📚 Going to School for Psychedelics? 🍄

Welcome to the PSYCHSPACE Newsletter!

🌞 Rise and shine, explorers! Welcome to your go-to newsletter for everything psychedelics. This week, we're unboxing psychedelic gems—from academia's latest venture into the realm of mind-expanding studies to breakthrough research that's redefining mental health therapies, and a splash of creativity in the business world that's as bold and vibrant as a modern art masterpiece.

📚 This Week's Highlights:

• Media/News: 📚 Psychedelic Studies 101: Naropa University is making waves with a splashy announcement: a brand new minor in psychedelic studies launching in fall 2024.

• Research: 🧘‍♂️ Psychedelics and Mindfulness: Groundbreaking research showcases the potential of psilocybin in enhancing meditation practices and the promising effects of atai Life Sciences' BPL-003 nasal spray in treating depression.

• Business: 🖼️ The Art of Innovation with Meow Wolf: Meow Wolf's recognition as a trailblazer in the Most Innovative Companies of 2024 list underscores its unique contribution to the art and experience industry.

Boulder's Naropa University is adding a little more color to the college experience with a trippy twist: an undergraduate minor in psychedelic studies, set to launch in the fall of 2024. 

Due to the buzz of psychedelic-assisted therapy in Colorado, Naropa is stepping in to fill the education gap for those looking to navigate the new frontier of mental health treatment. Naropa is on a mission to blend academic rigor with the art of being present, a crucial skill in the realm of psychedelic therapy. 

Led by Joe Harrison of Naropa’s Center for Psychedelic Studies, the program aims not just to enlighten students but to equip a new wave of professionals ready to explore the mind's vast landscapes. And with a hefty $200,000 in scholarships for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students, Naropa's ensuring this psychedelic journey is as diverse and inclusive as the experiences it seeks to understand.

In a world where the shadow of Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) looms large, affecting millions, atai Life Sciences is shining a ray of hope with its latest wonder drug, BPL-003.

Picture this: a nasal spray that doesn’t just tickle your nostrils but launches a full-scale assault on persistent depression—with the magic happening as quickly as the day after a single dose. 

According to the fresh-off-the-press results from Beckley Psytech’s Phase 2a study, 45% of patients could be waving goodbye to their blues by week 12. And the best part? This isn't your average, garden-variety treatment; it's a sleek, intranasal take on 5-MeO-DMT that promises to keep you company for the long haul without overstaying its welcome in your daily routine, thanks to this magic in a bottle. 

Imagine a meditation retreat where psilocybin isn't just a guest but a guide, enhancing the depth of insightfulness in ways previously untapped. This isn't your average meditation session; it's an exploration into the very fabric of our consciousness, illuminated by the latest in brain imaging and topological data analysis.

In a pioneering study, researchers dive into the brain's intricate dance during meditation, enhanced by psilocybin, revealing a complex interplay of patterns and connections. What stands out is how psilocybin, paired with the practice of open-monitoring meditation, could lead to profound levels of insightfulness, marking a significant leap in understanding the synergistic potential of mindfulness practices and psychedelics.

This groundbreaking exploration not only opens up new avenues for mental health treatments but also offers a glimpse into the untapped potential of our minds.

In a dazzling blend of art and innovation, Meow Wolf has etched its name among the Most Innovative Companies of 2024 by Fast Company. This Santa Fe-based creative powerhouse has expanded its imaginative reach across four states, earning a coveted spot on the publication's live events and experiences shortlist alongside industry giants like Sphere Entertainment from Las Vegas, Nevada, and the streaming juggernaut, Netflix.

Positioned at No. 8, Meow Wolf has transformed the way we experience art, transcending traditional boundaries with its immersive installations that whisk visitors away to alternate dimensions and psychedelic realms. From its original venture in Santa Fe to a sprawling entertainment complex in Las Vegas and an inter-dimensional transportation hub in Denver, Meow Wolf has continuously pushed the envelope of creativity.

The company's latest venture? A rejuvenated Bed Bath & Beyond in northeast Texas, reborn as Meow Wolf's fourth permanent installation and arguably its most ambitious project to date.