leftspacer middlespacer rightspacer
Media Menu
Featured Material
MAPS BULLETIN
MAPS Bulletin Spring 2013: Special Edition: Psychedelics in Psychology and Psychiatry
 
Media > All Years Media
imageWelcome to MAPS’ media archives. On this page we post media articles that discuss psychedelic and marijuana research, political issues that affect MAPS and our research endeavors, and other media that is of interest to MAPS and the MAPS community. Below you will find articles that we've archived since 2000. If you would like to alert us to a news article that we should archive, email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Archived Media Articles by Year

contract 2013 Media Articles...

May 22, 2013


  East Bay Express "Can Pot Help Cure PTSD?" by David Downs.

East Bay Express discusses research presented at Psychedelic Science 2013 by Yale associate professor Andrew Sewell indicating that medical marijuana may provide benefits to people undergoing PTSD treatment. Sewell’s study focuses primarily on a PTSD treatment method known as exposure therapy, and his research shows that adding marijuana treatments can expedite the process by increasing extinction learning.


May 17, 2013


  Therapy Today "The Magical Mystery Cure" by Richard Shrubb.

The official journal of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy explores how current psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy research is providing innovative treatment methods for assisting people suffering from serious mental health conditions. The potential benefits of LSD-assisted therapy for end-of-life anxiety and MDMA-assisted treatments for PTSD and social anxiety are detailed, providing an inspiring overview of new ways to efficiently help people.


May 16, 2013


  Psych Central "Psychedelic Science Can Help With Anxiety And Depression" by Gerti Schoen.

Psych Central details how recent scientific research into psychedelic drugs including LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin is providing innovative treatment methods that may potentially benefit serious mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.


May 15, 2013


  Think Progress "How Drug War Posturing Is Blocking Access To A Potential Treatment For Veterans" by Nicole Flatow.

Think Progress reports about the results from a new study conducted at New York University measuring the connection between the number of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and the effects of PTSD while highlighting other recent research. The article also details the government interference that is preventing scientists from accessing the legal supply of marijuana to be used for research purposes.


May 14, 2013


  The Burt Cohen Show "Report From Psychedelic Science 2013 Conference" by Burt Cohen.

Brad Burge of MAPS is interviewed on the Burt Cohen Show about the success of Psychedelic Science 2013, describing what happened when almost 2,000 attendees gathered together to learn about psychedelic research from over 100 speakers. Burge explains the process of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research in detail while also covering other successful psychedelic research currently taking place around the world.


  SeekersWay "SeekersWay Interview with Brad Burge of MAPS"

SeekersWay interviews MAPS Director of Communication Brad Burge in Oakland at Psychedelic Science 2013, focusing on the success of the event, the connection between psychedelics and spirituality, and how new psychedelic research is providing innovative treatment methods for a variety of serious medical conditions.


May 9, 2013


  Les In Rocks "Ecstasy: The Medicine of the Future?" by Maxime Robin.

French magazine Les In Rocks covers the success of MAPS’ research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Researcher Michael Mithoefer speaks about his experience conducting studies using MDMA as well as his expectations for the future of psychedelic research.


  Metro News "Hard Drugs Offer Hope in Mental Health Crises" by Kieron Monks.

Metro News details how scientists are researching drugs including LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA as potential treatment methods for a variety of mental health conditions including addiction, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more.


May 8, 2013


  KNAU Arizona Public Radio "Medical Marijuana Approved For Campus Research" by Howard Fischer.

KNAU Arizona Public Radio reports on a new law allowing medical marijuana research to be conducted on university campuses in Arizona. MAPS’ Principal Investigator for medical marijuana research, Dr. Sue Sisley explains, “I think that’s the real purpose of a public university, to be able to examine subjects that are hard or controversial or complex in an environment that isn’t plagued by politics.” Sisley is looking to study the effects of medical marijuana for veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD and she has already begun to receive approval from necessary entities.


  International Center for Ethnobotanical Research & Service (ICEERS) "Review: Psychedelic Science Conference 2013"

International Center for Ethnobotanical Research & Service (ICEERS) reviews their experience of attending Psychedelic Science 2013, providing recaps of presentations, workshops, key events, and much more.


May 4, 2013


  The Yorker "A Sensible Drugs Policy" by Simon Lillistone.

The Yorker reports on the political climate in the United Kingdom that surrounds Professor David Nutt’s proposal to research the medical potential of psilocybin mushrooms. Author Simon Lillistone presents an overview of current psychedelic research, detailing how conditions including PTSD, depression, and anxiety may benefit from further studies.


May 3, 2013


  Medical Marijuana 411 "Dr. Sue Sisley Talks About Medical Marijuana, PTSD and Scientific Freedom" by Sam Sabzehzar.

Dr. Sue Sisley tells Medical Marijuana 411 about why she believes medical marijuana can help people suffering from PTSD, and how NIDA and the DEA are preventing clinical research into the healing potential of marijuana.


  Wired "A Psychedelic-Science Advocate Takes His Case to the Pentagon" by Greg Miller.

Greg Miller of Wired interviews MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin about his recent visits to the Pentagon to discuss treating PTSD in veterans with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with senior military officials. Doblin also discusses the success of the Psychedelic Science 2013 conference and events, explains how MDMA-assisted psychotherapy works, and shares his vision for the future of psychedelic medicine.


May 2, 2013


  Sofia University "Psychedelic Experience: Healing, Growth and Discovery"

Sofia University hosts a live discussion between psychedelic researcher James Fadiman, Ph.D., and Brad Burge of MAPS about the potential for psychedelics to be used as tools for healing, growth, and discovery.


April 30, 2013


  The Dr. Future Show "Interview with Philippe Lucas, MA - Ayahuasca Use in Drug Addiction" by Digeratti Allan Lundell.

The Dr. Future Show interviews Philippe Lucas, MA at Psychedelic Science 2013 about scientific research into ayahuasca, cannabis, and other substances.


  Irish Examiner "Irish Scientists Leading Street Drug Research" by Ollie Moore.

Irish Examiner reports about current research into psychedelics and marijuana, sharing a list of medical conditions benefiting from these scientific studies. The article goes on to examines the scientific and political landscape surrounding current and future research.


April 29, 2013


  Vice "Would You Take MDMA for Therapy?" by William Alexander.

Vice conducts a series of spontaneous interviews with people on the streets of London with the aim of deducing whether or not the general public is open to the idea of using MDMA as an adjunct to therapy.


  Right Side News "Progressives Now Want “Psychedelic Medicine”" by Cliff Kincaid.

Right Side News writes about the current psychedelic research movement that is generating new treatment methods for a variety of medical treatments. The article highlights psychedelic research and educational initiatives being promoted by MAPS.


April 27, 2013


  Vice "Can MDMA Cure PTSD?" by Dave Dean.

Vice examines the merits of using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD by summarizing past, current, and upcoming research. The article dedicates much of its length to the imminent research that will take place in Canada, noting that the necessary MDMA to be used in the study has been exported from Switzerland to Canada.


April 26, 2013


  Healthline "Psychedelic Drugs Still Popular in the U.S." by Alexia Severson .

Healthline reports on a new study of psychedelic usage among US citizens. The study authors estimate that 32 million people in the U.S. have taken a psychedelic such as LSD, psilocybin, or mescaline, noting that men aged 30-34 show the highest level of exposure to psychedelics.


  Reason "Psychedelic Science: Still Hassled by the Man" by Brian Doherty.

Reason shares the groundbreaking success of Psychedelic Science 2013, sharing information about current psychedelic research initiatives aiming to create new treatment methods for a variety of medical conditions.


  Wired Magazine "Open Your Mind to the New Psychedelic Science" by Greg Miller.

Wired Magazine attends Psychedelic Science 2013 and shares how scientists and doctors around the world have “rekindled the scientific study of psychedelics.” Greg Miller’s article takes the science seriously while acknowledging that it isn’t science as usual but rather an exciting new field with impacts in neuroscience research as well as technology and medicine.


  Motherboard "The Biggest Psychedelic Research Group Is Asking the Pentagon to Help Kill PTSD" by Brian Anderson.

Motherboard writes about the recent visit to the Pentagon of MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin, PhD, to discuss MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research and encourage support for the studies. Article author Brian Anderson explains, “It’s a fool’s errand to say that the US military entertaining the idea of working with a reknowned psychedelics research group isn’t a sign that our notions of both war and therapeutic (and illicit) drugs aren’t changing, and quick.”


  Courthouse News Service "Court Snuffs Professor’s Bid to Grow Pot" by Chris Fry.

Courthouse News Service details a federal court’s decision to side with the Drug Enforcement Agency in a case revolving around the regulation of research-quality marijuana. Professor Lyle Craker has been fighting for 12 years to end the NIDA monopoly on marijuana for research in an attempt to help people suffering from serious medical conditions.


  CBC "The 180 - Psychedelic Medicine"

CBC interviews ayahuasca researcher Gerald Thomas about his recently completed Canadian MAPS-sponsored study of ayahuasca. Thomas educates the CBC audience about the benefits of ayahuasca, sharing early reactions from his study.


  AlterNet "The Enormous Promise of Psychedelics for Sustaining Health, Happiness and Sanity" by April M. Short.

AlterNet reviews Psychedelic Science 2013, detailing the documented benefits that psychedelic research is providing. While explaining current research initiatives, the review also notes the large presence of ayahuasca researchers, appreciates the friendly community, and details future plans for studies.


April 25, 2013


  Drug Truth Network "Drug Truth Network Interviews Brad Burge"

Drug Truth Network interviews MAPS Director of Communications Brad Burge in a podcast focusing on Psychedelic Science 2013. Burge underscores the success of the conference while speaking about conference events and the large turnout of researchers and attendees interested in the science surrounding psychedelic substances.


  Daily Californian "Psychedelic Science" by Neha Kulsh.

The Daily Californian at UC Berkeley reviews of Psychedelic Science 2013, summarizing lectures and new information about clinical studies into psychedelics and more. The article notes the success of this wave of research, offering optimism for further studies.


April 24, 2013


  Medical Daily "Vancouver Ecstasy Treatment Trial Underway For PTSD" by Jonathan Weiss.

Medical Daily shares the news that MAPS is bringing research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to Canada. Nine grams of MDMA have been exported to Canada from Switzerland, marking a significant step forward in our international effort to help people suffering from PTSD.


  Backbencher "The Success of MDMA-Assisted Therapy" by Sam Woolfe.

Backbencher provides an extensive overview of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, highlighting the innovative treatment method as a tool to help people overcome treatment-resistant PTSD. The article takes a look at possibilities for future research while listing locations around the world where MDMA research continues.


April 23, 2013


  WDTV "Study Looks at How Ecstasy Can Possibly Treat PTSD" by Whitney Wetzel.

WDTV provides coverage of current research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, educating their audience about how psychedelic therapy can help people overcome medical conditions.


April 22, 2013


  Popular Science "FYI: Is Ecstasy Safer When It’s Purer?" by Shaunacy Ferro.

Popular Science explores common misconceptions and scientific research into MDMA. The article provides quotes from MAPS Clinical Investigator Michael Mithoefer, who explains that drugs bought and sold illegally often contain added components that can dramatically increase their risk.


  The Cincinnati Enquirer "Ecstasy Studied to Treat PTSD" by Lisa Bernard-Kuhn.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports on the current state of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments in response to a new $9 million study of PTSD to be conducted in Cincinnati. The article highlights MAPS’ research efforts, detailing how treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can help people overcome treatment resistant PTSD.


April 21, 2013


  Stop the Drug War "Psychedelic Science Conference Examines MDMA Treatment for PTSD" by Phillip Smith.

Stop the Drug War reports on Psychedelic Science 2013, sharing information from a variety of lectures on using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to treat PTSD. The article features quotes from researchers and veterans, providing an optimistic outlook for the future of treating PTSD.


April 20, 2013


  Southern California Public Radio "Conference Examines Medical Uses of Hallucinogens" by Southern California Public Radio.

Southern California Public Radio reports on Psychedelic Science 2013, noting the abundance of scientific research results being shared while highlighting other facets of the event.


  UOL "U.S. Conference on Psychedelic Science Highlights Use of Ayahuasca" by Carlos Minuano .

UOL provides coverage of Psychedelic Science 2013 by highlighting the event’s diversity in subject matter and attendees. The article also provides an overview of the large ayahuasca presence, sharing information about the psychedelic’s popularity in research and culture.


April 19, 2013


  SF Weekly "Psychedelics Conference to Show How Ecstacy, LSD Can Cure Some Serious Social Ills" by Rachel Swan.

SF Weekly reports on Psychedelic Science 2013.


  Oxford University Press "Celebrating Bicycle Day" by Amanda Feilding.

The Beckley Foundation Founder Amanda Feilding details the history of Bicycle Day, the anniversary of the first intentional LSD experience. Feilding provides insight into the resurgence of psychedelic research, remarking on the success of research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD and other initiatives.


  CBC "Ecstasy Pills OK’d for Vancouver PTSD-Treatment Trial" by Kathleen Harris.

CBC News announces that nine grams of MDMA have been exported to Canada from Switzerland to be used in our upcoming study of using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD, led by psychologist Andrew Feldmar.


  Southern California Public Radio "Psychedelic Science Conference Explores Medical and Therapeutic Value of LSD, Ecstasy and Psilocybin" by Stephanie O'Neill.

Southern California Public Radio explores Psychedelic Science 2013. Scientists are presenting massive amounts of research results indicating that psychedelics such as LSD, MDMA, psilocybin, ayahuasca, and more can provide benefits to people suffering from serious medical conditions.


April 18, 2013


  The National Post "LSD Gets a Second Look in Eye-Opening Documentary" by Chris Knight.

The National Post reviews The Substance, a new documentary about the history of LSD. The article highlights the therapeutic potential of LSD-assisted psychotherapy while also covering psychedelic research into using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treating PTSD.


  Popular Science "Why It’s So Hard For Scientists To Study Medical Marijuana" by Shaunacy Ferro.

Popular Science reports on the state of medical marijuana research, noting that studies are being blocked by governmental agencies such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Drug Enforcement Agency. After an unsuccessful twelve-year struggle in court with these agencies, Professor Lyle Craker explains, “If you’re going to run a trial to show this is going to have positive effects, they’re essentially not going to allow it.”


April 17, 2013


  Stop the Drug War "Federal Appeals Court Rejects Researcher’s Bid to Grow Medical Marijuana" by Phillip Smith.

Stop the Drug War takes a critical look at the US First Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling against Prof. Lyle Craker’s lawsuit against the Drug Enforcement Agency for denying him a license to grow marijuana for research. This decision comes twelve years after Prof. Craker decided to take action against the anti-science policies that prevent federally sanctioned studies of the medical benefits of marijuana.


April 16, 2013


  Popular Science "Why Doctors Can’t Give You LSD (But Maybe They Should)" by Shaunacy Ferro.

Popular Science explores the therapeutic use of psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin, providing information about scientific studies and insights from notable researchers in the field.


  Good Times Weekly "Power Plants" by J.D. Ramey.

Good Times Weekly reports on the Ayahuasca Track at Psychedelic Science 2013, calling it the largest gathering of ayahuasca researchers ever. In addition to the healing potential of ayahuasca, the article notes how research into LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin is moving forward with success.


April 15, 2013


  MAPS "Press Release: U.S. First Circuit Court Upholds NIDA Monopoly on Marijuana for Research"

On April 15, 2013, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit rejected University of Massachusetts-Amherst Prof. Lyle Craker’s lawsuit against the Drug Enforcement Administration for denying him a license to grow marijuana for privately funded medical research. With its decision, the Court has ensured that the debate over the medical use of marijuana will continue to take place through political battles rather than through scientific research.


  Bloomberg News "Marijuana Research Funding Cut as Support for Drug Grows" by Elizabeth Lopatto.

Bloomberg News provides a comprehensive overview of how medical marijuana research is facing significant government-imposed obstacles. The National Institute of Drug Abuse’s refusal to provide marijuana necessary is impeding comprehensive study proposals. Bob Melamede, CEO of Cannabis Science Inc., elaborates, “If you want to run a study to show it cures cancer, they will not provide you with marijuana.”


April 8, 2013


  Reality Sandwich "Psychedelic Convergence in Oakland" by Nese Devenot.

Reality Sandwich contributor Nese Devenot interviews MAPS Director of Communications Brad Burge about Psychedelic Science 2013, touching upon the diversity of the event, attendance milestones, and how the public perception of psychedelics is continuing to become more accepting.


  Santa Cruz Patch "Psychedelic Science Conference in Oakland April 18-23" by David Jay Brown.

Santa Cruz Patch author David Jay Brown previews Psychedelic Science 2013, sharing glimpses into topics about psychedelic research, various events, and much more.


April 7, 2013


  Medical Daily "Hallucinogenic Mushrooms May Help Treat Depression, If Britain’s Regulators Get Out Of The Way" by Matthew Mientka.

Medical Daily reports on the obstacles preventing further psilocybin research from taking place in the United Kingdom. Professor David Nutt’s previous research indicated that psilocybin could be used to help treat depression, though his new proposal for additional studies is currently stuck in a standstill.


  New York Magazine "Travels in the New Psychedelic Bazaar" by Vanessa Grigoriadis .

New York Magazine explores the current state of psychedelics, highlighting the therapeutic and medical potential of psychedelics while also exploring the emergence of new synthetic drugs. The article showcases current research, providing readers with information about how scientists are creating innovative treatment methods for medical conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and more.


April 6, 2013


  Reuters "First Magic Mushroom Depression Trial Hits Stumbling Block" by Kate Kelland.

Reuters exposes Professor David Nutt’s successful research into using psilocybin as a treatment method for depression. Further research is being prevented by government-imposed obstacles. Nutt explains his current mission, “What we are trying to do is to tap into the reservoir of under-researched illegal drugs to see if we can find new and beneficial uses for them in people whose lives are often severely affected by illnesses such as depression.”


April 3, 2013


  The Lawrentian "Research Supports Benefits of Psychedelic Substances" by Laura Udelson.

The Lawrentian reports on how a discussion about the benefits of treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy was hosted at Lawrence University. The conversation also touched upon the use of psychedelics for creativity and problem solving, and was led by MAPS Executive and Clinical Research Assistant Linnae Ponté, featuring an appearance from MAPS Founder Rick Doblin via video teleconference.


April 1, 2013


  The Daily Campus "Stigma Shouldn’t Prevent Drug Research"

The Daily Campus looks at the current state of drug research while comparing the medical and recreational uses of various drugs. The article highlights marijuana’s anticancer properties, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treating PTSD, and more.


March 30, 2013


  BWOG "The Truth About Molly"

Columbia University’s student-run online magazine reviews an event where researchers came together to thoroughly discuss MDMA, from its increasing prevalence in popular culture to its potential to treat serious conditions such as PTSD. The event was organized by Columbia’s Students for Sensible Drug Policy chapter and featured panelists Allison Bajger, a doctoral candidate at Columbia, Ingmar Gorman, a doctoral candidate at the New School, Brittany Lewis of Global Grind, and Dr. Lewis-McCoy from CUNY’s City College.


March 27, 2013


  Kamloops News "MDMA Drug Research Offers Promise" by David Charbonneau.

Kamloops News reports on the recent approval of MAPS’ upcoming Canadian study focusing on treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. After the long review process, Health Canada is giving us permission to import 9 grams of MDMA to be used in the study.


  The Intellectual Gentlemen’s Club Podcast "Alexander Ward Speaks About Shamanism and Psychedelics"

Hosts Jason and Matt Abbott of The Intellectual Gentlemen’s Club Podcast speak with Alexander Ward about ayahuasca, shamanism, MDMA, psilocybin, MAPS, and much more.


  Backbencher "Medicinal Drugs: Is Psychedelic Therapy the Future?" by Sam Woolfe.

Sam Woolfe of Backbencher reports on the current state of psychedelic-assisted therapy, highlighting MAPS in addition to Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris’ psilocybin and LSD research. The article presents the idea of a future where doctors and therapists will efficiently use psychedelic-assisted therapy to benefit their patients.


March 21, 2013


  Alternet "Cannabis Helped Heal My Cancer" by Michelle Aldrich.

Michelle Aldrich writes for Alternet about how people diagnosed with cancer can benefit from medical marijuana. She mentions how MAPS Founder Rick Doblin’s recommendation of a specific therapist helped her healing process move in a much quicker pace.


  The San Francisco Chronicle "Sofia University to Sponsor Psychedelic Science 2013 International Conference"

The San Francisco Chronicle highlights Sofia University’s increasing popularity for students interested in careers in psychedelic research and medicine. Sofia University is hoping to attract new students to their unique programs by co-sponsoring Psychedelic Science 2013 and hosting an upcoming lecture focusing on similar subject matter featuring James Fadiman, Ph.D., and Brad Burge of MAPS.


March 12, 2013


  Alternet "The Psychedelic Future of the Mind" by Craig K. Comstock.

Alternet reviews psychedelic researcher Thomas Roberts’ new book, The Psychedelic Future of the Mind, which explores current psychedelic studies and how future psychedelic research may move beyond a purely medical context. While summarizing the contents of the book, the author highlights efforts from MAPS, Johns Hopkins University, and more in their pursuit of validating the benefits of psychedelics through scientific research.


March 9, 2013


  The Boston Globe "Doctors Call for Study of Marijuana" by Chelsea Conaboy.

The Boston Globe provides a detailed account of medical marijuana in both scientific and legal contexts. Despite its Schedule I status, MAPS’ proposed medical marijuana research has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Professor Lyle Craker won a 2009 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrative Law Judge hearing and is now suing the DEA for rejecting his application to start a farm to provide marijuana to privately-funded research. MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin is interviewed, speaking on how the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the DEA are preventing vital research from happening.


March 5, 2013


  Mind Body Health and Politics "Dr. Miller Interviews Dr. Rick Doblin" by Dr. Richard Miller .

Dr. Richard Miller of Mind Body Health and Politics interviews MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin about his interest in psychedelics, the history and politics surrounding psychedelic research, and how studies conducted by MAPS are developing effective treatment methods for a variety of medical conditions.


February 26, 2013


  Fox News "Psychedelic Science Conference Highlights Therapeutic Benefits of Mind-Altering Drugs" by Chris Kilham.

Fox News contributor Chris Kilham provides an overview of psychedelics and their use in clinical studies, while linking the research to upcoming presentations at Psychedelic Science 2013.


February 25, 2013


  Think Progress "If All Science Were Run Like Marijuana Research, Creationists Would Control Paleontology" by Nicole Flatow.

Think Progress encapsulates comments made by theoretical physicist John H. Schwarz of the California Institute of Technology regarding the medical marijuana research blockade enforced by NIDA and the DEA. Schwarz posits, “Imagine what would happen to the environment if we gave coal and oil companies the power to block any climate research they didn’t like.”


February 22, 2013


  KTVU "Decades-Old Club Drug Sees Resurgence"

Bay Area television channel KTVU provides insight into the recent rise in popularity of MDMA, citing numerous references in music and other outlets.


  The Daily Chronic "Arizona Bill to Allow Medical Marijuana Research Advances" by Thomas H. Clarke .

The Daily Chronic reports on the current state of medical marijuana research in Arizona. A new bill that will end the ban on researching medical marijuana at Arizona colleges is advancing through legislature. After receiving approval from the Food and Drug Administration and the University of Arizona’s Institutional Review Board, Dr. Sue Sisley’s proposed research into the benefits of medical marijuana for treating PTSD is facing further obstacles as research resistance is maintained by the Drug Enforcement Agency and the National Institute of Drug Abuse.


February 21, 2013


  NPR News Station WBUR 90.9 FM "UMass Professor Blocked From Growing Marijuana For Medical Research" by Deborah Becker and Lynn Jolicoeur.

Boston’s NPR News Station WBUR 90.9 FM interviews Rick Doblin, Ph.D., of MAPS and Professor Lyle Craker about the federal government’s medical marijuana blockade and how it is affecting proposed scientific research.


February 20, 2013


  AZ Central "Arizona Senate Panel OKs Plan to Clarify Medical-Pot Law" by Lindsey Collom.

AZ Central explains how the Senate Health and Human Services committee of Arizona have approved a bill that would allow medical marijuana research to be conducted at university and college campuses in Arizona. Dr. Sue Sisley aims to conduct research at the University of Arizona, and has proposed a study into the potential benefits of using medical marijuana to treat PTSD. The study has received approval from all required entities except for the Drug Enforcement Agency and the National Institute of Drug Abuse, who continue to block the research.


February 19, 2013


  KPCC Southern California Public Radio "Easing End-of-Life Anxiety With Psychedelic Drugs" by Larry Mantle.

AirTalk, a KPCC Southern California Public Radio program, educates their audience about how research into the benefits of psychedelics is creating new, effective treatment methods for a variety of serious medical conditions. KPCC interviews researchers Anthony P. Bossis, Ph.D. and Charles Grob, M.D. about the resurgence of studying psychedelics.


February 11, 2013


  Herbal Gram Magazine "The Quiet Giant: Israel’s Discreet and Successful Medicinal Cannabis Program" by Lindsay Stafford Mader .

Herbal Gram Magazine provides a sweeping overview of Israel’s successful research into the benefits of medical marijuana, which has started a nationwide change in health care. MAPS Founder & Executive Director Rick Doblin explains, “We have insurance companies deciding it is a smart investment to cover medical marijuana. Israel is the only place I know of where that happens.”


February 4, 2013


  ABC News Charleston "Mt. Pleasant Doctor Using Ecstasy to Treat PTSD in veterans" by Dean Stephens.

ABC News Charleston provides coverage of MAPS’ research MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD, featuring interviews with Clinical Investigator Michael Mithoefer, M.D., and Ret. Maj. Ricky Smith, a veteran who participated in the study.


February 1, 2013


  Salon "Take Ecstasy, Save Your Relationship" by Katie McDonough.

Salon publishes an article about how MDMA can positively affect relationships, pushing the conversation about the drug’s benefits into mainstream consciousness.


  Cannabration "Rick Doblin Responds to Former DEA Administrator About Marijuana Research" by Rick Doblin.

MAPS Founder & Executive Director Rick Doblin responds to former DEA administrator Robert Bonner’s claims that “not a single scientifically valid study by a qualified researcher has ever been denied by the DEA or, for that matter, by the National Institute of Drug Abuse.”


  The Los Angeles Times "The DEA’s Pot Defense [Blowback]" by Robert Bonner.

The Los Angeles Times allows former DEA administrator Robert Bonner to respond to a recent editorial that criticizes the agency’s actions (and inactions) regarding marijuana research.


January 31, 2013


  The Atlantic "The Case for Using Drugs to Enhance Our Relationships (and Our Break-Ups)"

The Atlantic interviews Oxford ethicist Brian Earp about his advocacy for using MDMA as a way to strengthen relationships. Earp specifically mentions treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as one of the other innovative uses of MDMA.


January 25, 2013


  The Los Angeles Times "The DEA’s Marijuana Mistake"

The Los Angeles Times offers an editorial about how the DEA and NIDA’s interference with medical marijuana research proposals is the cause of a recent ruling to keep the drug listed as Schedule I. Regarding the DEA’s actions, the article offers perspective; “For a muscular agency that combats vicious drug criminals, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration acts like a terrified and obstinate toddler when it comes to basic science. “


  Policymic "Marijuana Legalization Struggles: The Ridiculous Rule That’s Preventing It From Happening" by Gary Bryan.

Policymic writes about how activists are working hard to get government-approved medical marijuana research to take place after a recent court ruling decided against rescheduling marijuana to acknowledge its medical benefits.


January 22, 2013


  Americans for Safe Access "D.C. Circuit Denies Medical Marijuana Reclassification Challenge, Advocates Vow to Appeal"

Americans for Safe Access issues a statement after a federal court rejects their lawsuit against the DEA to reschedule medical marijuana. Citing lack of scientific studies, clinical research into medical marijuana is more important than ever.


January 18, 2013


  The Globe and Mail "High Hopes: Why Science is Seeking a Pardon for Psychedelics" by Taras Grescoe.

The Globe and Mail covers the recent resurgence of psychedelic research, detailing how new clinical studies are contributing to the development of new, innovative treatments for PTSD, addiction, depression, and more.


January 17, 2013


  Mirror "Can Ecstasy Help Victims of a Trauma? Scientists in US Test MDMA for Medical Uses" by Miriam Stoppard.

Mirror provides analysis of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research results, explaining that the treatment can help people overcome posttraumatic stress disorder by providing factual statistics.


January 16, 2013


  Jane's Defence Weekly "Ecstasy Could Hold Key to Effective Treatment of PTSD" by Richard Shrubb.

Jane’s Defence Weekly provides detailed coverage of our recently completed Swiss study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a PTSD treatment, highlighting the need for a new, effective treatment method to help veterans.


January 14, 2013


  The Living Hero Radio Show "Trips Beyond Addiction" by Jari Chevalier.

The Living Hero Radio Show showcases Trips Beyond Addiction, a new audio documentary focusing on how scientists are exploring psychedelics in the treatment of addiction, featuring interviews from Brad Burge of MAPS and other knowledgeable guests.


January 13, 2013


  Slate "The Countess of Psychedelic Drugs" by Graham Lawton.

Amanda Feilding shares her story about founding The Beckley Foundation, researching psychedelic drugs, and much more.


January 9, 2013


  The Examiner "Arizona Researcher Will Lobby for Marijuana Research at U of A" by Ruth Ann Monti.

The Examiner writes about how Dr. Sue Sisley aims to use the University of Arizona as a research facility to conduct studies focusing on treating PTSD with medical marijuana.


  TruthOut "PTSD: The Soldier’s Private War" by Robert Wilbur and James L Knoll IV.

TruthOut takes a detailed look at posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reviewing traditional treatments and exploring new, innovative treatment methods. The article highlights MAPS’ research proposal for treating PTSD with medical marijuana at the University of Arizona, as well as our promising studies using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD.


January 6, 2013


  AZ Daily Sun "Physician Wants Change in Med Pot Law for Research Purposes" by Howard Fischer Capitol Media Services.

Dr. Sue Sisley’s proposal to conduct medical marijuana research at the University of Arizona meets legal resistance after receiving the necessary approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the university’s Institutional Review Board.


January 4, 2013


  Spirituality & Health Magazine "The Second Coming of Psychedelics" by Don Lattin.

Don Lattin, author of Distilled Spirits and The Harvard Psychedelic Club, publishes an extensive report for Spirituality & Health Magazine on the recent wave of psychedelic research that is creating new, innovative treatment methods for medical conditions such as PTSD, addiction, anxiety, and more. International media coverage of psychedelic research is slowly increasing mainstream recognition of the need for research into substances such as LSD, MDMA, ayahuasca, and psilocybin. Neşe Devenot of Psychedemia notes, “You can talk about this now at the dinner table without coming across as some kind of fanatic.”


January 2, 2013


  PR Newswire "New Swiss Study Adds More Evidence For Treating PTSD With MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy" by MAPS.

Subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder experienced clinically meaningful improvements and no evidence of harm after participating in a small Swiss study evaluating MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, according to a paper published yesterday in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Download the official press release (PDF).


contract 2012 Media Articles...

December 28, 2012


  National Post "Canada Approves Use of Ecstasy in Study into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" by David P. Ball.

The National Post provides coverage of Health Canada’s decision to allow MDMA research to be conducted in Canada. Researchers Dr. Ingrid Pacey and Andrew Feldmár will import nine grams of MDMA from a Swiss laboratory in order to to conduct studies focusing on treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.


December 27, 2012


  Dame Magazine "MDMA Could Help with PTSD" by Daiana Feuer.

Dame Magazine offers a short, comedic perspective on the use of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD.


  The Guardian "Rick Doblin Responds to The Guardian" by Rick Doblin.

MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin offers his input in response to an article featured on The Guardian. While touching upon the author’s and commenters’ points, Rick provides clarification about our MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research.


  The Guardian "MDMA Could Be Effective in Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – Study" by Suzi Gage.

The Guardian highlights scientific research results indicating that Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy can help participants overcome PTSD without causing memory impairment or proclivity to drug abuse. Read MAPS Founder Rick Doblin’s response to the article and its comments here.


December 26, 2012


  Digital Journal "MDMA for PTSD: Studies Shows Benefit But Spark Controversy" by Kathleen Blanchard.

Digital Journal writes about how research into an illegal drug, MDMA, is stirring up minor controversy while simultaneously helping people overcome PTSD.


  Reason "How to Discredit Research on MDMA’s Benefits: First, Misread the Abstract" by Jacob Sullum .

Jacob Sullum of Reason corrects Kent Sepkowitz’s inaccurate claims about MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research from an article posted on The Daily Beast. Sullum provides the facts necessary to refute the unfounded claims, in addition to providing his own views on MDMA research. Read The Daily Beast’s orginal article and read MAPS Founder Rick Doblin’s response to the Daily Beast article.


  The Daily Beast "Rick Doblin Responds to “Ecstasy to Treat PTSD? Not So Fast”" by Rick Doblin.

MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin corrects The Daily Beast author Kent Sepkowitz’s inaccurate claims about research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy by providing factual, scientific information.


  The Daily Beast "Ecstasy to Treat PTSD? Not So Fast" by Kent Sepkowitz.

Kent Sepkowitz writes for The Daily Beast, incorrectly claiming that our completed pilot study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD did not reach statistical significance and accusing researchers of overstating the results. Read MAPS Founder Rick Doblin’s response here and Jacob Sullum of Reason’s coverage of the conflicting information here.

UPDATE: On January 7, 2013, Kent Sepkowitz posted an apology for misreading the study results. Read the update here.


December 21, 2012


  Health Aim "MDMA And Psychotherapy Enlisted In Brain Trauma Fight" by Toi Williams.

Health Aim writes about how research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is providing hope for people diagnosed with PTSD while profiling the researchers, Dr. Michael Mithoefer and Ann Mithoefer.


December 20, 2012


  Marine Corps Times "Study: Ecstasy Ingredient May Help Treat PTSD" by Patricia Kime.

Marine Corps Times writes about promising research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. The article highlights current research and results, while mentioning upcoming research that will focus on veterans, police officers, and firefighters.


December 18, 2012


  SF Gate "Money Is the Only Problem Stopping the Legalization of Marijuana" by Debby Goldsberry.

SF Gate writes about the legalization of marijuana, highlighting how a variety of organizations, including the Drug Policy Alliance, NORML, MAPS, High Times Magazine, and others are working toward changing how the public feels about marijuana through social campaigns, research initiatives, and educational efforts.


December 17, 2012


  Medscape "Ecstasy-Assisted Psychotherapy Effective, Durable for PTSD" by Megan Brooks.

Medscape covers our research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, noting that the study helped 83% of participants overcome their previously treatment-resistant PTSD. The article goes on to talk about the future of the treatment, citing hopeful projections of future research.


December 8, 2012


  The National Post "MDMA, PTSD and Me: Recent Drug Trials Bring Up a Past Life Researching Ecstasy" by Mireille Silcoff.

Mireille Silcoff writes for The National Post and shares her passionate perspective regarding MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research and how it can be helpful for people suffering from PTSD.


December 7, 2012


  Fierce Biotech "Ecstasy Ingredient Green-Lighted for Controversial PTSD Study" by Ryan McBride.

Fierce Biotech, a biotechnology industry publication, reports on scientific research into the effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD, highlighting the new therapy as a promising alternative to traditional treatments.


December 6, 2012


  Reality Sandwich "The State of Psychedelic Research: A Talk with Rick Doblin" by Ido Hartogsohn.

Reality Sandwich contributor Ido Hartogsohn shares a recent interview with MAPS Founder Rick Doblin, where he speaks about how he became interested in researching psychedelics, how he believes MDMA research will pan out, how MAPS is participating in harm reduction, and much more.


December 5, 2012


  The Raw Story "Rape Victim: Ecstasy Treatment Helped Me Re-Integrate Trauma" by Eric W. Dolan.

The Raw Story covers Rachel Hope’s participation in our study of Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy, which provided her a long-lasting reduction to her PTSD symptoms. “I kept getting better.”


  Gimby "“Bath Salts” Show Promise as PTSD Treatment, Researchers Say" by Trish Anderton.

Gimby highlights our research into psychedelic drugs in an article about how research into controversial drugs may provide hope for people suffering from PTSD.


  Reuters "Researchers Say Form of Ecstasy May Heal Combat Trauma" by Harriet McLeod.

Reuters summarizes how scientific research into the medical potential of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can help people overcome treatment-resistant PTSD. The article includes insights from researchers, a PTSD expert, and a professor in psychiatry and neuroscience. “The taboos are lifting, and people are getting practical about science,” Dr. Michael Mithoefer said.


  CNN "Patient Talks About Ecstasy Treatment for PTSD"

Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN interviews Rachel Hope about her experience as a participant in our MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research. “I had all this access to my mind and I could control where I was thinking and going and look at things differently.”


December 4, 2012


  The Huffington Post "Just Say No to Drug War?" by Craig Comstock.

Craig Comstock writes for The Huffington Post about the war on drugs, citing that government-approved research into psychedelics is a step in the right direction.


  The Age "Dancing with Molly" by Eileen Ormsby.

The Age reports the state of MDMA research, highlighting our recent study focusing on treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. The article also details Psychedelic Research in Science and Medicine (PRISM) and their efforts to conduct similar research in Australia.


  CNN "Your Thoughts: Treating PTSD with Ecstasy" by Jacque Wilson.

After receiving over a thousand comments in response to their three-part series, CNN continues the discussion surrounding research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy by showcasing a selection of readers’ thoughts, reactions, comments, and opinions.

Read Part 1, Part 2, & Part 3 of the CNN article accompanying this video.

Watch the video.


December 3, 2012


  Jezebel "Ecstasy Could Help Survivors of Sexual Assault" by Tracie Egan Morrissey.

Jezebel writes about how MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can help survivors of sexual assault overcome treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).


  Policymic "PTSD Treatment: Ecstasy Can Help Solve the PTSD Epidemic in America" by Lilly O'Donnell.

Policymic shares promising results from research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy that may provide hope for people suffering from treatment-resistant PTSD.


  Global Post "Ecstasy Used to Treat PTSD Patients Sees Success" by Alexander Besant.

Global Post explores the results and presents the facts from research into treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.


  CNN "Treating PTSD with Ecstasy: One Story" by Caleb Hellerman.

CNN completes their three-part series on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD by analyzing facts surrounding both PTSD and MDMA, in addition to detailing Rachel Hope’s experience during and after receiving the therapy.

Read Part 1 & Part 2.

Watch the video.


December 2, 2012


  Psychology Today "Can Ecstasy Help Treat PTSD?" by Romeo Vitelli.

Psychology Today offers an interpretation of our results into research focusing on treating PTSD in veterans, victims of sexual assault, first responders, and more. The experimental treatment uses MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a tool to help people overcome PTSD.


  CNN "Ecstasy to Treat PTSD: One Woman’s Story" by Caleb Hellerman.

CNN continues with the second installment of their three-part series covering our MDMA research and further profiles Rachel Hope, a participant in an MDMA-assisted psychotherapy study who was able to overcome PTSD as a result. The article details how MDMA was originally created and how MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research came to be a reality.

Read Part 1 & Part 3.

Watch the video.


December 1, 2012


  CNN "Experimental Treatment for PTSD: Ecstasy" by Caleb Hellerman.

CNN begins their three-part series focusing on treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy by offering an extensive overview of the research. Rachel Hope, a woman who previously suffered from PTSD, received the treatment in 2005 and shares thoughts about her experience.

Read Part 2 & Part 3.

Watch the video.


  The Daily Mail "Doctors Offer Hope for PTSD Patients - By Treating Them with Ecstasy"

The Daily Mail covers our recent research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD, providing many details and statistics about the study.


November 30, 2012


  CNN "Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Ecstasy as PTSD Treatment?" by Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports on our research on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a PTSD treatment, featuring interviews with researchers, participants, and military experts.

Read Part 1, Part 2, & Part 3 of the CNN article accompanying this video.


November 28, 2012


  The Raw Story "Researcher Rick Doblin Optimistic About Future of Psychedelic Drugs" by Eric W. Dolan.

The Raw Story examines statements made by MAPS Founder Rick Doblin, Ph.D., from a video podcast hosted by Alexander Ward. Doblin speaks about creating MAPS, researching MDMA, his ibogaine experience, and how psychedelics may hold hope for the future of medicine.

Watch Rick Doblin explain how MAPS researches MDMA, in addition to details about his experience with the drug ibogaine.


November 27, 2012


  NBC Los Angeles "Party Drug May Help Tough Cases of PTSD, Researchers Say" by Tony Shin and R. Stickney.

NBC Los Angeles provides news about recent research results from a long-term follow up study focusing on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment method for people suffering from PTSD.

Correction: The military is not yet testing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, but we are in conversations with some armed forces treatment providers with hopes of increasing support.

Watch television coverage from NBC Los Angeles and NBC San Diego.


  News.com.au "Ecstasy Used to Treat War Veterans in New Research" by Daniel Piotrowski.

News.com.au provides an overview of MAPS’ recent research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD, in addition to covering upcoming research efforts from our Australia-based non-profit colleagues, PRISM (Psychedelic Research in Science and Medicine).


  NBC San Diego "Scientists to Test Ecstasy for PTSD Vets" by Tony Shin.

NBC San Diego provides coverage of our MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research with a TV news report detailing how the new treatment can help people suffering from PTSD.


  Alt-Daily "Health, Medicine, and Psychedelics: The Potential for Change" by Riazul Islam.

MAPS Intern Riazul Islam writes for AltDaily.com about scientific research into the medical potential of LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin, providing a glimpse into new treatments for PTSD, anxiety, and more.


  NBC Los Angeles "Company Says Ecstasy Helps Post Traumatic Stress Disorder" by John Cádiz Klemack.

NBC Los Angeles covers MDMA-assisted psychotherapy on live television, educating the greater Los Angeles area with facts surrounding how the treatment can help people overcome PTSD.


November 26, 2012


  Salem News "PTSD and TBI Therapy: Marijuana Vs. Ecstasy… Marijuana Wins Hands Down" by Dr. Phillip Leveque.

Salem News writes about the use of medical marijuana and MDMA as treatments for PTSD. Noting recent research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment method for PTSD, an optimistic outlook for the future of medicine if projected.


November 24, 2012


  Loop 21 "MDMA (Ecstacy) May Help Treat PTSD" by Dion Rabouin.

Loop21 touches upon promising results from MAPS’ recent research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD.


  Alexander Ward "Rick Doblin - The Ibogaine Experience"

Rick Doblin speaks with Alexander Ward at length about his experience with ibogaine, providing very detailed insights about how the drug can affect people.

Watch the video.


November 23, 2012


  Care2 "PTSD Sufferers See Long-Term Benefits From MDMA-Assisted Therapy" by Beth Buczynski.

Care2 reviews the recently published results of our research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with facts, infographics, and quotes.


November 22, 2012


  The Independent "Ecstasy Helps Post-traumatic Stress" by Jeremy Laurance.

The Independent covers recent research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD, citing long-term follow-up results that show the treatment’s benefits were maintained an average of 3 years later.


  The Times of India "Ecstasy Fights Post-Traumatic Stress"

The Times of India reports on research aiming to help people suffering from PTSD. The study used MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment method for overcoming PTSD, and the results are promising.


  Mancunian Matters "Dr. Ben Sessa Responds to U.K. Psychologists Not “Convinced” by Scientific Research"

In response to an article criticizing our recent research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, Dr. Ben Sessa offers his comments on the article, providing detailed rebuttals to unfounded claims made by Mancunian Matters.


November 21, 2012


  Alternet "Research Points to Clear Benefits of MDMA for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" by Craig K Comstock.

Alternet describes the results of MAPS’ long-term follow-up research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, highlighting that the 16 participants maintained improvements an average of 45 months after treatment.


  Medical Xpress "Follow-Up Study Finds Lasting Benefit From MDMA for People with PTSD" by Bob Yirka.

Medical Xpress writes about the medical potential of research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.


  The Psychiatric Times "From Bath Salts to Spice and Beyond—Elucidating Emerging Drugs of Abuse" by Heidi Anne Duerr, MPH.

The Psychiatric Times reviews Andrew Penn’s 2012 US Psychiatric & Mental Health Congress talk in which he educated the audience about a variety of drugs, including research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD. He highlighted that 83% of participants maintained improvements in PTSD an average of 3 years later.


  The Daily Beast "E Meets PTSD" by Andrew Sullivan.

Andrew Sullivan writes for The Daily Beast about how scientific research into psychedelic drugs, such as studying MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD, is diminishing the stigma surrounding psychedelics.


  The Week "Can Ecstasy Help Veterans Fight Off Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?"

The Week provides an extensive overview of how MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research is conducted, concluding with results that may give PTSD patients hope for the future of medical treatments.


November 20, 2012


  The Raw Story "Ecstasy-Assisted Psychotherapy Shows Promising Results for PTSD" by Eric W. Dolan.

The Raw Story goes into great detail about research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD, detailing everything from the “therapeutic alliance” between the therapists and participant, to sharing encouraging results that show promise for future medical advancements.


  Gather "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment: Party Drug Ecstasy?" by Renee Nal.

Gather responds to MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research results by offering some staggering statistics about how much of our population currently suffers from PTSD without hope for a working treatment.


  The Fix "Can Ecstasy Help Treat PTSD?" by McCarton Ackerman.

The Fix shares recent results published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology that indicate MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can successfully help people overcome PTSD.


  Stars and Stripes "Ecstasy Effective in Treatment of Lingering PTSD, New Study Finds" by Matthew M. Burke.

Stars and Stripes offers a recap of results from our long-term follow-up research into treating posttraumatic stress disorder with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. The article also highlights our initiative to research medical marijuana as a treatment method for people suffering from PTSD.


  Nature "MDMA Keeps Severe Stress at Bay" by Arran Frood.

Medical and psychedelics experts speak about the promising results from our research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.


  ZME Science "Ecstasy Shows More Promise in Post Traumatic Stress" by Mihai Andrei.

In response to recent research results, ZME Science educates their audience about the benefits of treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.


  Z6 Mag "PTSD Veterans May Have Hope with MDMA, or Ecstasy" by Neva Happel.

Z6 Mag posts a lot of information and videos revolving around our research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, ranging from CNN interviews, to the lead psychotherapist speaking at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs.


  Military.com "PTSD Study Findings Reinforce Case for Ecstasy" by Bryant Jordan.

Military.com reports on the implications of our research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for veterans with PTSD. “Completing the studies necessary to make this treatment available will require increasing financial and political support from both within and outside the military,” said Brad Burge of MAPS. “We provide men and women in the armed forces with the most advanced tools of war. It’s time we gave them the most advanced tools of healing, too.”


  Health-News-Watch "Ecstasy May Help Treat PTSD" by Suzy Mage.

Health-News-Watch provides a detailed, scientific explanation of how MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can people overcome PTSD.


  DrugFree.org "Ecstasy May Help Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" by Join Together Staff .

The Partnership at DrugFree.org offers a report on recent medical research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, educating their supporters and new readers with unbiased science news.


  Reason "New Study Confirms MDMA’s Effectiveness in Psychotherapy" by Jacob Sullum.

Reason.com covers the recent publication of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research results in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.


  PR Newswire "Landmark Study Shows Long-Term Benefits of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD Sufferers" by MAPS.

People suffering from chronic, treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced lasting benefits from MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, according to a new long-term follow-up study published online November 20 in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Download the official press release (PDF).


November 19, 2012


  The New York Times "A ‘Party Drug’ May Help the Brain Cope With Trauma" by Benedict Carey.

The New York Times announces today’s publication of the paper describing the results of our long-term follow-up study, showing that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can have lasting benefits for people suffering from PTSD. The results were published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, indicating that 83% of participants did not qualify for PTSD two months after treatment, and on average, improvements were maintained an average of 3.8 years later.


November 9, 2012


  Yale Daily News "Jim Fadiman: Researcher in the Sky with Diamonds" by Karolina Ksiazek.

The Yale Daily News interviews Dr. James Fadiman, Ph.D., author of The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide, about his experience researching LSD, how psychedelic drugs influenced social movements in the 1960’s, and the prospective future of prescription psychedelics.


November 4, 2012


  The Gazette "Yes on 64 is Help for PTSD Patients" by Bob Wiley.

The Gazette reports on requests from Colorado veterans suffering from PTSD to have access to medical marijuana. Amendment 64, which passed on November 6, now allows the legal use of marijuana statewide.


  Truthout "Medical Marijuana: Obama Administration Continues Reefer Madness" by Robert Wilbur.

In response to the 2012 election, Truthout provides a full overview of state initiatives with the goal of changing medical marijuana policy. Opponents of medical marijuana suggest that more marijuana research should be conducted before making it more widely available, though the article details how some government agencies (like NIDA) are making scientific research almost impossible to accomplish.


November 3, 2012


  The Vancouver Sun "Ancient Traditions Get New Life" by Ian Mulgrew.

The Spirit Plant Medicine Conference gathered scientists, scholars, and shamans to present and discuss the latest research results into naturally occurring psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, ayahuasca, and ibogaine.


November 2, 2012


  Aeon Magazine "Erik Davis - On Psychedelics" by Erik Davis.

Erik Davis writes for Aeon Magazine about progression in the field of medicine as a result of the current wave of psychedelic research. Scientists contributing to research have developed potential treatments for a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, anxiety, and depression.


November 1, 2012


  The Huffington Post "Obama, What About “Free and Open Scientific Inquiry” for Medical Marijuana?" by Dr. John Schwarz.

Dr. John Schwarz writes for The Huffington Post Blog about how medical marijuana is still excluded from research despite President Obama’s memorandum that science would guide federal policy decisions. Dr. Sue Sisley received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct research into marijuana as a treatment for veterans suffering from PTSD, but the study was blocked when the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) refused to sell the marijuana necessary to conduct the study.


October 23, 2012


  Reality Sandwich "Modern Psychedelic Research" by David Wilder.

Research from around the world suggests psychedelic drugs can provide medical benefits for a variety of conditions, ranging from PTSD to cluster headaches. Highlighting studies from MAPS, the Beckley Foundation, and various academic institutions, this article is a comprehensive look into the current state of psychedelic research.


October 20, 2012


  Santa Cruz Patch "Psychedelic Drug Research Renaissance: A Comprehensive Review" by David Jay Brown.

Psychedelic Drug Research Renaissance: A Comprehensive Review, is a new book by author David Jay Brown that summarizes 22 years of clinical research into the medical potential of psychedelics. Drugs such as LSD, MDMA, psilocybin, ayahuasca, and more have been shown to have medical benefits, and this book is a very detailed resource for these substances and their capability to heal.


October 19, 2012


  The Boston Globe "Law, Policy Thwart Research on Marijuana" by Chelsea Conaboy.

Massachusetts voters prepare to vote on whether to allow medical marijuana for people suffering from PTSD, chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, leukemia, and other illnesses, while a lack of adequately controlled scientific studies is fueling disagreements between patients and policymakers over its safety and effectiveness. Meanwhile, the National Institute on Drug Abuse continues to block MAPS’ planned, FDA-approved study of marijuana for symptoms of PTSD in U.S. veterans.


October 18, 2012


  Reality Sandwich "A Report from Psychedemia, 2012: Integrating Psychedelics and Academics" by VerDarLuz.

Reality Sandwich reports on Psychedemia, a conference focusing on integrating psychedelics and academics taking place September 27-30. The recap includes details about discussion panels that focused on scientific research into psilocybin, salvia, and more.


October 17, 2012


  Reality Sandwich "This Week in Psychedelics" by Neşe Devenot.

Reality Sandwich compiles a list of recent news surrounding psychedelics, including stories about psychedelic conferences, MDMA research, Eastern philosophy, and more.


October 14, 2012


  Stichting Open "ICPR 2012 Draws Attention to Psychedelic Research"

The second annual Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research is an event highlighting scientific studies into psychedelic drugs such as LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin. Stichting Open recently held the event in Amsterdam, and MAPS Clinical Research Specialist, Ilsa Jerome, Ph.D., gave a presentation about research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and the exciting results that have followed.


  Santa Fe New Mexican "Cannabis Catch-22: PTSD Patients Could be Dropped from State’s Medical Program" by Deborah Busemeyer.

The Santa Fe New Mexican covers the controversy following New Mexico’s potential decision to no longer allow PTSD patients to legally use medical marijuana to treat their symptoms. The article goes into great detail about past and upcoming medical marijuana research while explaining the political situation surrounding the drug and PTSD patients in the state.


October 11, 2012


  The Telegraph "Letters: Effects of Ecstasy and Clinical MDMA" by Ben Sessa, M.D..

Psychiatrist Ben Sessa, M.D., writes to The Telegraph to discuss the contributions made by Professor Andy Parrott about MDMA research on UK Channel 4’s “Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial.” For Dr. Sessa, there is already ample scientific evidence that the benefits of pure MDMA in controlled settings for therapeutic purposes outweighs the risks.


October 4, 2012


  The Register-Guard "Guest Viewpoint: Marijuana Should Be Allowed as PTSD Therapy" by Alan Cohn and Brian Michaels.

The Register-Guard writes about how the politics surrounding medical marijuana affect people living in Oregon and veterans suffering from PTSD. The article provides hope for the future of medical marijuana by mentioning MAPS’ marijuana research initiatives and lawsuit against the DEA.


October 3, 2012


  The Neuroethics Blog "The Army’s on Ecstasy: Marching Toward an Ethical Drug Policy" by J. Kohn.

The Neuroethics Blog shows how developing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy into a legal treatment for service men and women with PTSD goes hand in hand with creating ethical drug policies.


  Daily Nexus "MDMA T.V. Show Sparks Controversy, Yet ‘Taboo’ Research Holds Potential to Help" by Michael Roe.

The Daily Nexus writes about recent MDMA research that aired on a Channel 4 documentary in the United Kingdom. The article suggests that even though psychedelic drugs have a taboo surrounding them at times, scientific research into the medical benefits of these substances provides hope for our society.


October 2, 2012


  Philly.com "Far Out: A Psychedelic Gathering at Penn" by Jason Nark.

Philly.com reviews Psychedemia, a conference aiming to integrate psychedelics with academics. The article highlights speaker Julie Holland and her talk about how marijuana and MDMA can alleviate symptoms of PTSD.


September 27, 2012


  Vice "Conclusive Proof: Britain Loves Ecstasy" by Gavin Haynes .

Vice writes about the success of Drugs Live, a documentary program showcasing MDMA research that was sponsored by United Kingdom television station Channel 4. Conducted by Professor David Nutt and Val Curran, the research focused on brain scans of over 20 volunteers that were situated in an fMRI machine. Nutt is using the research results to make a case for treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.


  Big Think "Ecstasy Research Looks to Help Those Affected by PTSD" by Orion Jones.

Big Think presents MDMA research as one of their daily “big ideas.” The short piece focuses on Professor David Nutt’s research and features information about how MDMA could treat PTSD.


  Imperial College "Researchers Discuss MDMA Science"

Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris and Dr. David Erritzoe of Imperial College detail their research into MDMA using brain-imaging technology and explain why research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treating PTSD and other mental illnesses may be beneficial.


  The Telegraph "Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial, Channel 4, Review" by Helen Brown.

The Telegraph reviews the new MDMA research documentary “Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial” and its success in providing a scientific approach that does not glamorize drug use. The research aimed to measure brain activity in volunteers using fMRI machines, in addition to studying the potential of treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.  The study was funded by United Kingdom television station Channel 4 and conducted by Professors David Nutt and Val Curran.


September 26, 2012


  Channel 4 "Q and A: What is MDMA?"

In response to airing Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial, an MDMA research documentary, Channel 4 provides a summary of MDMA and all of its components. The article highlights the medical potential of the drug, citing the intention of treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.


  The Fix "Live TV MDMA Study Airs in the UK" by May Wilkerson.

The Fix summarizes Drugs Live: The Ectsasy Trial, a documentary highlighting MDMA research that was sponsored by UK television station Channel 4. The research used fMRI machines to study resting brain activity after taking MDMA and was conducted by Professors David Nutt and Val Curran.


  The Guardian "MDMA May Help Treat Depression and PTSD, Channel 4 Study Suggests" by Amanda Feilding.

Amanda Feilding, founder of The Beckley Foundation, writes for The Guardian about how recent research results indicate that MDMA may work as an alternative treatment method for depression and PTSD. Feilding’s article coincides with the launch of the MDMA research documentary, Drugs Live, which featured research conducted by Professor David Nutt.


  The Guardian "Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial – The Highs and Lows" by Ian Sample.

The Guardian examines Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial, an MDMA research documentary funded by Channel 4. Conducted by Professors David Nutt and Val Curran, the research focused on resting brain activity from over 20 healthy volunteers while under the effects of MDMA. Featuring a live discussion from a variety of participants, the program covered both positive and negative aspects of the drug.


September 25, 2012


  The Telegraph "Can LSD Cure Depression?" by Jerome Burne.

The Telegraph writes an in-depth article about the increasing merits of psychedelic research. Citing research conducted by organizations such as MAPS and The Beckley Foundation, the article makes a strong case for the potential of psychedelics as alternative treatment methods for ailments such as depression, cluster headaches, and PTSD.


September 24, 2012


  New Statesman "Not Raving but Drowning - Could MDMA Help Therapy?" by Michael Brooks.

The New Statesman writes about public perception of MDMA and how scientific research is providing an alternative, objective narrative that squanders untrue claims about the drug. Highlighting MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, the article suggests, “People who would benefit from this therapy are not raving, but drowning. It wouldn’t hurt anyone to throw them a lifeline.”


September 22, 2012


  Daily Mail "Author of We Need to Talk About Kevin on Taking Drugs for Controversial Channel 4 Show" by Lionel Shriver.

Author Lionel Shriver provides a wonderfully detailed report of her experience as a volunteer for Professor David Nutt’s MDMA research being funded by Channel 4. The research was filmed and will be presented on Sept. 26 and 27, 2012 on Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial.


  The Sun "The Agony and the Ecstasy" by Leigh Holmwood.

The Sun writes about Phil Campion, a former Special Air Services member who volunteered to take part in Professor David Nutt’s MDMA research. As a veteran, Campion has seen other veterans suffering from PTSD, which is what spawned his decision to volunteer. Nutt’s research focuses on resting brain activity, though seeing how MDMA could help treat PTSD is also one of the study’s goals.


September 21, 2012


  PR Web "Second International Psychedelic Science Conference Shares Leading Research Results" by MAPS.

At Psychedelic Science 2013, the world’s leading psychedelic research institutes will gather researchers, therapists, students, and the intellectually curious over five days to share the latest research on MDMA, LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca, ibogaine, and more. The event will feature pre- and post-conference workshops, lectures, discussions, a sunset cruise over the San Francisco Bay, live performances, and much more!

Download the official press release (PDF).


  Daily Mail "A Vicar, a Pop Star’s Dad and an Ex-MP All Taking Drugs on Live TV" by Zoe Brennan.

The Daily Mail highlights a variety of prominent figures and their involvement in new MDMA research being funded by Channel 4. Most notably, the article focuses on a three of the research volunteers and their thoughts, such as author Lionel Shriver, former MP Evan Harris, and actor Keith Allen.


  The Guardian "David Nutt and Julia Manning: is It Right to Take Ecstasy in a TV Trial?" by Oliver Laughland.

The Guardian’s Oliver Laughland interviews researcher David Nutt and health campaigner Julia Manning about Channel 4’s decision to fund and broadcast research on MDMA, and their discussion ranges from neuroscience to morality.


September 20, 2012


  FactMag "Keith Allen and Lionel Shriver to Take MDMA in Live Televised Drug Trial on Channel 4"

FactMag writes about a new MDMA research that will be presented in an upcoming documentary titled Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial. The study was funded by Channel 4 and conducted by Professor David Nutt, with the purpose to see how MDMA affects resting brains.


  New Scientist "MDMA TV: Turn on, Tune in, Do the Research" by Graham Lawton.

Graham Lawton discusses the controversy over Channel 4’s decision to broadcast MDMA research conducted by Professor David Nutt.  Lawton was a volunteer in the study and suggests that more debates about MDMA’s place in science are necessary.


September 19, 2012


  BBC News "Evan Harris, Former Lib Dem MP, Takes Ecstasy on TV for Medical Research"

BBC News writes about Evan Harris, former Member of Parliament, and his decision to volunteer for Professor David Nutt’s research on MDMA’s affect on resting brains. The research was funded and filmed by Channel 4, in order to be presented in an upcoming special.


  Americans For Safe Access "Cannabis, the Gateway Herb: A Doctor Responds" by Michelle Sexton.

Michelle Sexton of Americans For Safe Access writes about the current state of marijuana in order to present a medical professional’s perspectives on research and the drug’s classification as Schedule I. The article highlights MAPS’ efforts to conduct research on smoked and/or vaporized marijuana for symptoms of PTSD in veterans of war.


  Digital Journal "UK to Televise Live MDMA Drug Experiment Sept. 26" by David Silverberg.

Digital Journal writes about Professors Val Curran and David Nutt’s MDMA research that was funded by Channel 4. The scientific study will air alongside a debate on Sept. 26 and 27, 2012, on a program titled Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial.


September 18, 2012


  Belfast Telegraph "Former MP Evan Harris Takes Ecstasy for Channel 4 Show" by Sherna Noah.

The Belfast Telegraph reveals the identities of MDMA research participants in a new story about an upcoming televised study. The research used fMRI machines to analyze activity in resting brains and was funded by Channel 4. Professors David Nutt and Val Curran led the research and are hopeful that their study leads the way for more studies into the therapeutic use of MDMA, such as the treatment of PTSD.


  The Huffington Post "Evan Harris, Former MP, To Take Class A Drugs On TV ‘To See If MDMA Can Cure Depression’" by Dina Rickman.

The United Kingdom Huffington Post writes about Professor David Nutt’s new research aiming to see if MDMA can cure depression. The article highlights Evan Harris, a former Member of Parliament,  who is just one of 26 diverse subjects in Nutt’s study. The research was funded by Channel 4, which allowed the research to be filmed to be presented in the upcoming special, Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial


  io9 "Did You Just Take a Vitamin C Tablet, or a Hit of Ecstasy?" by Robert T. Gonzalez.

io9 writes about the Channel 4-funded MDMA study being conducted by Professor David Nutt. The article highlights statements made by Graham Lawton, a reporter who volunteered to be a part of the research.


  The Stranger "This Is Your Brain on Drugs: An fMRI Scan While High on Ecstasy" by Brendan Kiley.

The Stranger writes about New Scientist reporter Graham Lawton, and his experience volunteering for Professor David Nutt’s scientific study on the effect of MDMA on resting brains. The study was filmed and will air on Channel 4 in a special titled Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial.The Stranger writes about New Scientist reporter Graham Lawton, and his experience volunteering for Professor David Nutt’s scientific study on the effect of MDMA on resting brains. The study was filmed and will air on Channel 4 in a special titled Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial.


September 17, 2012


  Medical Daily "Could MDMA Be the Cure for PTSD and Depression?" by Makini Brice.

Medical Daily educates their readers about the history of MDMA and its use in psychiatry. Citing Donna Kilgore’s successful MDMA psychotherapy with Michael Mithoefer, the article advocates for more research to be done on MDMA before it can be used widely in therapy. The article mentions current research on the effects of MDMA in resting brains, in addition to efforts to treat PTSD.


September 15, 2012


  The Guardian "Can MDMA Help to Cure Depression?" by Conal Urquhart.

The Guardian dives into the history of MDMA research,  focusing on David Nutt and Val Curran’s new study funded by Channel 4,  a United Kingdom television station. The new research used fMRI machines to measure brain activity and was filmed to be shown alongside a debate on Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial,  an upcoming Channel 4 special. MAPS’ phase 2 pilot study using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to treat war veterans suffering from PTSD is also highlighted. 

Professor Andy Parrott is quoted in the article as an opponent of the televised research. His argument suggests that honest drug education should not be considered as a way to protect kids from the drug,  but blocking scientific research into therapeutic applications is a viable alternative. Parrott suggests that subjects may seek out the drug for self-medication purposes after the experiments,  though our research suggests otherwise. Our long-term follow-up of subjects from our initial proof-of-principle study showed that only 1 of 20 subjects tried MDMA after the experiment, after which the subject reported that it was the therapeutic support and not just the MDMA that made their experience in our experiment so productive, and that she did not intend to use MDMA outside of a clinical context again.


September 13, 2012


  Psychotherapy Networker "Old Pills, New Promises for PTSD" by Jared DeFife.

Psychotherapy Networker writes about the current state of PTSD treatments and the potential of treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Detailing research conducted by MAPS, the article highlights MDMA as having significant potential for PTSD treatment.


August 31, 2012


  Santa Cruz Patch "Can Psychedelic Drugs Help Us to Die Gratefully?" by David Jay Brown.

Author David Jay Brown writes for the Santa Cruz Patch about research into LSD and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as treatment methods for anxiety in people with life-threatening illnesses. Brown examines current and past psychedelic research, making a strong case for these studies to continue helping people.


August 26, 2012


  ABC 15 Arizona "Hear Me Out: Does Research Provide Solid Evidence of Medical Marijuana’s Benefits?"

In this feature, Dr. Sue Sisley of Arizona is given the opportunity to explain how obstructive federal regulations are creating enormous barriers to new medical marijuana research.


August 24, 2012


  London Evening Standard "Are They Raving Mad?" by Richard Godwin.

Channel 4, a United Kingdom television station, has funded the U.K.‘s latest MDMA research. The scientific study, led by Professor David Nutt, was a neurological analysis of the effects of MDMA on the resting brain. The research was filmed and the results will debut on Channel 4’s upcoming special, Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial.


  Psychology Today "Psilocybin and Personality" by Scott A. McGreal, MSc.

A new article from Psychology Today examines results from multiple psilocybin studies and suggests that personality may influence the effects of psilocybin.


August 22, 2012


  The Huffington Post "Straight Trippin’" by Gabriel Mizrahi.

Gabriel Mizrahi writes for The Huffington Post about how MAPS and other institutions are conducting research into psychedelics as new treatment options for PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcohol dependency, and more.


August 16, 2012


  Reality Sandwich "Psychiatric Power and Taboo in Modern Psychedelia" by Patrick Roseman Dunn.

Reality Sandwich writes about the cultural taboo surrounding psychedelics and how research into drugs like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA is changing public perception of them. The article explains the vast difference in psychedelic experiments done by Timothy Leary in the 1960s and current psychedelic research being conducted within established scientific protocol by MAPS and other institutions.


August 14, 2012


  ICEERS "Ritual Users of Ayahuasca: A Longitudinal Study"

The International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Service (ICEERS) writes a press release announcing the results of a recently published ayahuasca study. The research focused on several aspects of mental health in 127 regular ayahuasca users who used ayahuasca twice a month over the course of at least 15 years. The ayahuasca users were compared to 115 non-users, and the tests were conducted again one year later. The study found no adverse psychiatric or neuropsychological effects of long-term ayahuasca users.


August 11, 2012


  Psychology Today "High Time to Destigmatize Psychedelics" by Jonathan D. Moreno, Ph.D .

Jonathan D. Moreno writes for Psychology Today about the history of psychedelic research and therapy in hopes to change public perception of drugs such as LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin. The article highlights current psychedelic research conducted by MAPS, as well mentioning Psychedemia, an upcoming conference focusing on psychedelics and the culture surrounding them.


August 10, 2012


  AZ Family "Medical Marijuana Research Shackled by Politics?" by Sybil Hoffman.

AZ Family describes Arizona’s current struggle with medical marijuana due to political obstacles. The public of Arizona petitioned the Department of Health Services to add PTSD, migraines, anxiety, and depression to the list of eligible conditions for medical marijuana, but all of the proposals were turned down due to lack of research. Dr. Sue Sisley of Arizona observes, “I don’t know any members of the public that are satisfied with the fact that science is being shackled by politics.”


August 7, 2012


  Boom Festival 2012 Newspaper "Kosmicare"

An international team of volunteers ranging from psychiatrists to medical writers provided psychedelic harm reduction services at the Kosmicare tent at Boom Festival 2012. MAPS has supported psychedelic emergency services at Boom since 2002, and this year Kosmicare is a collaboration between Boom, MAPS, and government agencies. MAPS Founder Rick Doblin, Ph.D., shares his experience with Kosmicare and other psychedelic harm reduction initiatives.

Download the Final Drug Checking Report (PDF) from Boom Festival 2012, containing extensive information about the types and purity levels of drugs tested during the festival.


August 3, 2012


  The Conversation "Human Testing of Illicit Drugs – The Highs and Lows" by MacDonald Christie.

The Conversation reports on past and current research that tests the effects of drugs such as LSD, MDMA, psilocybin, and marijuana on human subjects. Recent research coincides with research from the 1960s, suggesting that psychedelics may offer therapeutic benefit for psychiatric disorders.


July 26, 2012


  Santa Cruz Patch "Can Psychedelic Drugs Enhance Creativity?" by David Jay Brown.

Author David Jay Brown explores how psychedelic drugs such as LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline can significantly enhance creativity. Citing previous psychedelic research studies, he makes a compelling argument that psychedelics and their relationship with creativity is something that should be researched in a serious capacity.


  The Morning News "The Heretic" by Tim Doody.

The Morning News profiles psychedelic researcher Dr. James Fadiman, featuring his thoughts on current, past, and future psychedelic studies. In addition to covering Fadiman’s LSD research focusing on creativity, the article also goes into detail about alternative therapeutic uses for LSD.


July 25, 2012


  Reality Sandwich "Psychedemia: Integrating Psychedelics into Academia" by Neşe Lisa Şenol.

Reality Sandwich details Psychedemia, a new interdisciplinary conference placing its focus on psychedelic science,  culture, and art. Psychedemia will be held in Philadelphia on September 27-30, featuring lectures, workshops, performances, art galleries, and more. MAPS will be co-sponsoring the event.


July 21, 2012


  The Lancet "Shaping the Renaissance of Psychedelic Research" by Ben Sessa.

Ben Sessa writes for The Lancet about the current state of psychedelic research.


July 20, 2012


  Care2 "Televised Drug Experiment Will Include a Vicar, an Actor and an Author" by Sarah Vrba.

Care2 writes about “Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial,” a new television special highlighting MDMA research. Channel 4 funded the new MDMA research, led by Professor Nutt and Professor Val Curran. The six-month study focused on resting brain activity in healthy volunteers. The research was filmed and will be presented alongside a live debate this Fall on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom.


July 19, 2012


  The Telegraph "Channel 4 to Screen Volunteers Taking the Drug Ecstasy" by Richard Alleyne.

A new MDMA research study is being funded by United Kingdom’s Channel 4 television station. The research, led by Professor David Nutt and Professor Val Curran, will use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure resting brain activity in volunteers. The six-month study was filmed and will be combined with a live debate to create Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial, airing on Channel 4.


  The Guardian "Scientists’ Agony Over Ecstasy" by David Nutt.

Professor David Nutt of Imperial College London writes for the Guardian about his current MDMA research project. With funding from Channel 4, a U.K. television station, and help from Professor Val Curran of University College London, Nutt has been able to measure resting brain activity in healthy volunteers after receiving a pure dose of MDMA. Channel 4 will air footage of the research along with a live debate about MDMA in two 60-minute installments of a special program titled Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial.


  Channel 4 "Groundbreaking MDMA Science Study to be Broadcast on Channel 4"

Channel 4, a United Kingdom television station, will be airing two 60-minute specials highlighting MDMA. The program, Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial, will show footage of a scientific study measuring MDMA’s effects on the resting brain, in addition to a live debate exploring all facets of the drug. The MDMA research is being funded by Channel 4 and will be led by psychopharmacologists Professor David Nutt of Imperial College London and Professor Val Curran of University College London.


July 12, 2012


  The Sacramento Bee "California Pot Research Backs Therapeutic Claims" by Peter Hecht.

The Sacramento Bee examines the recent completion of medical marijuana research conducted in California by the Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR). The studies lasted over a decade and treated more than 300 patients, concluding that marijuana can offer benefits for treating pain from injuries, HIV, strokes, and other conditions. The article also highlights MAPS’ medical marijuana research plans.


July 11, 2012


  Death and Taxes "When Bobby Kennedy Defended LSD" by DJ Pangburn.

Death and Taxes recounts Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s statements in support of LSD during a hearing in 1966. Kennedy, whose wife had been treated with LSD, suggested that too much emphasis was placed on potential danger instead of how LSD could be “very helpful in our society if used properly.”


July 9, 2012


  HerbalGram (American Botanical Council) "Is CBD the Answer? Analyzing the Role of Cannabidiol in Medicinal Cannabis" by Lindsay Stafford Mader.

The official journal of the American Botanical Council sorts out the science behind the medical uses of cannabidiol (CBD, an active component of marijuana similar to THC and with different effects) and describes researchers’ efforts to understand the real risks and benefits of all components of the cannabis plant.


  Esquire "What If Es Really Are Good?" by Neil Boorman.

“If we were to invent a drug designed to treat PTSD, what qualities would it have?” asks MDMA researcher Ben Sessa, M.D. Neil Boorman of Esquire magazine describes his experience taking part in the UK’s first study of the effects of MDMA on the brain. Download the full article (pdf).


June 28, 2012


  The Guardian "Psychedelic Drugs Can Unlock Mysteries of Brain – Former Government Adviser" by Alok Jha.

The Guardian examines recent statements made by the United Kingdom’s former drug adviser, Professor David Nutt, concerning drug prohibition. Nutt suspects that the future of science and medicine will continue to be hindered if the UK upholds the current classification system of drugs, making it nearly impossible to do research on psychedelic drugs.


June 27, 2012


  Care2 "MDMA Turns 100 Years Old, Still Faces Stereotypes" by Beth Buczynski.

Care2 delves into the history of MDMA and its place in science and medicine. Brad Burge, MAPS’ Director of Communications, is interviewed and details MAPS’ research focusing on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD. Burge also talks about the future of MDMA as a therapeutic drug.


June 26, 2012


  Lake Elsinore-Wildomar Patch "LSD Resurges 42 Years After Psychedelic 1960s" by Toni McAllister.

Lake Elsinore-Wildomar Patch reports on the LSD study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in March 2012. The research indicates that LSD may be a viable option for the treatment of alcoholism. The article quotes MAPS researcher Peter Gasser, M.D., who recently completed a study of using LSD to treat anxiety in people suffering from life-threatening illnesses.


June 24, 2012


  The Chronicle of Philanthropy "$10-Million Bequest Shared by Groups Including Association for Psychedelic Studies" by Caroline Bermudez.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy details the $5 million bequest given to MAPS from software pioneer Ashawna Hailey. The bequest will go primarily towards research on using MDMA-assisted therapy to treat PTSD. Hailey was a board member of MAPS and cared deeply about drug policy reform, so she also left $1.25-million each to the American Civil Liberties Union, Drug Policy Alliance, Marijuana Policy Project, and Second Harvest Food Bank.


June 22, 2012


  Santa Cruz Patch "Psychedelic Drug Research Heralds the Future Science of Divinity" by David Jay Brown.

Writer David Jay Brown explores the connection between psychedelic drugs and religion, citing multiple psychedelic research studies. Brown expresses the idea that drugs such as LSD and psilocybin can create spiritual experiences that positively affect users of the drugs.


June 18, 2012


  Época "Doors Reopen for LSD"

Época summarizes the vast history of LSD. In the 1960’s, researchers studied the effects of LSD and its potential as a treatment for schizophrenia and depression. The article highlights researcher Timothy Leary’s life and his use with the drug, focusing on his LSD activism, which caught the attention of celebrities, the general public, and the government. Despite its prohibition, research on LSD has begun to take place once again. Research studies in various locations across the world have begun studying LSD-assisted therapy for end-of-life anxiety and depression.


June 16, 2012


  FYI Be Healthy "Magic Mushrooms Drug Shows Promise as Therapeutic Tool" by Brenda Goodman.

FYI Be Healthy sheds light on recent psilocybin research conducted by John Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. The article goes into great detail about how the study was conducted and shares the fascinating results of the study.


June 15, 2012


  National Post "Jesse Kline: Legalizing Ecstasy Would Save Lives" by Jesse Kline.

National Post details the current state of MDMA research, mentioning MDMA studies conducted by MAPS and providing a comprehensive insight into MDMA and its history in science and law.


  National Enquirer "Larry Hagman Mind Blowing LSD Trips" by Michael Glynn.

Famous actor Larry Hagman, known for his roles in I Dream of Jeannie and Dallas, has called LSD “the most illuminating experience” of his life.

Also see this letter from Larry Hagman about why he supports psychedelic research.


June 14, 2012


  NPR "Pure Ecstasy Is Safe, Canadian Doctor Says, But Don’t Buy ‘E’ On The Street" by Eliza Barclay.

NPR signifies recent statements about the safety of MDMA in clinical trials made by Dr. Perry Kendall, British Columbia’s chief health officer. Kendall’s stance suggests that the Canadian government’s attitude towards drug policy may be changing.


  AlterNet "Are We Finally Reawakening to the Profound Healing Properties of Psychedelics?" by Don Hazen.

AlterNet covers the wide variety of uses for psychedelics and marijuana, highlighting the various histories and medical potential of the drugs. The article features a transcript of the talks given at Reform Conference by MAPS Founder Rick Doblin Ph.D. and Executive Director of The Beckley Foundation, Amanda Feilding.


  The Canadian Press "Pure ecstasy can be ‘safe’ if consumed responsibly: B.C. health officer" by Tamsyn Burgmann.

The Canadian Press writes about statements made by British Columbia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Perry Kendall, concerning the safety of MDMA. Kendall suggests that the risks of MDMA are exaggerated and he would like to see government officials discuss potential changes to the current war on drugs.


  Scientific American "LSD May Cure Some Addicts" by Ian Chant.

Pål-Ørjan Johansen and Teri Krebs of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology analyzed six clinical trials of LSD that took place between 1966-1970. The results were published in The Journal of Psychopharmacology and explained that LSD can be an effective tool to treat addiction.


  The Star "B.C. Health Officer Stands by His Assertion That Pure Ecstasy Can be Safe for Adults" by Laura Stone.

British Columbia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Perry Kendall, is advocating for MDMA to be legalized and sold through government-regulated stores in Canada. Kendall says that the risks of MDMA are overblown, suggesting that psychedelic research from MAPS and others will provide better, safer drug policies.


  660 News "Top Doc in BC Says Ecstasy is Safe and Wants it Legalized" by Ian Campbell.

One of Canada’s top health officials, Dr. Perry Kendall, is speaking out in favor of drug policy reform in Canada, specifically regarding MDMA. He believes that MDMA should be made legal and available in licensed, government-run stores across Canada.


June 10, 2012


  The Guardian "Is The Future of Drugs Safe and Non-Addictive?" by David Nutt.

Psychopharmacologist David Nutt posits that extensive research into psychedelic drugs could benefit the medical world substantially. He suggests that synthetic versions of naturally occurring psychedelics can be created to have more predictable effects. Professor Nutt’s open stance on the subject of drug policy reform and medicine is one more example of the expanding legitimacy of psychedelic research.


June 6, 2012


  My Suburban Life "Psychedelic Studies" by Sara Smith.

The College of DuPage in Illinois is debuting a new class focusing on psychedelic research. Instructed by Bruce Sewick, “Psychedelic Mindview” will inform students about the history of psychedelic research, along with highlighting recent clinical studies using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).


  Reality Sandwich "This Week in Psychedelics" by Neşe Lisa Şenol.

Reality Sandwich compiles a list of recent articles focusing on psychedelics, featuring news of the $5 million bequest to MAPS, new research focusing on ketamine, and an opinion piece on drug policy halting the progress of medicine.


June 4, 2012


  OHS Canada "Giving a Lift to Depression" by Danny Kucharsky.

Two recent studies of psilocybin from the Imperial College London in the UK suggest that psilocybin, the main active component in magic mushrooms, could be a useful treatment for depression. MAPS executive director Rick Doblin and other researchers comment on the implications of the new research for the future of mental health treatment.


June 3, 2012


  Care2 "Medical Marijuana Is Now Legal In Connecticut" by Beth Buczynski.

Care2 explores how Connecticut’s new medical marijuana law is at odds with the federal government’s continued unwillingness to allow research into its safety and effectiveness. While the DEA and NIDA continue to block MAPS’ FDA-approved study of marijuana for veterans with PTSD, over a third of the United States have taken matters into their own hands.


June 1, 2012


   "MAPS Shares Research Results with Doctors and Therapists at Veterans Administration and UCSF"

The promising results that MAPS is seeing in our ongoing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD research program is getting unprecedented attention from the scientists, doctors, and psychotherapists most involved in finding effective treatments for PTSD.

On May 31, 2012, psychiatrist Michael Mithoefer, M.D., presented information about our initial studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD and our ongoing study in veterans with the staff at the National Center for PTSD at the Palo Alto Veterans Administration. On June 1, Dr. Mithoefer had the honor of presenting our promising research results at the San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center Mental Health Services’ Grand Rounds.

On the evening of May 31, MAPS hosted a tremendously successful free lecture and discussion at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. Psychiatrist Michael Mithoefer, M.D., and MAPS founder Rick Doblin, Ph.D., shared the most recent research results from our ongoing series of Phase 2 clinical studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD with over 200 attendees in a standing-room only lecture hall. We also announced the recent $5 million bequest from the estate of software pioneer Ashawna Hailey.


May 30, 2012


  PR Newswire "Software Pioneer Leaves $10 Million Bequest To Five Leading Health and Drug Policy Nonprofits" by MAPS.

This year, MAPS will benefit from a generous bequest of approximately $5 million from the estate of software pioneer Ashawna (Shawn) Hailey. This is the largest gift in MAPS’ 26-year history. The majority of Ashawna’s gift will be reserved for Phase 3 studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, and allow MAPS to make a compelling case for donations of the remaining funds—about $10 million—for Phase 2 and 3.

Download the official press release (PDF).


May 29, 2012


  Philadelphia Daily News "In Philly, Keeping Tabs on LSD" by Jason Nark.

The Philadelphia Daily News juxtaposes current policies that criminalize psychedelics with the resurgence of academic and scientific interest in their therapeutic and spiritual uses. The upcoming Psychedemia conference at the University of Pennsylvania will explore the implications of recent research into the careful, beneficial uses of psychedelics for health and well-being.


May 24, 2012


  The Free Weekly "The Secret Truth About Psychedelic Medicines"

Northwest Arkansas’ alternative magazine The Free Weekly looks at the history of psychedelics in science, medicine, technology innovation, and spiritual practice. The cover article highlights research by MAPS and other organizations into psychedelics as tools for healing and scientific discovery.


May 22, 2012


  eBay Stories "Timothy Leary’s Isolation Tank" by Joe MacFarland.

eBay featured the MAPS auction of Timothy Leary’s sensory deprivation tank on eBay Stories, a blog that highlights “remarkable listings” found on the site. The floatation tank was given to Leary by John C. Lilly and it sold for $6,700, with all proceeds benefitting MAPS’ research.


May 18, 2012


  The Philly Post "Psychedelics Are the New Pot" by Nick Vadala.

The Philly Post explains how psychedelic drugs have recently become more embraced by science and pop culture. Awareness of psychedelics and psychedelic research is beginning to rise with an article on MDMA from Oprah’s magazine, a popular scene on Mad Men involving LSD, and comedians highlighting psychedelics during their sets.


  Psychedelic Press UK "Literary Review: ‘Spiritual Growth with Entheogens’ by Thomas B. Roberts (Ed)" by Psychedelic Press UK.

Psychedelic Press UK reviews Spiritual Growth with Entheogens, an edited volume by Thomas Roberts, Ph.D. (now available in the MAPS Store) exploring the history of psychedelics and their potential for self-help and spiritual awakenings. The book includes a chapter by MAPS founder Rick Doblin about his long-term follow-up study to Walter Pahnke’s famous Good Friday psilocybin Experiment.


May 16, 2012


  Radio Boston "Facing Death With Psychedelics" by Meara Sharma.

Radio Boston interviews Dr. John Halpern, a researcher at Harvard’s McLean Hospital exploring MDMA-assisted treatment to help people suffering from anxiety associated with advanced-stage illness.


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.


  Politic365 "Can the Government Mix Drugs and Post-Combat Stress?" by Melissa Bynes Brooks.

This in-depth article from Politic365 explores the recent surge in psychedelic research, highlighting successful studies of MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin as treatments for various conditions.


  Indian Country Today Media Network "Ayahuasca May Hold Key to Breaking Addiction, But Canada Is Forcing Doctor to Stop Testing" by Kevin Taylor.

Dr. Gabor Maté is a Canadian physician who has been conducting MAPS-sponsored research on the therapeutic and spiritual use ayahuasca to help ease addiction. His work has come under fire recently from the Canadian government, but he and other scientists and patients continue insisting on the importance of finding more effective treatments for addiction and other patterns of dependence.


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


  Mental Health Today "Altering Perceptions" by Richard Shrubb.

Mental Health Today examines how psychedelic research has changed over the last fifty years. The article profiles Dr. Ben Sessa, a psychiatrist who studied the safety of MDMA for the United Kingdom’s Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs in 2009. Psychedelic research is also being done in the United States by MAPS, with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a promising treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sessa believes that “one has to weigh up the dangers of a drug being used therapeutically against the benefits it brings.”


  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.


  TalkTalk "Magic Mushroom Mechanism Revealed"

TalkTalk examines Professor David Nutt’s research into psilocybin using fMRI machines. Nutt’s study was funded by MAPS and found that decreased activity of key brain areas with psilocybin may permit ‘unconstrained style of cognition’.


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.


contract 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"

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"

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.


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.

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 "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.


contract 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.
CNN reports on the potential medical benefits of psychedelic drugs.

  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.


  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.


  Popular Science "Study of Vets Finds Ecstasy an Effective Treatment For PTSD" by Jeremy Hsu.

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"
Connie Littlefield provides a tribute to the Sasha and Ann Shulgin.

  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."


contract 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.


contract 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.


contract 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 .

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 wink 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.”


contract 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