraph (Sydney, Australia) "Banned Drugs May Be Cure-all" by Graham Phillips.

The (Sydney, Australia) Sunday Telegraph reported on MAPS-supported research into psilocybin and LSD in people with cluster headaches to take place at McLean Hospital. The report contains a number of factual errors concerning the research and other research studies mentioned throughout the piece.

March 18, 2005

El Mundo "Eivissa’s ‘Raves’ Have Made This Tourist Destination Mythic"

El Mundo [Ibiza] "An Association Which Supports Drug Research Auctions Off a Week “of Dancing” in Eivissa" by Elena Sánchez.

Two articles in a newspaper in Ibiza (El Mundo), "An association which supports drug research auctions off a week "of dancing" in Eivissa on the Internet", and "Eivissa's 'raves' have made this tourist destination mythic" discuss MAPS' ebay auction of, among other things, a week at a "villa in Ibiza" and report on MAPS' agenda.

March 17, 2005

Wired News "It Takes Money to Feed your Head" by Kristen Philipkoski.

Wired News published "You Need Money to Feed Your Head", a short article discussing the MAPS auction that will run from March 14 to March 21, 2005.

March 8, 2005

The Scientist "Renewed Faith in Ecstasy" by Alison McCook.

The Scientist published "Renewed Faith in Ecstasy", a brief article on the recent history and progress of MDMA research, and featuring quotes from Rick Doblin.

"External Source" by .
The NPR show, To the Point, hosted by Warren Olney, discussed Dr. Michael Mithoefer's MAPS-sponsored MDMA/PTSD study and FDA's newly approved expansion of the study to include subjects with war-related PTSD. Guests include Dr. Andrew Pomeranz (PTSD therapist), Dr. Michael Mithoefer, Rick Doblin, Ph.D. and Robert Dupont, Ph.D. (first Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse). The story runs from 23:35-50:52.

March 4, 2005

"Comments on Roiser et al (2004)"

BBC On-Line "Ecstasy Use ‘Link’ to Depression" by .

BBC On-Line published an article describing recently published findings that ecstasy use was associated with increased self-reported symptoms of depression, but only in people who have a certain form of the serotonin transporter gene. You can also read a commentary on the paper.

February 28, 2005

The Scientist "Renewed Faith in Ecstasy" by Alison McCook.

An article in The Scientist magazine by Alison McCook discusses struggles with DEA over MAPS' psychedelic and medical marijuana research protocols.

February 26, 2005

New Scientist "Psychedelic Medicine: Mind Bending, Health Giving" by John Horgan.

New Scientist published a lengthy and extensive overview of current and planned research into the medical or psychiatric benefits of psychedelic substances, including MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, ketamine and ibogaine, and covernig a wide array of MAPS-supported and Heffter Institute supported studies.. The article contains a history of medical research with psychedelics.

February 23, 2005

New England Cable News "External Source" by .
New England Cable News airs a segment on the MAPS' sponsored study at Harvard's McLean Hospital investigating the efficacy of MDMA in reducing the anxiety experienced by terminally ill cancer patients. Click here and scroll down to the 2/23/05 item "Doctors Look To Study Ecstasy's Effects" to view the video.

ABC News "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings" by Peter Jennings.

ABC World News Tonight briefly reported on the MDMA/cancer anxiety study to be conducted by John Halpern MD.

Boston Globe "Harvard Seeks to Test Ecstasy Drug on the Dying" by Raja Mishra.

The Boston Globe published a lengthy piece on the MDMA/cancer anxiety study that will take place at Harvard University's McLean Hospital. The piece features quotes from Halpern and from Rick Doblin.

National Public Radio "All Things Considered" by .

National Public Radio (NPR)'s "All Things Considered" aired an interview of John Halpern, who spoke about the MDMA/cancer anxiety study. You can hear a recording of the interview on the NPR website or you can read the transcripts of the interview

February 17, 2005

The Guardian "Ecstasy Trials for Combat Stress" by David Adam.

Der Spiegel "Ecstasy in the Battlefield" by .

The German newspaper Der Spiegel published a report on the recent expansion of the MDMA/PTSD study to include people with combat-related PTPSD that is even more muddled than the report from the Guardian, above. Not only does this report suggest that a new investigation is underway, but that the US military is involved in this study. As already noted, there is no new study specifically studying MDMA-assisted therapy in people with combat-related PTSD, and the military has not been involved in any step of this research so far.

The Guardian "Treating Agony with Ecstasy" by David Adam.

The Guardian published an extensive discussion of current and planned research into the therapeutic uses of MDMA and psychedelic drugs. The article quotes John Halpern, Rick Doblin and Michael Mithoefer, and covers a surprising breadth of current and planned research in this area.

February 16, 2005

World Talk Radio "External Source" by .
Dr. Michael Mithoefer and Annie Mithoefer were guests on Kathleen Brooks' radio show on World Talk Radio, Darkness to Light: Breaking the Conspiracy of Silence, for an hour-long discussion of their MAPS-sponsored MDMA/PTSD study.

http://revistagalileu.globo.com/Galileu/0,6993,ECT883962-1719,00.html "PDF Article" by .
The January issue of the Brazilian science magazine Galileu published "Da Balada Para o Diva,", an article in Portugese by Juliana Tiraboschi about research into the potentially therapeutic uses of MDMA.. The paper discusses the MDMA/PTSD study and quotes MAPS president Rick Doblin. You can also read a PDF version of the article.

February 5, 2005

New Scientist (UK) "Cannabis: Prescribing the Miracle Weed" by Clare Wilson.

The New Scientist publishes "Cannabis: Prescribing the Miracle Weed" by Clare Wilson. The initial MAPS-sponsored medical marijuana research efforts of Dr. Donald Abrams are discussed though MAPS is not mentioned.

February 4, 2005

UCLA Daily Bruin "UCLA Doctor Studies Drugs Potential Ability to Ease Anxiety in Terminally Ill Patients" by Menaka Fernando.

The UCLA newspaper the Daily Bruin featured a report on Charles Grob's research on psilocybin in people with cancer experiencing anxiety relating to their illness. The piece quoted Grob and Dr. John Halpern, the principal investigator of the MAPS-sponsored study of MDMA in people with cancer-related anxiety.

January 30, 2005

New York Times Magazine "Dr. Ecstasy" by Drake Bennet.

January 30, 2005. The New York Times Sunday Magazine published a profile of psychedelic chemist, Sasha Shulgin, that highlighted the approval of MDMA research at Harvard sponsored by MAPS (though MAPS was not mentioned). The article includes a quote from Dr. Steve Hyman, Harvard Provost and ex-Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, saying that he is skeptical whether MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in subjects with anxiety associated with advanced-stage cancer will actually prove beneficial but that he thinks the research should go forward. The ghost of Timothy Leary has now definitely be laid to rest at Harvard. Now it's up to us to prove what we have been saying for decades, that MDMA and other psychedelics have remarkable healing potentials. As the saying goes, "Beware what you wish for." The challenge of proving the safety and efficacy of psychedelic psychotherapy is formidable, but definitely a goal worth the decades of prior and future work.

January 21, 2005

Psychiatric News "FDA Approves Study of Ecstasy In Some Terminally Ill Patients" by Eve Bender.

Psychiatry News (a publication of the American Psychiatric Association) reported on the proposed MDMA/cancer anxiety study, with quotes from principal investigator John Halpern MD.

January 20, 2005

The New York Times "Décor by Timothy Leary" by Mark Allen.

The New York Times published an article about dream machines that featured Kate Chapman, described in the article as "a former neuroscience researcher for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies." Kate worked on a rat MDMA neurotoxicity study funded by MAPS as well as on the http://www.maps.org/news-letters/v09n1/09107jan.html ">Janiger follow-up study.

"The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Recently Turned Down a Research Bid" by .

The Drug-Free America Foundation, Inc. reports on its website on the DEA rejection of the UMass Amherst application for a license to establish a facility to produce marijuana for federally-approved research.

January 18, 2005

Newsweek "Newsweek Article About DEA’s Rejection of Prof. Craker’s UMass Amherst Application" by Gersh Kuntzman.

A Newsweek article about DEA's rejection of Prof. Craker's UMass Amherst application does a good job of explaining the issues but takes some pot shots at MAPS.

January 16, 2005

Boston Globe "Boston Globe article about MDMA versus marijuana research" by Marcella Bombardieri and Jenna Russell.

The Boston Globe published an article contrasting FDA approval of MAPS' study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in subjects with anxiety associated with advanced-stage cancer with DEA rejection of Prof. Lyle Craker's MAPS-sponsored application for a license to establish a facility to produce marijuana for federally-approved research.

New York Times "Rave On, and Out - Going High Into That Good Night" by Benedict Carey.

The Week in Review section of the Sunday New York Times had a thoughtful but rather snide and inaccurate article on the research into the use of MDMA and psilocybin in the treatment of anxiety associated with advanced cancer.

"External Source" by Mark Kleiman.

Prof. Mark Kleiman criticizes a NYTimes article on the use of psychedelics in treating anxiety in subjects with advanced-stage cancer. He notes the flawed central assumption of the article which is that "all "drugs" are alike, and that "drugs" have the property of dulling perception and cognition, making people less present to what is happening to them."

January 13, 2005

Village Voice "The Acid Test" by Geeta Dayal.

The Village Voice Educational supplement published an article describing Dr. David Nichols' LSD research. The piece also mentions Dr. Franz Vollenweider's psilocybin research.

January 8, 2005

"RM file" by .

Dr. John Halpern is the guest on C-SPAN's Washington Journal for a live, half-hour national call-in show focused on Dr. Halpern's MAPS-sponsored study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in subjects with anxiety associated with advanced-stage cancer.

January 7, 2005

The Oregonian "Stop Blocking Marijuana Research" by .

An editorial published by The Oregonian, "Stop Blocking Marijuana Research", supports the UMass Amherst project.

The Boston Herald "Harvard Doc’s Study: Dying with Ecstasy" by Jules Crittenden.

The Boston Herald published a short piece describing the MDMA /cancer anxiety study, quoting primary investigator John Halpern and MAPS President Rick Doblin.

January 6, 2005

"Val to Iboga Assoc in Mexico"

Valerie Mojeiko will soon be supervising and analyzing information from people treated at the Ibogaine Association in Mexico.

January 5, 2005

The Harvard Crimson "Letter to Crimson by Leary, Alpert" by Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert.

The Harvard Crimson "HMS will Give Ecstasy to Terminal Cancer Patients" by .

The Harvard Crimson reported on the MDMA/cancer anxiety study that will be taking place at McLean Hospital. Principal Investigator John Halpern MD is quoted, as well as MAPS President Rick Doblin PhD. The on-line version of this article has a link to a letter written by Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (Ram Dass) and published in the Crimson in 1962.

San Diego City Beat "Feds v. Meds" by Dean Kuipers.

The San Diego City Beat published a discussion and analysis of a recent legal challenge to the HHS to change how marijuana is scheduled, with the legal challenge relying on a 2002 law, the Data Quality Act, originally crafted to benefit the tobacco industry and other corporate interests.

2004 Media Articles...

December 31, 2004

The Age, Australia "Ecstasy Could Help Terminally Ill" by Jacqueline Maley.

Reports about FDA approval of MAPS' MDMA/cancer anxiety study have generated articles and debates around the world, with one example being an

Ottawa Citizen "Examining Ecstasy" by .

An amazing editorial, Examining Ecstasy, about FDA approval of MAPS' MDMA/cancer anxiety study, was published today in the Ottawa Citizen. MAPS' Harvard study is considered restrained and Charles Grob is chastised for speaking of potential spiritual benefits!

December 30, 2004

The Australian "Cancer Fighters Study Ecstasy" by Jeff Sommerfeld.

An article in The Australian reports on the FDA approval of MAPS' MDMA/cancer anxiety study and quotes Australian Medical Association Queensland public health committee chairwoman Jeanette Tait as saying, "The medical community would look askance at this type of trial, except that it is being conducted by such a respected body," she said. "As it is such a fairly substantial body doing the trial, especially with FDA approval, I think the results will be very interesting. There's so much to be wary about illicit drugs and their use." Dr. Tait's comments reaffirm the value of MAPS' efforts to conduct MDMA psychotherapy research at Harvard, since the research is being taken more seriously as a result of where it is being conducted.

December 29, 2004

"PDF Article" by .
Some of the most important Spanish newspapers and journals broke the news about the MDMA/cancer anxiety study, echoing the news report from the Washington Post. These reports are apparently very favorable. These include "EE UU ensaya el uso de éxtasis en enfermos de cancer terminal" (El País, December 28, PDF), "Cientficos de EE UU investigarn el uso del 'éxtasis' en enfermos terminales" (El Correo Digital, December 29, PDF) and "EEUU aprueba un estudio sobre el uso psiquitrico del 'éxtasis'" (El Mundo, December 28, PDF).

December 27, 2004

The Washington Post "“Ecstasy” Use Studied to Ease Fear in Terminally Ill" by Rick Weiss.

Excellent Washington Post article by Rick Weiss about FDA approval of MDMA/cancer anxiety research and general renewal of research into the therapeutic potential of MDMA and psychedelic compounds. [ Also see scans of the article. ]

Associated Press Wire Service "FDA OKs Ecstasy Study in Cancer Patients" by Lolita C. Baldor.

The AP Wire Service published a report on the recent FDA approval of the MDMA/cancer anxiety study, with quotes from principal investigator John Halpern MD.

December 19, 2004

Chicago Tribune "The Folly of Our Drug Policies" by Steve Chapman.

An op-ed by Steve Chapman of the Chicago Tribune criticizes the DEA for blocking the UMass Amherst marijuana production facility

The Providence Journal "Drug Warriors Make Millions off Marijuana" by Froma Harrop.

The Providence (RI) Journal published an excellent op-ed about the financial reasons why drug warriors don't want to see the licensing of the UMass Amherst production facility.

December 18, 2004

counterpunch.org "DEA Upholds Grower’s Marijuana Monopoly" by Fred Gardner.

An expanded article by Fred Gardner appears on counterpunch.org, "DEA Upholds Grower's Marijuana Monopoly." This is the most detailed critique yet published of DEA's rationale for rejecting MAPS' UMass-Amherst application.

December 16, 2004

Boston Phoenix "Up in Smoke - A Setback for Medical Marijuana" by Mike Miliard.

An excellent article in the Boston Phoenix dissects the DEA's rejection of the UMass Amherst application.

December 15, 2004

Boston Herald "In at Least One Way, Zoomass Isn’t Going to Pot" by Howie Carr.

Howie Carr of the Boston Herald writes IN AT LEAST ONE WAY, ZOOMASS ISN'T GOING TO POT.

Anderson Valley Advertiser "DEA Upholds Grower’s Monopoly" by Fred Gardner.

An article in the Anderson Valley Advertiser, "DEA Upholds Grower's Monopoly," by Fred Gardner, discusses in detail the DEA's rejection of the UMass Amherst application. The Anderson Valley Advertiser has followed the details of the medical marijuana issue more closely than any other paper.

Boston Globe "DEA Rejects Professor’s Bid to Grow Marijuana" by Marcella Bombardieri and Jenna Russell.

An article in the Boston Globe gives background to the DEA rejection of the UMass Amherst project and explains the legal pressure that forced DEA to act, the DEA's obstruction of research, and political support for the license.

December 14, 2004

The New York Times "College Is Rebuffed In Request to Grow Medical Marijuana" by Donald G. McNeil.

The New York Times reports that the DEA has rejected the application from UMass Amherst for a license to grow marijuana. The article notes that there is a 30 days period within which an appeal can be filed, which we will do.

December 7, 2004

"Souder is Right: Let’s Prove that Marijuana is Safe" by Sam Farr.

Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA) has sent out a Dear Colleague letter to all member of the US House of Representatives, in response to a bill filed by U.S. Rep. Mark Souder that seeks to have the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) write a report about the "medical" uses of marijuana for FDA to distribute. Rep. Souder is the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources and the author of the much criticized bill that denies federal student loans to anyone convicted of a drug-related crime. Rep. Farr’s letter questions whether NIDA is unbiased and cites NIDA’s refusal in over 17 and 1/2 months to provide 10 grams of marijuana for vaporizer research (sponsored by MAPS and CaNORML). Federal obstruction of medical marijuana research is starting to get more attention. This may help generate pressure to break NIDA’s monopoly on supply, which it uses to obstruct research.

December 4, 2004

Miami Herald "Euphoria Lab Raided at Home" by Darren Simon.

The Miami Herald published a news report of the police seizure of a clandestine laboratory allegedly producing a chemical the report describes as "euphoria," probably referring to the substance 4-methylaminorex. Rick Doblin is quoted in a brief discussion of the effects of the drug.

November 30, 2004

The Independent Online "Magical and Medicinal" by David McCandless.

The UK Independent News, online edition, publishes an article by David McCandless about the medicinal benefits of some psychedelic fungi, Magical and Medicinal

November 29, 2004

Slate "Dude, Where’s My Integrity?"

Slate has recently published an extensive commentary on how the Supreme Court is and will approach Ashcroft v. Raich. MAPS had filed an amicus curiae concerning the obstruction of efforts to conduct FDA-approved medical marijuana research.

Slate "Dude, Where’s My Integrity? Medical marijuana tests the Supreme Court’s true love of federalism" by .

November 28, 2004

Los Angeles Times "The Magical Mystery Tour" by .

The LA Times published an in-depth examination of ibogaine therapy for people with addictions. The piece includes a brief description of a session at the Ibogaine Association clinic in Mexico, and mentions Howard Lotsof, Deborah Mash, and Marc Emery.

November 22, 2004

Scientific American "Current Restrictions on Marijuana Research are Absurd" by The Editors.

The popular science magazine Scientific American published an editorial in support of making it easier to perform medical marijuana research in the US, describing current restrictions on medical marijuana research as "absurd."

November 13, 2004

The New Scientist "The Intoxication Instinct" by Helen Phillips.

Helen Phillips and Graham Lawton explore The Intoxication Instinct in a fascinating and lengthy article published in The New Scientist. “From alcohol and cannabis to cocaine and LSD, it seems there are no limits to our appetite for mind-altering substances. What is it about human nature that drives us to get out of our heads?”

October 15, 2004

"Magic Medicine" by David McCandless.

"Magic Medicine," an article by David McCandless in the London paper, The Independent, discusses the changing legal situation in England for mushrooms, which are currently legal, and psilocybin research, with some excellent quotes from Dr. Charles Grob and Rick Doblin.

October 10, 2004

San Francisco Chronicle "Medical Marijuana Advocates Likely to Get a Break Under Kerry" by Bob Egelko.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that "Medical Marijuana Advocates Likely to Get Break Under Kerry". MAPS' UMass Amherst project is mentioned in the article.

October 8, 2004

Boston Phoenix "This is your Brain on Drugs" by Mike Miliard.
The October 8-14 Boston Phoenix features an interview with MAPS' president Rick Doblin Ph.D. that discusses, among other things, ongoing research into the therapeutic effects of MDMA, psilocybin, and marijuana.

September 30, 2004

Reuters News Service "British, French Drug Firms Lead in Marijuana Tests" by Leonard Anderson.

Reuters News Service published a story stating “British, French Drug Firms Lead in Marijuana Tests”, noting that US drug development is hampered by marijuana’s schedule 1 status and government control over the supply of marijuana researchers must use for their studies.

Salt Lake City Weekly "Ecstasy & Therapy" by David Adams & Ben Fulton.

The Salt Lake City Weekly published a piece on Ecstasy & Therapy. The piece includes interviews with two therapists practicing "underground" MDMA-assisted therapy, and an interview with Rick Doblin Ph.D., president of MAPS.

September 27, 2004

Wired "Long Trip for Psychedelic Drugs" by Kristen Philipkoski.

Wired published a piece charting the progress of research into the therapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs, including the ongoing studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in people with PTSD, psilocybin in people with OCD, and psilocybin in cancer patient with anxiety, as well as planned studies into MDMA-assisted therapy in people with anxiety associated with advanced stage cancer, and psilocybin and LSD in people with cluster headaches.

September 14, 2004

Movement Disorders "Three Letters: Ecstasy and Parkinsonism" by Multiple.
The journal Movement Disorders has recently published two letters in response to a report of http://www.maps.org/sys/w3pb.pl?mode=search&c_pkey=20631&displayformat=allinfo&type=citation" target = new>parkinsonism in a former ecstasy user, and include a reply from the authors of the case report. The two letters include a letter authored by MAPS' Lisa Jerome and Rick Doblin and MDMA/PTSD study principal investigator Michael Mithoefer, and a report of a transient dystonia appearing after Ecstasy use. In their reply to both letters, the authors acknowledge the likely rarity of movement disorders associated with Ecstasy use, but fail to discuss the lack of evidence for a relationship between Ecstasy use and movement disorders.

August 15, 2004

BBC News "Medicine Hope for Psychedelic Drugs" by Arran Frood.

Medicine Hope for Psychedelic Drugs, an article from BBC News (UK Web), by Arran Frood, discussed psychedelic psychotherapy research supported by Heffter Research Institute and MAPS. This article is mostly based on an interview with Dr. Charles Grob and leaves the impression that it's about time that research into the therapeutic uses of psychedelics has resumed.

August 8, 2004

Mail on Sunday "Nobel Prize genius Crick was high on LSD when he discovered the secret of life" by Alun Rees.

London Publication Mail on Sunday reports on Francis Crick, the Nobel Prize-winning father of modern genetics, who was under the influence of LSD when he first deduced the double-helix structure of DNA nearly 50 years ago.

August 4, 2004

Charleston SC Post and Courier "Psychedelic Drugs Have Long History" by Holly Aue.

Post and Courier "Letter to the The Editor" by Michael Mithoefer.

Charleston (SC) Post and Courier "Ecstasy Research at Center of Debate" by Jonathan Maze.

The Charleston, South Carolina Post and Courier published an article about the MDMA/PTSD study. While the article overemphasizes the supposed dangers of MDMA, it does at least give the impression that MDMA may indeed have therapeutic potential. Dr. Mithoefer has written a letter to the editor clarifying some misleading statements made in the Post and Courier article. The Post and Courier also published another article on the history of psychedelic research.

On August 8, the Post and Courier printed the following correction: "A story on Page 1A of Wednesday's editions of The Post and Courier incorrectly stated that Dr. Michael C. Mithoefer was administering Ecstasy to "patients." The story should have made it clear that the drug was being given to research subjects. The federally approved research program is unrelated to Mithoefer's private practice and patients. Dr. Mithoefer also notes that the story would have more appropriately drawn a distinction between dangerous recreational use of Ecstasy and controlled clinical studies if it had noted other studies, including three US studies approved by the FDA, that found "no serious adverse events" and "no evidence of neurotoxicity" in tests administered under medical supervision."

July 28, 2004

Nature "Joint Suits Aim to Weed Out Agencies’ Red Tape" by Helen Pearson.

Scientific Journal Nature publishes an article about MAPS's lawsuit against DEA, HHS, NIH, and NIDA for obstructing Marijuana research. Dr. Stanley Watson of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, who co-authored a 1999 Institute of Medicine report agrees that political factors are obstructing medical marijuana research.

July 25, 2004

The Baltimore Sun "Clarification to Baltimore Sun Article on MDMA Psychotherapy Research" by .

A front page article in the Sunday Baltimore Sun discussed MAPS' MDMA psychotherapy research in a favorable light, illustrated with a photo of Rick Doblin. Of special note is the conclusion, in which Dr. George Ricaurte says that MDMA may one day find a place as an accepted medication. On July 29, the Sun published a clarification to the article.

July 22, 2004

"Newspapers around the country have carried an AP wire story on MAPS’ lawsuits" by .

Newspapers around the country have carried an AP wire story on MAPS’ lawsuits against DEA/HHS/NIH/NIDA for obstructing medical marijuana research. An original article from the Springfield Republican (in MA) is representative of the favorable treatment our suit has obtained in the media.

The Republican (Springfield, MA) "Marijuana Research Lawsuits to be Filed" by Holly Angelo.

The Springfield Republican publishes an article about MAPS recent medical marijuana research lawsuits.

July 21, 2004

Nature "Nature Publishes an Excellent Editorial About the Conflict Between Science and Politics at NIDA" by .

Nature publishes an excellent editorial about the conflict between science and politics at NIDA, using as an example exaggerations of the risks of MDMA by Dr. Alan Leshner, ex-Director of NIDA.

June 22, 2004

Nature "Keeping a Clear Head on Effects of Illict Drugs" by Alex Gamma, Ph.D..

Response to the Nature editorial entitled ‘Think harder about ecstasy’.

May 13, 2004

"Nature Publishes a Lengthy Article about MDMA Research"

Nature publishes a lengthy article and editorial about MDMA psychotherapy research. The articles, about which Rick Doblin has written a lengthy commentary, are supportive of MAPS' research efforts. Alex Gamma wrote a letter to the editor responding to claims of insufficient knowledge of extent of risks in human trials made in the piece and providing greater detail on a human trial of MDMA described in the article.

April 14, 2004

"Drug Policy Alliance is featuring an interview with Rick Doblin"

The Drug Policy Alliance is featuring an interview with Rick Doblin on its website.

"Drug Policy Alliance is featuring an interview Rick Doblin" by .
The Drug Policy Alliance is featuring an interview with Rick Doblin on its website.

2003 Media Articles...

November 18, 2003

WBUR "Massachusetts Considers Medical Marijuana"

WBUR, the Boston NPR station, broadcast a long, positive story about medical marijuana and the UMass Amherst project, with interviews with Rick Doblin, UMass Amherst Prof. Lyle Craker, and ONDCP's Dr. Andrea Barthwell. The story, "Massachusetts Considers Medical Marijuana," is by Rachel Gotbaum and begins by stating, "Governor Mitt Romney is expected to decide later this month whether he will join Senators Kennedy and Kerry and urge the federal drug enforcement administration to allow a Massachusetts professor to grow marijuana for medical research."

July 1, 2003

"2003 Part 1"

December 11, 2003. The Agony of Ecstasy. LA CityBEAT by Dennis Romero. Discusses the decline of rave culture but the only models of use presented are to burn out or to leave. There's no discussion of anyone who has a sustainable relationship with MDMA that incorporates responsible use over time. It's a rather bleak portrait.

December 10, 2003. A Bad Batch, by Rebecca Alvania. Baltimore City Paper (Issue #50,12/10-12/16). This is yet another long, powerful article about the flawed MDMA neurotoxicity research of Drs. Ricaurte and McCann. The article is sprinkled with excellent quotes from Rick Doblin and Dr. Charles Grob.

December 5, 2003. Newsweek Online publishes an interview with psychiatrist Julie Holland on the psychotherapeutic use of MDMA.:

December 3, 2003. THE AGONY OF ECSTASY RESEARCH:
Science Gets Recruited in the Drug War, by Ronald Bailey. Reason Magazine Online.

December 2, 2003. Research on Ecstasy Is Clouded by Errors - The New York Times, by Donald G. McNeil Jr.

Rick Doblin, President of MAPS, published these comments on the NYT article.

The Drug Policy Alliance have issued this related press release today.

Mark Kleiman's weblog, "An Ouchie for George"

November 29, 2003. High Times in the Magic Mushroom Business and its Completely Legal, Mark Honigsbaum, The Guardian

November 28, 2003. The politics of rEsearch by Harry Shapiro, is published in the Nov/Dec issue of the British magazine, Druglink.

This article reports that Ricaurte's mislabeling error "came to light when a student attempted to replicate the study and then made an official complaint when permission to publish the new findings was denied." In order to verify if this was accurate, Rick Doblin called the Johns Hopkins press office and was informed that Dr. Ricaurte says that there is no substance whatsoever to this allegation.

November 24, 2003. The British newspaper The Guardian published a positive article today about MAPS' progress towards final approval of our MDMA/PTSD study. Later today, BBC Scotland will interview me about the MDMA/PTSD study during its drive-time rush hour show. BBC World News just called about doing an interview that it will send out tonight to stations all over the place, and BBC London called for its Five Live national show. Also, the youth station in Dublin, Ireland (Spin1038) will conduct an interview. Just the struggle to obtain permission for the study is presenting us with some good opportunities to do public education about MDMA.

The BBC published this news article today on its highly regarded website.

November 18, 2003. WBUR, the Boston NPR station, broadcast a long, positive story about medical marijuana and the UMass Amherst project, with interviews with a medical marijuana patient, Dr. Lester Grinspoon, Rick Doblin, UMass Amherst Prof. Lyle Craker, Joseph St. Laurent at Chemic Labs, and ONDCP's Dr. Andrea Barthwell. The story, "Massachusetts Considers Medical Marijuana," is by Rachel Gotbaum and begins by stating, "Governor Mitt Romney is expected to decide later this month whether he will join Senators Kennedy and Kerry and urge the federal drug enforcement administration to allow a Massachusetts professor to grow marijuana for medical research."

November 17, 2003. Envisioning uses for hallucinogens, by Faye Flam, Philadelphia Inquirer staff writer

November 10, 2003. RTI denies it made mistake that torpedoed results of a $1.3M study. Triangle Business Journal, by Leo John.

Senators support proposal to grow marijuana for research - Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly, No. 43, Vol. 15; Pg. 8.

November 2, 2003. Pot Project Wins Support, Education Section, Boston Globe.

October 28, 2003. An article "Senators back UM medical marijuana" - By Mary Carey, Staff Writer, is published in the Daily Hampshire Gazette

October 18, 2003. When to retract? - Reserve retraction for fraud and major error - Richard Smith, Editor, BMJ 2003;327:883-884

October 17, 2003. Behind closed doors - What really went on at the Office of National Drug Control Policy's Summit of New England Governors, Camille Dodero, Boston Phoenix

Snake-oil salesmen
Why does the Bush administration seem so intent on denying medical marijuana to adults in extreme discomfort?, Kristen Lombardi, Boston Phoenix
(MAPS comments on this article are here.)

October 14, 2003. Concern over research reawakens ecstasy neurotoxicity debate, Kelly Morris, Lancet: Neurology Vol 2, November 2003 (also in pdf)

October 9, 2003. Nature publishes a short news story (PDF and HTML) on the MAPS sponsored MDMA/PTSD study. Nature 425, 552 (09 October 2003)
MAPS has a few comments on the article.

Sept. 30, 2003. Rick Doblin interviewed by Dean Becker, named "BEST HOUSTON RADIO COMMENTARY" for 2003 by the Houston Press, for his show: Cultural Baggage - The Unvarnished Truth About the Drug War. The broadcast of 29:00 is now online in MP3 and RealAudio formats.

George Ricaurte retracts his paper published in Science claiming that Ecstasy causes severe dopaminergic depletion and can lead to Parkinson's disease.

See also: "The Scientific Community Responds to Ricaurte MDMA Study", detailing the overwhelming response to this study since its original publication in September 2002.

For a paper critiquing the methodology and conclusions of some of Dr. Ricaurte's other papers, read "Deconstructing Ecstasy" by Dr. Charles Grob.

September 30, 2003. False Drug Information Harms Kids Marsha Rosenbaum, Research Scientist, Seattle Post Intelligencer, Op-Ed

September 21, 2003. Magic plant remedy by Graham Phillips, The Sunday Telegraph (Sydney, Australia).
An article about therapeutic research with MDMA and peyote.

September 19, 2003. Ecstasy scandal grows as second study retracted DRC-Net Drug War Chronicle

September 18, 2003. Independent inquiry demanded into Ecstasy affair - Robert Walgate, The Scientist

MAPS letter to NIDA Director Nora Volkow
MAPS sends a letter to NIDA Director Nora Volkow noting the many unanswered questions in the Ricaurte et al. retraction and requesting the release of additional information. MAPS states that the credibility of NIDA is at stake. These sentiments are also expressed in a powerful editorial just released by the scientific journal, Nature.

"Ecstasy's After Effects" Editorial, Nature. Highly recommended reading.

MAPS correction to the Nature Editorial

September 17, 2003. Additional drug research affected by drug mix-up - Robert Walgate, The Scientist

September 16, 2003. Retracted Ecstasy paper an "outrageous scandal" - Robert Walgate, The Scientist

E-fer Madness - Larry Smith, Salon

September 15, 2003. It'll kill you -- wait, no it won't - Jon Carroll, San Francisco Chronicle

September 13, 2003. Ecstasy study is erroneous - El Mundo (pdf format)

Science forced to retract article on Ecstasy - British Medical Journal, Stephen Pincock (also available in pdf format)

September 12, 2003. "Scientists retract second drug study; Mislabeled vial used again in new Ecstasy research at Johns Hopkins lab" - Jonathan Bor, Baltimore Sun
This article was also reprinted by the LA Times on Sept. 15, 2003.

Letter to the Editor: Retraction - "Severe dopaminergic neurotoxicity in primates after a common recreational dose regimen of MDMA ('ecstasy')" - George A. Ricaurte, et al., Science (PDF version)

"Paper on Toxic Party Drug Is Pulled Over Vial Mix-Up" - Constance Holden, Science (PDF version)

Oops ! -- 'Killer Ecstasy' study retracted, NIDA credibility on the line, RAVE Act Still Law - DRC-NET

September 11, 2003. "Agony for researchers as mix-up forces retraction of ecstasy study" - Jonathan Knight, Nature (also in PDF format)

"Your Brain on Bad Science: Leading Ecstasy researcher retracts critical study" - Judith Lewis, L.A. Weekly

A controversial paper on the effects of ecstasy is retracted, fueling debate - Feature article, The Economist

Study of ecstasy dangers used wrong drug El Correo (pdf format)

September 9, 2003. "Researchers Retract Study on Ecstasy Brain Damage" - NPR's "All Things Considered"

Listen to it | Read the transcript

"Congress Passed Ecstasy Law on Flawed Science/Johns Hopkins Researchers Admit Dramatic Error in Study" - Drug Policy Alliance Press Release

"MDMA Toxicity and Scientific Integrity" - Mark Kleiman, Ph.D., http://markarkleiman.blogspot.com

September 8, 2003. "'Killer' Ecstasy claim was false" - BBC News Online

Transcript: "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings" (6:30 pm ET) - ABC

Alex Gamma confronts Ricaurte in Basel at his public retraction - Alex Gamma

Controversial Ecstasy research used wrong drug - News Service, New Scientist

September 7, 2003. DrugSense FOCUS Alert: Bad Science Drives Drug War Hysteria

"Scientists admit: we were wrong about 'E'" - Jo Rivell, The Observer also published in the Guardian on Sept 6th

September 6, 2003. "Results Retracted On Ecstasy Study" - Rick Weiss, Washington Post

"Report of Ecstasy Drug's Great Risks Is Retracted" - Donald G. McNeil, Jr., New York Times

"Ecstasy Study Botched, Retracted" - Kristen Philipkoski, WiredNews.com

"Researchers retract study tying Ecstasy to Parkinson's" - Frank D. Roylance and Dennis O'Brien, Baltimore Sun

"Drug Labeling Error Forces Scientific Journal to Publish Retraction" - Randolph E. Schmid, AP Wire Service *

"Scientists Retract Story on Ecstasy Brain Damage" - Reuters News Service *

(* - these articles were written without any input from MAPS)

September 5, 2003. George Ricaurte, Ph.D.'s September 5, 2003 retraction - published in Science - of "Severe dopaminergic neurotoxicity in primates after a common recreational dose regimen of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)"

Here is a comprehensive list of newspapers that have covered the Ricaurte retraction story

September 29, 2003. MAPS Sponsors two talks by Dr. Russo at UMass Amherst.
The first talk was titled "Cultivation of Marijuana for Pharmaceutical Application" and "Medical Marijuana: A Doctor's Perspective." The later talk is the subject of a September 30 article in the campus paper, The Massachusetts Daily Collegian. Following the article is a short letter to the editor by Dr. Russo clarifying a few comments.

August 29, 2003. "UMass professor seeks OK to grow marijuana legally" - Marcella Bombardieri, Boston Globe Note: several news stations have reported this story, including NBC San Diego, FOX-Texas, ABC and NBC-Boston, and a TV station in Jacksonville, FL.

August 28, 2003. "Umass Professor Requests Permission to Grow Marijuana for Research" - AP Wire Service

August 28, 2003. "UMass prof seeks pot permit" - Mary Carey, GazetteNet.com

August 22, 2003. "Turn on, meet god, get straight" - Daniel Pinchbeck, LA Weekly
This article was subsequently reprinted on September 18, 2003 in the London Guardian

August 9, 2003. "Why not just say yes?" - Kurt Kleiner, New Scientist. Excellent article about MAPS' indefatigable pursuit for MDMA/PTSD research IRB approval.

August 2003. "The X Files: Experts answer your top questions about ecstasy" (also available in PDF format) - Larry Smith, Teen People

July 30, 2003. "X'ed Out" (Part 1 of 2)

"Monkey Gone to Heaven" (Part 2 of 2) - Larry Smith, Salon

July 11, 2003. "Privatizing Pot - Can the marijuana monopoly be broken?" - Jacob Sullum, Reason

June 22, 2003. "Teens, and now DEA, are on trail of hallucinogenic herb" - Donna Leinwand, USA Today

May 19, 2003. "Ecstasy Trials" - Michael Mithoefer discusses the MDMA/PTSD study on Canadian radio show "The Current". Listen to it in RealPlayer format.

May 8, 2003. "Hallucinogenic plants might be treatment for alcoholism" - Lee Billings, University of Minnesota Daily

May 7, 2003. "Are psychedelic drugs good for you?" - John Horgan, Slate

April 28, 2003. A lengthy article in the prominent Spanish magazine, Interviu, reported on the controversy surrounding the MDMA/PTSD study and brought to light the fact that the Madrid Anti-Drug Authority actively pressured the Hospital to shut down the study. That article can be seen in the original format in Spanish, and has also been translated into English.

April 16, 2003. "The LSD Colours: Mostly Shades of Grey" - Rob Faulkner, The Hamilton Spectator

April 16, 2003. "LSD Takes Trip Down Memory Lane at Age 60" - Michael Shields, Reuters

April 16, 2003. "Discoverer of LSD Urges Medical Use of the Drug" - Nigel Glass, Reuters Health

Site Street, Spring 2003 Issue:

"Creativity and Psychedelics" - Rick J. Strassman, M.D.

"Psychointegration: The Physiological Effects of Entheogens" - Michael Winkleman

May 2003. "The Biology of...Addiction" - Michael Abrams, Discover Magazine

March 28, 2003. "Mystic herb catches fire" - Sarah Shiner, The Washington Times

March 23, 2003. Letter to the Editor - "Funding Ecstasy Research", LA Times Magazine

March 3, 2003. "The Heretical Dr. X" - Mark Ehrman, Los Angeles Times

February 26, 2003. The Infinite Mind radio show, "Psychedelics." Guests include Dr. Mark Geyer, professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego; Dr. Debra Mash, professor of neurology, University of Miami School of Medicine; Dr. Charles Schuster, director of the substance abuse clinical research division at Wayne State School of Medicine in Detroit and former director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse; Jeffrey Bronfman, the North American representative of the UDV (Uniao do Vegetal) religion; Nick Bromell, author of "Tomorrow Never Knows: Rock and Psychedelics in the 1960s." The program concludes with commentary from John Hockenberry.

February 2003. "Peyote on the Brain" - John Horgan, Discover Magazine

January 27, 2003. CBS News "Eye on America" report on Erowid, featuring an interview with Rick Doblin, Ph.D.

January 24, 2003. "Doctors want better marijuana for study" - Jean Whitney, San Mateo County Times

January 20, 2003. "A new opposition front in the drug war" - Salim Muwakkil, Chicago Tribune

January 2, 2003. "Ancient Amazon Brew Comes to Colombia's Cities" - Jason Webb, Reuters News Service

May 7, 2003

Slate Magazine "Tripping De-Light Fantastic" by John Horgan.

Slate Magazine's John Horgan offers personal recounts of drug injestion in combination with the recent medical and spiritual history of these drugs. He quotes Charles Grob and mentions his FDA approval to investigate whether psilocybin can relieve anxiety in late-stage cancer patients.

April 25, 2003

"PDF File" by Rick Doblin.

April 25, 2003. MAPS publishes "DEA and the UMass Amherst Medical Marijuana Production Facility: An Update" by Rick Doblin, Ph.D. (pdf format) in the MAPS Bulletin, Spring 2003; Volume XIII, Number 1

2002 Media Articles...

October 27, 2002

Time.com "Is Pot Good For You?" by John Cloud.

This article by from Time magazine discusses the potential risks and benefits of marijuana.

July 1, 2002

"2002 part 1"

December 30, 2002. "Critics take issue with antidrug campaign" - Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The Philadelphia Inquirer
December 25, 2002. "Addiction Treatment Strives for Legitimacy" - Brian Vestag, Journal of the American Medical Association
November 15, 2002. "Ecstasy is Good for People That Suffer From Trauma" - Dan Even, Maariv
November 6, 2002. "Ecstasy has dramatic effect on Parkinson's symptoms" - David Concar, New Scientist
October 27, 2002. "Is Pot Good For You?" - John Cloud, Time.com
October 27, 2002. "The New Politics of Pot" - Joel Stein, Time.com
October 8, 2002. MAPS' reply to the paper published in Science by George Ricaurte, et. al ["Severe Dopaminergic Neurotoxicity in Primates After a Common Recreational Dose Regimen of MDMA ('Ecstasy')"] [see Washington Post, New York Times and New Scientist articles discussing the Ricaurte paper]
September 30, 2002. "On Ecstasy, Consensus Is Elusive" - Rick Weiss, Washington Post
September 27, 2002. "Study in Primates Shows Brain Damage From Doses of Ecstasy" - Donald G. McNeil, Jr., New York Times
September 26, 2002. MAPS' Press Release About Science Paper
September 26, 2002. "Ecstasy users 'risk Parkinson's disease'" - David Concar, New Scientist
September 26, 2002. "Psychedelic Philanthropist and Shareware Leader Dies" - D. Parvaz, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
September 24, 2002. "Software Pioneer Bob Wallace Dies" - Brier Dudley, Seattle Times
September 22, 2002. "Altered States - 'Breaking Open the Head: A Psychedelic Journey Into the Heart of Contemporary Shamanism' by Daniel Pinchbeck" - Reviewed by Brian Doherty, Washington Post
September 21, 2002. Editorial: "Friends of meth? Medical pot raids help drug traffickers", Sacramento Bee

"Faces at rally reveal tragic truth of medical marijuana patients" - Diana Griego Erwin, Sacramento Bee
September 15, 2002. "Thousands Gather for Marijuana Rally" - Jessica Van Sack, Boston Globe
September 12, 2002. "Ecstasy Begets Empathy" - Sheerly Avni, Salon
September 5, 2002. "The Agony and the Ecstasy". A scientific row has broken out over the effects of Ecstasy - The Economist
September 4, 2002. "Self Medication and Psychotherapy" - Interview with Alexander and Ann Shulgin, NPR's The Connection ( RealPlayer Audio | Download RealPlayer )
September 2, 2002.
Commentary from Harry Sumnall

Commentary from John Cole (September 3)

"Sorted - Jon Cole, Harry Sumnall And Charles Grob argue that the long-term effects of Ecstasy use are far from clear, and that psychologists are muddying the waters" - The Psychologist (PDF format)

Cole JC, Sumnall HR, Grob CS. "Where are the Ecstasy casualties?" (Response to critique of article) (PDF format)

"Scientists Say Long-Term Effects of Ecstasy Unclear" - Patricia Reaney, Reuters News Service
"Ecstasy not dangerous, say scientists" - Sarah Boseley, The Guardian
"Row erupts over ecstasy dangers" - BBC News
September 2002. "Professor X" - Ethan Brown, Wired Magazine. Feature on Sasha Shulgin.
July 26, 2002. "High Anxiety: Irrational Fear of Ecstasy, Not Real Danger, Inspires Measure" - Kevin B. Zeese, President, Common Sense for Drug Policy, Los Angeles Daily Journal
July 18, 2002. "Date-Rape Drug OKd to Treat Sleep Disorder" - Aaron Zitner, Los Angeles Times
June 24, 2002. "Ecstasy for Agony?" - Christie Aschwanden, Health magazine
June 8, 2002. Letter to the Editor from Rick Doblin and Mark A.R. Kleiman regarding the May 25th editorial "Medical Marijuana in Court" - New York Times
June 6, 2002. "Dr. Ethan Russo: Pot Pioneer" - Cannabis Culture [Note: MAPS has supported Dr. Russo's medical marijuana efforts]
June 1, 2002. Letter to the Editor from Reed Irvine (Chairman, Accuracy in Media) regarding the May 25th editorial "Medical Marijuana in Court" - New York Times
May 25, 2002. "Medical Marijuana in Court" - New York Times Editorial
May 10, 2002. "Teen's death raises awareness that Ecstasy can be a killer" - Sam Skolnik, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
May 10, 2002. "A Coalition Rallies for Electronica Culture" - Winda Benedetti, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
May 9, 2002. "Ecstasy Supporters Hope FDA-approved Study Will Vindicate Drug" - Winda Benedetti, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
May 9, 2002. "Ecstasy Grows More Popular as Many Decide Joy Is Worth the Risk" - Winda Benedetti, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
May 8, 2002. "The Place for Trips of the Mind-Bending Kind" - Tim Weiner, The New York Times. To learn more, read Ian Souter's account of the 3rd World Conference on Salvia divinorum at Breitenbush Hot Springs in Oregon, Dec. 7-10, 2000.
May 6, 2002. "Sanidad autoriza un ensayo con 'éxtasis' para terapias de violadas" - Rafael Méndez, El País (En español) [Webmaster's very questionable translation: "Health [Ministry] approves study of ecstasy in therapy with rape victims"]
May 1, 2002. "2-C-T-7's Bad Trip" - Kara Platoni, East Bay Express. Features interview with Sasha & Ann Shulgin.
April 18, 2002. "Ecstasy Link to Damage of the Brain 'Misleading' the Public" - Charles Arthur, The Independent
April 20, 2002. "Ecstasy on the Brain" - David Concar and Claire Ainsworth, New Scientist
April 20, 2002. "E is for Evidence" - Editorial, New Scientist
April 18, 2002. "Studies Damning Ecstasy 'Flawed'" - The Guardian
April 10, 2002. "Teaching Kids Safe X" - Julie Holland, M.D., LA Times
April 7, 2002. "Smoking Out Pot's Medical Potential" - Edie Lau, Sacramento Bee
April 2, 2002. "Why Weil Raves About Ecstasy" - MyPrimeTime
April 1, 2002. "A New LSD? Mexican Herb for Sale Online Comes With Divine Claims, Warnings" - Dean Schabner, ABCNews.com
March 25, 2002. "Move over Prozac, It's Ecstasy's Turn" - Brandon Spun, Insight
March 19, 2002. "High Dudgeon" - Jacob Sullum, Reason. An interesting article about the drug war and censorship.
March 10, 2002. "Putting the E in Health" - Jane Feinmann, The Observer (UK).
March 2, 2002. "Is Taking a Psychedelic an Act of Sedition?" - Charles Hayes, Tikkun
January 15, 2002. "Prescription: Euphoria" - Carla Spartos, The Village Voice
January 8, 2002. "A Quiet Revolution for Those Prone to Nodding Off" - David Tuller, The New York Times

2001 Media Articles...

December 15, 2001

"2001 part 1"

December 15, 2001. "After Two-Decade Halt, Marijuana Research Is Set" — Philip J. Hilts, The New York Times
December 10, 2001. "Getting the FDA Hooked on Ecstasy" — Kristen Philipkoski, Wired News
- One small correction to this article by Rick Doblin: "While Dr. George Ricaurte is exceedingly cautious about the risks of MDMA, I don't think he really believes that MDMA is too dangerous to give to humans under any circumstances. I'm not exactly sure what his position is on the MDMA/PTSD protocol."
December 8, 2001. "B.C.'s Acid Flashback" — R.C., Vancouver Sun
November 30, 2001. "Criminalizing Ecstasy Drug Increases Use and Danger" — By Kevin B. Zeese, President of Common Sense for Drug Policy, as published in the Los Angeles Daily Journal.
November 30, 2001. "Party drug could harm women more than men, study says" — Emma Ross, AP Wire Service.
November 29, 2001. "Heavy Ecstasy Use Affects Serotonin Neurons in Women More Than in Men" — Reuters Health
- Reneman, L; Booij, K; de Bruin, K; Reitsma, JB; de Wolff, FA; Gunning, WB; den Heeten, GJ; van den Brink, W (2001) "Effects of dose, sex, and long-term abstention from use on toxic effects of MDMA (ecstasy) on brain serotonin neurons". Lancet, 358: 1864-1869.
- Comments on the Reneman/Lancet Paper by Ilsa Jerome, Rick Doblin, George Ricaurte, Una McCann and Alex Gamma
November 27, 2001. "Author Says 'Use Your Head' When Experimenting with It" — Kevin Smith, Arizona Daily Wildcat. Interview with Charles Hayes, discussing responsible use of psychedelics as well as MAPS' recently approved MDMA/PTSD study.
November 18, 2001. "Psychedelia's Middle-Aged Head Trip" — New York Times article discussing the FDA's recent approval of the MAPS-sponsored MDMA/PTSD study as well as the repercussions of the 60's psychedelic movement on later efforts to conduct psychedelic research.
All text version of article
- Comments on this article by Rick Doblin, Ph.D.
November 17, 2001. "FDA Reported to Approve Ecstasy for PTSD Clinical Trial" — Alcohol & Drug Abuse Weekly
November 16, 2001. "It's Only Prozac-Plus" — Ha'Aretz (Israel's newspaper)
November 11, 2001. "Ecstasy in the Lab, Legally" — New York Times Week in Review
November 9, 2001. "Ecstasy 'may fight traumatic stress'" — BBC News Online
November 8, 2001. "Reconsidering MDMA" — Denver Post editorial applauding the FDA for approving MDMA/PTSD protocol.
November 7, 2001. "Regulators Approve Study of Ecstasy for Post-Traumatic Stress" — Reuters Health
November 7, 2001. "FDA Approves Clinical Test of Ecstasy" — AP Wire Service
November 7, 2001. "Group Says FDA Clears Study of Ecstasy" — Lisa Richwine, Reuters Wire Service.
November 6, 2001. "FDA Permits First Test of Ecstasy As Treatment for Stress Disorder" — Rachel Zimmerman, The Wall Street Journal.
- Letter to the Editor of The Wall Street Journal from Julie Holland, M.D.
November 5, 2001. "The Other Side of Ecstasy" — Lisa Marshall, The Daily Camera. Discusses the therapeutic potential of MDMA, featuring Marcela Ot'alora and Rick Doblin, Ph.D.
September 25, 2001. "For Partygoers Who Can't Say No, Experts Try to Reduce the Risks" — Jeff Stryker, New York Times. Discusses Ecstasy harm reduction and Dancesafe.
September 9, 2001. "Psychedelic Studies" — Thomas Becnel, Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Superb article featuring MAPS and its involvement in the Hookahville Festival near Columbus, Ohio.
September 4, 2001. "The People's Prozac" — Carla Spartos, Village Voice. Good article which questions the MDMA neurotoxicity scare, mentions the MAPS MDMA/PTSD project and — of course — quotes Rick Doblin.
August 14, 2001. "A Legal Hallucinogen, at Least for Now" — Anne-Marie O'Connor, LA Times. Article about Salvia Divinorum; features an interview with Daniel Siebert (and mentions MAPS).
August 2001. "The FDA Trip — Or How Psychedelic Research Was Revived in the 90's" — This article is from the first issue of Thresher, a biannual magazine published by David Latimer, Executive Editor R.U. Sirius. The first issue came out August 2001 and had a series of articles on the theme of Drug Peace.
July 16, 2001. "The Highs and Lows of Ecstasy" — Linda Marsa, LA Times. Features Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Sue Stevens and MAPS.
July 14, 2001. "Confessions of a Middle-Aged Ecstasy Eater" — The Guardian, London. An account of a father who was introduced to MDMA by his teenage son. While MAPS does not support the wholesale endorsement of recreational use found in this account, it's a powerful account of intergenerational bonding.
July 11, 2001. "Doctor Ecstasy" — Creative Loafing, Charlotte, NC. Exclusive interview with Rick Doblin, Ph.D. (and his face on the cover, too!)
July 2, 2001. "Why All the Agony Over Ecstasy?" CNN Talkback Live. Features discussion with Rick Doblin, Ph.D.
June 17, 2001. "Tracing the Synapses of Our Spirituality — Researchers Examine Relationship Between Brain and Religion." Shankar Vedantam, Washington Post. Discusses psychedelic research.
May 11, 2001. Radio interview with Charles Hayes, author of Tripping, on The Big Show with Adam Paul @ eyada; mentions MAPS. (Scroll down to May 11)
May 3, 2001. Radio interview with Rick Doblin on The Big Show with Adam Paul @ eyada. (Scroll to the bottom under 'May 3'; Doblin interview starts at 1:12:57 into the show)
April 28, 2001. "Group Push Ecstasy Safety" — from the AP Wire Service. Includes a mention of the talk Rick Doblin gave at Amherst College, tips from DanceSafe and some good quotes from Charlie Grob.
April 26, 2001. "Doctor X" — superlative Rolling Stone piece about Ecstasy, MAPS and Rick Doblin by Gary Greenberg.
April 15, 2002. These are two excellent articles from the journal Cerebrum: The Dana Forum on Brain Science, (Volume 3, Number 2: Spring 2001) both about MDMA with discussion of MAPS' research agenda. The article by Braun is a wonderful history while the article by Kuhn is a critique.
- "Ecstasy on Trial: Seeking Insight by Prescription" - Stephen Braun (PDF only )
- "Our Dangerous Love Affair with Ecstasy" - Cynthia M. Kuhn and Wilkie A. Wilson (PDF only )
April 10, 2001. "Polêmica no divã do autoconhecimento" (Webmaster's seriously questionable translation: "Controversy encouched in self-knowledge"). By Tatiana Pronin, Valor Econômico (Brazil). Read the interview with Rick Doblin in English.
April 5, 2001. "Long, Strange Trip" — an interview with Rick Doblin by Mike Miliard, Boston Phoenix.
March 13, 2001. "Scientists Test Hallucinogens for Mental Ills," and "This Is the Brain on Hallucinogens," New York Times Science Section. By Sandra Blakeslee.
March 7, 2001. Excerpts from an interview with NIDA Director Alan Leshner, Ph.D. From the Journal of American Medical Association. Leshner discusses Ecstasy and the "hype" about the supposed therapeutic potential of MDMA.
March 6, 2001. "Ecstasy's Dividend" — discusses the effect of MDMA on the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. Johnathan Margolis, The New York Times.
February 25, 2001. A series of articles which featured in the Denver Post that mention MDMA and MAPS. These articles are evidence of a more balanced treatment of MDMA in the media and suggest that there is growing popular support for research into MDMA's therapeutic potential.
Ecstasy: Just Say 'Know
Healing Through MDMA
Heed Warnings, Know Dangers
A History of MDMA
Editorial: DARE to Change
February 12, 2001. "The Bitter Pill: Is ecstasy neurotoxic? Mmmmmaybe, maybe not..." Steve Robles, San Francisco Bay Guardian. A different perspective of "The State of Ecstasy" conference held in San Francisco on February 2.
February 10, 2001. "High Time We Cleaned Up on Drugs." By Kelly Morris, The Lancet. Review of two books about psychdelics ensconced in a frank discussion of the need for more open-minded scientific exploration into the realm of non-pharmaceutical, "recreational" drugs. Examines and expounds upon Rick Doblin's Ph.D. dissertation in the greater context of the psychedelic movement.
February 9, 2001. "San Francisco Ecstasy Conference Generates Heat But Also Light." DRCNet Editorial.
- Comments on this article from Rick Doblin.
February 7, 2001. "Who Owns Ecstasy?" Richard Elovich & Daniel Wolfe, The Village Voice.
- A short critique of mistakes in the article from Rick Doblin.
February 5, 2001. "Legal Ecstasy in Five Years?" Kristen Philipkoski, Wired.
February 5, 2001. "The Disunited States of Ecstasy." By Janelle Brown, Salon Magazine. Coverage of The State of Ecstasy Conference held in San Francisco on February 2, 2001.
February 2, 2001. "Illegal Drug Ecstasy Seen as Potential Prozac Alternative." By Ulysses Torassa, San Francisco Chronicle.
January 21, 2001. "Experiencing Ecstasy." By Matthew Klam, New York Times. MAPS isn't specifically mentioned, but two MAPS-supported projects are mentioned (Spain MDMA/PTSD study and the UCLA MDMA/cancer patient study).
January 15, 2001. "Recreational Pharmaceuticals: Finding new party drugs like K and ecstasy won't be easy." By John Cloud, Time Magazine. Features an interview with Rick Doblin.
January 4, 2001. "Adventures Through Inner Space" — 'Psychonauts' are experimenting with strange new drugs to expand our ideas about human consciousness. By Erik Davis, Monday Magazine.
January 2, 2001. "Not everyone sees ecstasy as a danger — Drug's advocates call for look at its benefits" By David Abel, January 2, 2001, E1, front page weekly Health Section, Boston Globe.
- This article is remarkable in that it mentions potential benefits of MDMA and does a fairly good job of striving for balance. Some factual errors, debatable issues and loaded terminology are discussed by Rick Doblin, Ph.D., MAPS President.
- A letter to the Editor of The Boston Globe from Rick Doblin.

2000 Media Articles...

July 1, 2000

"2000 and prior"

December 4, 2000 : A&E 10:00 pm EST. This show is mostly about the smuggling of Ecstasy and the rave movement. A very short interview with Rick Doblin will at least raise the issue of MDMA's therapeutic potential. A longer segment with Rick in which he talked about a woman who used MDMA with her father to help them cope with his terminal illness (cancer) was initially included by the directors but was edited out by network editors which feared that comment might promote the use of MDMA.
November 30, 2000
- 48 Hours, CBS 8:00 PM EST. The major TV network news show, 48 Hours, filmed an underground MDMA therapy session organized by MAPS as part of an hour-long documentary on MDMA. The patient was Sue Stevens. Her personal accounts of her prior MDMA sessions with her fiancé, Shane, as they faced his terminal illness, are posted on the MAPS website at http://www.maps.org/news-letters/v07n4/07405sue.html. The session that was filmed was focused on grief, and took place close to the year anniversary of Shane's death.
  Watch it in Quicktime format: 28K (5.3 MB) / 56K (10.5 MB)
- MTV 10:00 PM EST. MTV special on Ecstasy (MDMA). This special also features portions of Sue's underground MDMA therapy session.
  Watch it in Quicktime format: 28K (1.9 MB) / 56K (3.7 MB)
- For clarification of some blatantly misleading information from the MTV show about MDMA causing "holes in the brain" of a heavy MDMA user, see the commentary by Rick Doblin.
- Review: "Experiencing a double dose of ecstasy," Boston Globe
November 29, 2000. "Teen-Age Drug Use Down; Ecstasy Popularity Grows" — "All Things Considered," National Public Radio. A new report finds that teen-age drug use is down in America for the third straight year. The survey of 12 to 18-year-olds shows more teens are being turned off on marijuana. Fifty-four percent say they feel smoking pot would make them behave foolishly, while fewer believe most people will try marijuana. "This study confirms the trends we've seen over the last three years — a steady decline in the number of teen using drugs," said Barry McCaffrey, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. "This is very good news." But the sponsor of the study, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, says there's an increase in one particular narcotic. The use of Ecstasy, a favorite at dance clubs and all-night raves, has doubled among teens since 1995. Steve Dnistrian of the Partnership says teens are experimenting because they think the drug is cool. He says an anti-Ecstasy advertising campaign might turn this perception around. The nonprofit group's 13th survey questioned 7,290 students in seventh through 12th grades nationwide. The margin of error is plus or minus 1.5 percentage points.

November 13, 2000. "The Lure of Ecstasy." By John Cloud and Nijid Hajari, Time Asia.
Note: In this article, Rick Doblin is incorrectly identified as a Boston psychotherapist; as most of you already know, he is instead a Public Policy Ph.D. from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University who has studied extensively the therapeutic use of psychedelics and has been certified by Stan and Christina Grof as a holotropic breathwork practitioner.
November 9, 2000. "Lucy in the Sky with Therapists." Wired Magazine takes a look at the underground psychedelic therapy movement.
November 8, 2000. "The War on the War on Drugs." Features an interview with Rick Doblin, discussing America's failed drug war; part of Feed Magazine's "The Future of Drugs" issue.
October 10, 2000. "The Drug War's Tweedledee" Salon Magazine's article discussing NIDA's chief Alan Leshner and his coordination with drug czar Barry McCaffrey in fighting their drug war. Features discussion about MDMA, MAPS and comments about NIDA bias by Rick Doblin.
October 2, 2000. "DanceSafe or Sorry," an ABC 20/20 Downtown segment about DanceSafe.
DanceSafe's response to ABC's questions about their adulterant screening program.
- Part 1 (Real Player format)
- Part 2 (Real Player format)
August 10, 2000. Court TV's Crier Today feature on MDMA featuring Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Dr. David McDowell, Sue Stevens and Ethan Brown.
- Part 1 (Real Player format)
- Part 2 (Real Player format)
- Transcript of Crier Today in text format
August 4, 2000. "Can Legalizing Drugs Bring Us Closer to God?" Salon Magazine piece on renowned religious scholar Huston Smith and his increasing involvement in the drug war; includes interview with Rick Doblin.
July 24, 2000. Rivera Live show about Ecstasy aired on CNBC, featuring discussion between Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Sue Stevens, criminal defense attorney Michael Nasatir, Nancy Grace of Court TV and Ethan Brown of New York Magazine.
- Part 1 (Real Player format)
- Parts 2 & 3 (Real Player format)
- Transcript of Rivera Live
June 5, 2000. MAPS responds to the TIME magazine article about MDMA
December 2, 1996. MAPS on C-SPAN. Courtesy of Senator Orrin Hatch.