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👁️ Psychedelic Safety Standards of the Future
Can this new device revolutionize microdosing?
Miles Perez
June 26, 2024
Did you know that psychedelics can enhance neuroplasticity in your brain?
Research shows that psychedelics can stimulate the growth of new neural connections, helping your brain rewire itself. This process is supported by increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and the activation of 5-HT2A receptors, which play a crucial role in brain flexibility and connectivity.
These changes can improve learning, emotional resilience, and cognitive flexibility, offering new ways to treat mental health issues and promote personal growth.
Gotta Blast 🚀:
New guidelines to keep psilocybin therapy safe and effective as more states jump on the legalization train.
Mississippi engineers are creating a microdosing device for psychedelics to treat depression—aiming to get FDA’s green light.
Massachusetts Senate greenlights a bill to study psychedelics for veterans; next stop: governor’s desk for final approval.
Quote of the Week 📖:
Happiness is a mental habit, a mental attitude, and if it is not learned and practiced in the present it is never experienced. It cannot be made contingent upon solving some external problem. When one problem is solved, another appears to take its place.
CHANGING MINDS 🧠
Setting the Standard: Best Practices for Psilocybin Services 🔬
With psilocybin becoming more accessible, the need for established safety and effectiveness measures has never been greater. A new publication from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and other institutions has laid the groundwork for best practices in this emerging field.
Researchers recruited 36 seasoned psilocybin facilitators, drawing from clinical trials, ceremonial settings, and traditional indigenous practices. Using the Delphi approach, a method involving multiple rounds of expert consensus, they identified 22 key measures to ensure high-quality psilocybin services.
These measures span service delivery processes, safety indicators, and client outcomes.
Among the findings, experts highlighted the importance of discussions around boundaries and touch preferences to ensure client comfort and safety.
Clients should also rate the overall benefits and harms of their experience, while facilitators complete a safety checklist documenting any adverse events or need for medical attention.
Dr. Todd Korthuis, the study's senior author, noted that these measures provide policymakers and program managers with a harmonized set of tools to monitor the safety, quality, and effectiveness of psilocybin services.
As more states consider legalizing psychedelics, having a standardized framework will be crucial for ensuring consistent and safe practices.
This study not only sets the stage for Oregon and Colorado but also offers a blueprint for other states and localities looking to introduce psilocybin services. By standardizing these core measures, we can ensure that the benefits of psilocybin are safely and effectively realized by all who seek them.
More in the Space 👁️
👁️ Can LSD boost psychological resilience? A new study reveals surprising results
MOVING THE NEEDLE 🪡
New Device to Microdose Psychedelics for Depression Treatment 🍄
Big news from the University of Mississippi! Engineers there are developing a device designed to microdose psychedelics to treat treatment-resistant depression.
What began as an ambitious idea for Thomas Werfel and Glenn Walker is now a state-funded reality, thanks to the Strengthening Mississippi Academic Research Through Business Act.
Nearly 9 million Americans are treated for depression, with about 31% experiencing treatment-resistant cases.
Traditional methods often leave patients in limbo, either waiting for medications to work or managing multiple prescriptions.
This is where microdosing steps in—small, non-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelics have shown promise in boosting mood, creativity, and alleviating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction.
The innovation lies in a tiny, biodegradable implant about the size of a grain of rice. Injected under the skin, it periodically releases the drug and then dissolves, ensuring precise dosing while minimizing the risk of abuse. Sounds very similar to Elon Musk’s Neuralink chip.
Werfel explains, “Our device ensures that the drug gets delivered when it’s supposed to be.”
Walker, an expert in microfabrication, sees vast potential beyond depression. This technology could revolutionize the delivery of various medications, from heart treatments to diabetes management.
The team is now seeking funds for advanced preclinical testing, with the ultimate goal of securing FDA approval—a journey that could take several years but promises significant impact.
This breakthrough underscores the incredible potential within university-led innovations.
As Walker puts it, “A successful startup with this device could transform depression treatment and beyond. We’re cautiously optimistic.”
What do you think?
More in the Space 👁️
👁️ Massachusetts Senate greenlights psychedelics therapy study for veterans – discover the potential benefits.
👁️ New Jersey psilocybin bill narrowed to therapeutic use – see what changes lawmakers made.
👁️ Cresco Labs co-founder on $25M psychedelics real estate investment – what this means for healthcare.
👁️ California tightens criteria for Psilocybin Pilot Program – who qualifies?
👁️ Arizona Governor vetoes Psilocybin Service Centers Bill – learn why she rejected It.
COMMUNITY PULSE 🌐
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Psychedelics Design Conference (Coming Up!)
📅 Dates: Thursday, July 11 · 11am - 4pm CDT
Online
This event is right around the corner. Snatch up your ticket before the event date to secure your psychedelic experience! Our amazing friends at Psychedelics Design are hosting an online event to spark transformational conversations around the intersection of psychedelics, creativity, and design! Some of the greatest minds in the psychedelic industry will be speaking on a variety of topics such as brand, media, and research. This is an event you don’t want to miss!
The Mycology Psychology Retreat
📅 Dates: Friday, August 30th · Sunday, September 1st
Denver, CO
Join Mycology Psychology for a transformative weekend ceremony with integration practices like breathwork and Reiki. Enjoy organic vegetarian meals, relax in cold plunges and saunas, and experience holistic healing supported by skilled practitioners.
Limited spaces available—secure your spot now!
BEFORE WE GO 😢
Thank you for reading and being a part of this psychedelic journey! 🍄
👁️ Are you a psychedelic therapist/coach, retreat center, or brand looking to elevate your content? PSYCHSPACE Creations is here to help. Book a consultation call with us today and let’s bring your vision to life!
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