Before MDMA was criminalized, and even before its popularity on the dancefloor, MDMA was first used as an adjunct to couples therapy. MAPS is building a multi-pronged approach to exploring this work, first developing a qualitative study in collaboration with allies, to understand the potential role of MDMA in couples therapy.

MAPS is committed to continuing to explore how psychedelics can be helpful in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.  Building on our qualitative study interviewing Palestinians and Israelis who drink ayahuasca together, we are now developing a protocol and metrics to study psychedelics as conflict resolution tools in an interventional study.

MAPS developed the Psychedelic Crisis Assessment and Intervention Training program for law enforcement, mental health, and EMS first responders. This training will soon be delivered to every first responder in Denver, Colorado, and equip them with the knowledge needed to identify and navigate psychedelic and mental health crises. 

With your continued support of our work, we can bring this training to municipalities around the country… including potentially yours!

Though many states have medical cannabis programs, whole-plant marijuana is still not an FDA-approved medication. FDA approval could lead to insurance and VA coverage, so MAPS is working on the only vaporized whole-plant marijuana study with the goal of FDA approval, funded by a $12 million grant received from the state of Michigan.

You are painfully aware of the trauma caused by our criminal legal system. To address one aspect of this systemic injustice, we have drafted a literature review and mapped out a project plan to explore the possibility of psychedelic-assisted care for people impacted by the War on Drugs and the broader criminal legal system.

Our Fiscal Sponsorship program is structured as a grantor-grantee relationship, meaning that donors can make tax-deductible contributions to MAPS to support the charitable project. MAPS then re-grants these funds to the sponsored entity that operates the project. This model can be considered a partnership for progress, catalyzing innovative community initiatives and expanding MAPS’ overall impact.