Researchers Get Stripped $10 Million in Funding 😭 But WHY?

Did you know that some scientists believe psychedelics may have played a role in the evolution of human consciousness?

There's a theory called the "stoned ape theory," proposed by Terence McKenna, which suggests that early human ancestors ingested psychedelic substances like psilocybin mushrooms, leading to cognitive enhancements and potentially influencing the development of language and culture.

It's a controversial theory, but it definitely sparks some fascinating discussions about the relationship between psychedelics and human evolution.

Gotta Blast 🚀:

• Lykos Therapeutics Advances MDMA Therapy Trial: Completion of phase 2 clinical trials is complete! Another milestone was reached and closer to revolutionizing mental health treatment for MDMA.

• 10 Million Dollar Switch Up: Missouri loses opioid settlement investment funds, but at least it’s not killing everything psychedelic… therapeutic use of psilocybin for veterans is still a GO!

• LSD Blotter Origins: Curious about where and when blotter paper and LSD started dating? Dive into where it all started and how it’s evolved into our favorite psychedelic duo.

Quote of the Week 📖:

CHANGING MINDS 🧠

Lykos Therapeutics Advances MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD in Europe 🧑🏽‍⚕️

Lykos Therapeutics has hit a key milestone with the completion of Phase 2 clinical trials in Europe for their MDMA-assisted therapy, promising new treatment avenues for PTSD. The company, already awaiting FDA review in the USA, is now making significant strides across the Atlantic, signaling a potential shift in mental health care on a global scale.

Eric Vermetten, the lead investigator, highlights the trials' success as pivotal for establishing MDMA therapy as a viable treatment option in Europe, where up to 6.7% of the population suffers from PTSD. This innovative approach could radically change the therapeutic landscape, providing much-needed relief where traditional methods lag.

As Lykos navigates the regulatory paths in both Europe and the USA, their synchronized efforts underline the pressing global demand for effective PTSD treatments. The journey of MDMA-assisted therapy from trial to treatment could soon offer a transformative solution for millions grappling with this debilitating condition.

Navigating the Perils of Profit in Psychedelic Research 💰

The integration of business interests in scientific research introduces a complex dynamic where profit motives might conflict with the scientific goal of unbiased knowledge.

Here are some conflicts of interest to be cautious about with studies in the mix:

1. Commercialized Topics

2. “Gifts” from Corporations

3. Favor substances that can be patented

4. Cherry-picking participants

5. Publication Bias

Tackling the pitfalls of corporate influence in psychedelic research means pushing for transparency about financial ties, enforcing strict regulations before any corporate dollars enter the equation, and diversifying funding to reduce bias.

Keeping psychedelic studies focused on real therapeutic progress—rather than just profit—will be key to protecting public health and ensuring the integrity of the research.

MOVING THE NEEDLE 🪡

Missouri's Psilocybin Research Funding Hits a Wall 😵

In a legislative pivot, Missouri senators scrapped a proposal to invest $10 million from opioid settlement funds into psilocybin research, originally aimed at exploring its potential to combat opioid use disorder.

The funds, which had briefly been redirected from ibogaine research, will no longer support any psychedelic studies. Despite the setback in funding, other legislation promoting the therapeutic use of psilocybin for veterans continues to advance.

This development underscores the complex landscape of psychedelic research funding and the ongoing debate surrounding its integration into medical and therapeutic practices.

DEA Challenges Right to Try Psilocybin for Cancer Patients 😷

The DEA has declared that the federal Right to Try Act does not extend to controlled substances like psilocybin, throwing a wrench into ongoing efforts by Dr. Sunil Aggarwal of Washington State, for the use of psychedelics for cancer patients in palliative care.

The DEA's argument, detailed in a new court filing, states that psilocybin, classified under Schedule I, is deemed to have no accepted medical use and thus cannot be dispensed under the Right to Try framework.

COMMUNITY PULSE 🌐

Ever wonder where LSD art comes from?

You know…that little square paper that you put on your tongue and changes your life within hours?

Learn about the brief history of where blotter paper and LSD first met.

Need some tunes for your next MDMA trip? We got you!

Actually, MAPS got you! With their created playlist specialized for MDMA-Assisted Therapy.

Let us know what you think.

We love it!

Mike Dean Gets Real Trippy - A Short Film 🤯

Horizons: Perspectives on Psychedelics

📅 Dates: May 9 – 11

New York, New York

Psychedelic conference featuring three days of programming including workshops, a business forum, and national and global dialogues about the many dimensions of psychedelics. Horizons explores the science, medicine, policy, culture, spirituality, and economic dimensions of psychedelics.

PsyCon

📅 Dates: May 9 – 11

Las Vegas, Nervada

Welcomes both entrepreneurs and consumers with a unique chance to gain knowledge, build relationships, and pave the way for what could be a groundbreaking psychedelic market in the nation. Embracing a dynamic spirit of growth and exploration, the city sets the stage for transformative experiences.

Psychedelic Super Conference 2024

📅 Dates: May 20 - 26

Virtual Event

Featuring 40+ of the world’s top pioneers in the psychedelic space who will be sharing their groundbreaking research and practical applications for psychedelic-assisted therapies.Psychedelic Super Conference 2024