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- 👁️ Here's What Science Says About Set & Setting
👁️ Here's What Science Says About Set & Setting
MDMA has a new leader in town.
Miles Perez
September 11, 2024
In partnership with
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Did you know that the 1960s were marked by a government and media-driven campaign against psychedelics, despite early research showing their potential benefits?
In the 1960s, psychedelics gained popularity for their promise to expand consciousness and offer breakthroughs in mental health treatment. Early studies suggested that these substances could help with issues like depression, anxiety, and addiction. However, the rapid rise in their use among the counterculture movement led to widespread fear from both the government and mainstream media.
A moral panic soon followed, fueled by sensationalized media reports that focused on extreme cases and ignored the growing body of scientific evidence. This deliberate propaganda painted psychedelics as dangerous and society-threatening, resulting in a major backlash. As a result, research into their therapeutic potential was halted for decades, with psychedelics being outlawed and demonized.
Today, however, these substances are making a comeback. Supported by a new wave of scientific research, psychedelics are being reevaluated for their ability to treat mental health issues, challenging the decades-old narratives of fear and misinformation.
Gotta Blast 🚀:
Your mindset matters: New research shows LSD trips are shaped just as much by mood and personality as by the dose itself.
Leadership shuffle: Lykos Therapeutics’ CEO steps down after the FDA rejects their MDMA therapy for PTSD.
Beyond the mystic: Psychedelics’ therapeutic benefits go beyond mystical experiences, offering emotional breakthroughs and a deeper sense of connection.
Quote of the Week 📖:
We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know.
CHANGING MINDS🧠
Set, Setting, and Science 🔬
We all know dosage matters with psychedelics, but this new study is here to show that set and setting are just as critical—if not more. Researchers analyzed data from 213 participants across nine studies, each given varying doses of LSD. And while the dose itself is a major player, other factors like mood and personality turned out to be game-changers.
The study found that the amount of LSD taken strongly predicted how intense the experience would be—especially when it came to altered states of consciousness and overall drug effects. But here's the catch: people who entered the experience with a positive, calm mindset were more likely to enjoy mystical, introspective journeys. Meanwhile, those who felt anxious beforehand were prone to more challenging experiences, including heightened anxiety and ego dissolution.
Even personality traits came into play. Those who scored higher in "Openness to Experience" were more likely to have deeper, oceanic-type feelings of oneness, while "Extraversion" was linked to more vivid visual and auditory effects.
What’s even more fascinating is how prior experience with psychedelics reduced anxiety during the trip. Seasoned psychonauts reported fewer negative effects, like ego dissolution, suggesting that the more familiar you are with the experience, the smoother the ride.
The takeaway?
While the dose is key, your mindset and past experiences shape how LSD will affect you. The more you prepare your mind, the more likely you are to have a positive, transformative experience.
More in the Space 👁️
👁️ New study highlights psychedelic benefits beyond mystical experiences.
👁️ MDMA therapy for PTSD shows promising results—Australia's EMD (Emyria) leads the way.
MOVING THE NEEDLE🪡
Leadership Shuffle at Lykos as MDMA Therapy Hits Roadblocks 🫡
Big changes are underway at Lykos Therapeutics after the FDA slammed the brakes on its MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Amy Emerson, the CEO since 2014, is stepping down, handing the reins over to COO Michael Mullette, who will serve as interim CEO. Emerson isn’t disappearing just yet—she’ll stay on as a senior advisor until the end of the year.
This shake-up is part of a larger restructuring. Last month, Lykos laid off 75% of its staff, and founder Rick Doblin exited the board.
Now, Mullette, who led Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine launch, is tasked with steering Lykos through some stormy waters, mainly dealing with the FDA. The company is regrouping to focus on its next steps, including the possible need for another Phase 3 trial to get the MDMA therapy back in the FDA’s good graces.
But Mullette isn’t tackling this alone. David Hough, a Johnson & Johnson veteran who oversaw the development of the ketamine-based depression treatment Spravato, has been promoted to Chief Medical Officer.
His mission?
Guide Lykos through the resubmission process and ensure their MDMA therapy gets the green light.
While it’s been a rough few months for Lykos, they’re still banking on MDMA therapy becoming a game-changer for PTSD treatment. With Mullette and Hough leading the charge, all eyes are on the FDA and what comes next.
👁️ Colorado’s first psychedelic church opens, offering magic mushrooms and DMT.
👁️ FDA’s rejection of MDMA could spark black market demand, says SetSet CEO.
👁️ Psychedelic tofu' therapy gets FDA nod—Mindstate to begin human trials.
👁️ UNM physician leads MDMA therapy trials for PTSD and addiction.
👁️ UT Health Houston to explore psychedelic mushrooms for depression treatment.
COMMUNITY PULSE 🌐
PSYCHEDELIC MEME
LET’S LEARN
A new generation of artists drives the psychedelic therapy revolution 🎤
Musicians like Grimes, A$AP Rocky, and Miley Cyrus are embracing psychedelics as more than just a source of inspiration—they're using them for deep mental healing. As public figures, their openness is helping to normalize psychedelic-assisted therapy and bring it into the mainstream.
The clinic for trips that never end 🌀
For those whose psychedelic experiences go beyond the typical "bad trip," there’s hope. Berlin’s psychedelic outpatient clinic is helping patients with long-lasting side effects like visual disturbances and existential anxiety—offering a space for recovery when the trip doesn’t stop.
PODCASTS/VIDEOS/BOOKS:
Creative Lessons with Rick Rubin
EVENTS/COURSES/RETREATS:
Psilocybin Conference 2024
📅Dates: November 9-10, 2024
Online
We’re thrilled to invite you to the Psilocybin Conference 2024, a two-day event where leading experts will dive deep into the latest research, therapeutic applications, and legal aspects of psilocybin. Featuring speakers from Zendo, DanceSafe, Chacruna and other renowned organizations, this conference will equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to understand the legality of psilocybin mushrooms and how they can be used to fit your unique needs.
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!
👁️ Have a question or want to build a partnership? Message us! [email protected]
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