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The '''Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies''' ('''MAPS''') is a membership-based 501(c)(3) non-profit<ref>http://www.maps.org/images/fiscal/MAPS_IRS_Letter.pdf|IRS Letter Confirming MAPS' 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Status</ref> research and educational organization working to develop medical, legal, and cultural contexts for the responsible use of [[psychedelic]] substances and [[cannabis]]. MAPS was founded in 1986 by [[Rick Doblin]] and is currently based in Santa Cruz, California.<ref>http://www.maps.org/about|MAPS - About</ref> | {{Infobox organization | ||
| name = Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies | |||
| logo = [[File:MAPS-logo.png|MAPS-logo]] | |||
| Non-profit_name = Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies | |||
| type = 501(c)(3) Non-Profit | |||
| founded_date = 1986 | |||
| location = Santa Cruz, California (International) | |||
| key_people = Rick Doblin<br/><small>(Executive Director and Founder)</small> | |||
| area_served = Worldwide | |||
| focus = [[Pharmaceutical]] [[Research]], [[Education]] | |||
| homepage = [http://www.maps.org/ maps.org] | |||
}} | |||
The '''Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies''' ('''MAPS''') is a membership-based 501(c)(3) non-profit<ref>http://www.maps.org/images/fiscal/MAPS_IRS_Letter.pdf|IRS Letter Confirming MAPS' 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Status</ref> research and educational organization working to develop medical, legal, and cultural contexts for the responsible use of [[psychedelic]] substances and [[cannabis]]. | |||
MAPS was founded in 1986 by [[Rick Doblin]] and is currently based in Santa Cruz, California.<ref>http://www.maps.org/about|MAPS - About</ref> | |||
== Vision == | |||
According to their mission statement, MAPS ultimately envisions a "world where psychedelics and marijuana are safely and legally available for beneficial uses, and where research is governed by rigorous scientific evaluation of their risks and benefits."[8]. Additionally, MAPS’ harm-reduction efforts are intentionally and carefully designed to avoid backlash and "build a post-prohibition world by assisting non-medical users to transform difficult psychedelic experiences into opportunities for growth."[9] | |||
In the psychedelic and psychonautic communities, MAPS is widely regarded with great affection and respect due to its enduring commitment to integrity, honesty, transparency and willingness to take informed, evidence-backed risks to create radical new paradigms for the alleviation of human suffering through the judicious exploration of human consciousness. | |||
== Activities and Initiatives == | |||
MAPS helps researchers across the world design, fund, and obtain regulatory approval for studies of the safety and effectiveness of a number of currently controlled psychoactive substances, right now with a particular focus on the legalization and approval of [[MDMA]] (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) as a prescription medicine for psychedelic psychotherapy.<ref>http://www.maps.org/images/brochures/MAPS-brochure-web-Feb2015.pdf|MAPS February 2015 Web Brochure</ref> MAPS works closely with government regulatory authorities across the world including the United States [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_and_Drug_Administration Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Medicines_Agency European Medicines Agency (EMEA)] to ensure that all of its sponsored research protocols conform to ethical and procedural guidelines for clinical drug research, spearheading the re-introduction of psychedelics and cannabis into mainstream society after 50+ years of prohibition. | |||
Included in MAPS’ research efforts are MDMA for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); [[LSD]] and [[psilocybin]] for the treatment of anxiety, cluster headaches, and depression associated with end-of-life issues; [[ibogaine]] for the treatment of [[opiate]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction addiction], [[ayahuasca]] for the treatment of drug addiction and PTSD; [[cannabis|medical cannabis]] for PTSD; and alternative delivery systems for medical cannabis such as vaporizers and water pipes.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multidisciplinary_Association_for_Psychedelic_Studies|Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies - Wikipedia</ref> It also recognizes, if not directly sponsors, scientific research into psychedelics such as [[ketamine]] for treating addiction, [[LSA]] for cluster headaches and general psychopharmacological research into compounds like [[MDE]], [[DMT]], and [[Salvinorin A]].<ref>http://www.maps.org/research/other-research|MAPS - Other Psychedelics Research</ref> MAPS officials say the organization's ultimate goal is to establish a network of clinics where these and other treatments can be provided together with other therapies under the guidance of trained, licensed physicians and therapists.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Doblin R |title=A clinical plan for MDMA ("Ecstasy") in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): partnering with the FDA |journal=Journal of Psychoactive Drugs |volume=34 |issue=2 |pages=185–94 |year=2002 |pmid=12691208 |doi=10.1080/02791072.2002.10399952}}</ref> | Included in MAPS’ research efforts are MDMA for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); [[LSD]] and [[psilocybin]] for the treatment of anxiety, cluster headaches, and depression associated with end-of-life issues; [[ibogaine]] for the treatment of [[opiate]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction addiction], [[ayahuasca]] for the treatment of drug addiction and PTSD; [[cannabis|medical cannabis]] for PTSD; and alternative delivery systems for medical cannabis such as vaporizers and water pipes.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multidisciplinary_Association_for_Psychedelic_Studies|Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies - Wikipedia</ref> It also recognizes, if not directly sponsors, scientific research into psychedelics such as [[ketamine]] for treating addiction, [[LSA]] for cluster headaches and general psychopharmacological research into compounds like [[MDE]], [[DMT]], and [[Salvinorin A]].<ref>http://www.maps.org/research/other-research|MAPS - Other Psychedelics Research</ref> MAPS officials say the organization's ultimate goal is to establish a network of clinics where these and other treatments can be provided together with other therapies under the guidance of trained, licensed physicians and therapists.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Doblin R |title=A clinical plan for MDMA ("Ecstasy") in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): partnering with the FDA |journal=Journal of Psychoactive Drugs |volume=34 |issue=2 |pages=185–94 |year=2002 |pmid=12691208 |doi=10.1080/02791072.2002.10399952}}</ref> | ||
In addition to sponsoring scientific research, MAPS organizes continuing medical education (CME) conferences, the most prominent of which is the "Psychedelic Science" conference which they host around April every year. Additionally, MAPS sponsors and presents lectures and seminars on the state of psychedelic and medical marijuana research, provides psychedelic [[harm reduction]] services through the Zendo Project at events such as music festivals and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burning_Man Burning Man], and publishes a triannual magazine-style publication, the MAPS Bulletin, with updates about its ongoing research efforts, legal struggles, and educational initiatives. MAPS also publishes books dealing with the science, history, and culture of psychedelic research and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic_therapy psychedelic therapy].<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multidisciplinary_Association_for_Psychedelic_Studies|Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies - Wikipedia</ref> | In addition to sponsoring scientific research, MAPS organizes continuing medical education (CME) conferences, the most prominent of which is the "Psychedelic Science" conference which they host around April every year. Additionally, MAPS sponsors and presents lectures and seminars on the state of psychedelic and medical marijuana research, provides psychedelic [[harm reduction]] services through the Zendo Project at events such as music festivals and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burning_Man Burning Man], and publishes a triannual magazine-style publication, the MAPS Bulletin, with updates about its ongoing research efforts, legal struggles, and educational initiatives. MAPS also publishes books dealing with the science, history, and culture of psychedelic research and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic_therapy psychedelic therapy].<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multidisciplinary_Association_for_Psychedelic_Studies|Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies - Wikipedia</ref> | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
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=== Psychedelic therapy === | === Psychedelic therapy === | ||
'''Psychedelic therapy''' refers to therapeutic practices involving the use of [[psychedelic]] substances, particularly "classical" [[serotonergic psychedelics]] such as [[LSD]], [[psilocybin|psilocybe mushrooms]], [[DMT]], [[MDMA]], [[mescaline]], and [[2C-B]], primarily as an adjunct or aid in psychotherapy. As an alternative to synonyms such as "[[hallucinogen]]", "[[entheogen]]", "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychotomimetic psychotomimetic]" and other functionally constructed names, the use of the term ''psychedelic'' (coined in the 50s from "mind-manifesting"<ref>{{cite journal | title = Journal of Altered States of Consciousness | page = 289 | date = 1979 | website = Google Books | publisher = Baywood Publishing Company | access-date = 21 December 2016 | quote = Osmond appeared before the New York Academy of Sciences in April 1956 and read the paper in which he proposed the word [[psychedelic]] (mind manifesting) to replace psychotomimetic ...}}</ref>) emphasizes that those who use these substances as part of a therapeutic practice believe they can facilitate beneficial or therapeutic exploration of | '''Psychedelic therapy''' refers to therapeutic practices involving the use of [[psychedelic]] substances, particularly "classical" [[serotonergic psychedelics]] such as [[LSD]], [[psilocybin|psilocybe mushrooms]], [[DMT]], [[MDMA]], [[mescaline]], and [[2C-B]], primarily as an adjunct or aid in psychotherapy. As an alternative to synonyms such as "[[hallucinogen]]", "[[entheogen]]", "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychotomimetic psychotomimetic]" and other functionally constructed names, the use of the term ''psychedelic'' (coined in the 50s from "mind-manifesting"<ref>{{cite journal | title = Journal of Altered States of Consciousness | page = 289 | date = 1979 | website = Google Books | publisher = Baywood Publishing Company | access-date = 21 December 2016 | quote = Osmond appeared before the New York Academy of Sciences in April 1956 and read the paper in which he proposed the word [[psychedelic]] (mind manifesting) to replace psychotomimetic ...}}</ref>) emphasizes that those who use these substances as part of a therapeutic practice believe they can facilitate beneficial or therapeutic exploration of the human mind. | ||
In contrast to conventional psychiatric medication which is taken by the patient regularly or on | In contrast to conventional psychiatric medication which is taken by the patient regularly or on an as-needed basis, in psychedelic therapy patients remain in an extended psychotherapy session during the acute activity of the substance and spend the night at the facility. In the sessions with the substance, therapists are nondirective and support the patient in exploring their inner experience. Patients participate in psychotherapy before the substance psychotherapy sessions to prepare them and after the substance, psychotherapy to help them integrate their experiences with the drug.<ref name="MDMA PTSD treatment manual">{{cite web| title=A Manual for MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder| publisher=[[Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies]]| date=4 January 2013| url=http://www.maps.org/research/mdma/MDMA-Assisted_Psychotherapy_Treatment_Manual_Version_6_FINAL.pdf| accessdate=31 May 2014}}</ref> | ||
Throughout the 1980s, MDMA was administered in psychiatric and counseling settings, but recreational use also became increasingly widespread. MDMA research was mostly halted in 1985 by the United States government's initiation of proceedings to ensure temporary classification of the compound as a [[Controlled Substances Act|Schedule I]] drug (a classification made permanent in 1988). As psychedelics gained increasing recognition as potential psychotherapeutic agents, so too were they recognized within popular culture for their recreational use.{{citation needed|date=November 2014}} | Throughout the 1980s, MDMA was administered in psychiatric and counseling settings, but recreational use also became increasingly widespread. MDMA research was mostly halted in 1985 by the United States government's initiation of proceedings to ensure temporary classification of the compound as a [[Controlled Substances Act|Schedule I]] drug (a classification made permanent in 1988). As psychedelics gained increasing recognition as potential psychotherapeutic agents, so too were they recognized within popular culture for their recreational use.{{citation needed|date=November 2014}} | ||
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=== Founding MAPS === | === Founding MAPS === | ||
Anticipating that the | Anticipating that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) would move to criminalize MDMA in light of the drug's increasing popularity in recreational use, Rick Doblin, Alise Agar, and Debby Harlow organized a non-profit group called Earth Metabolic Design Laboratories (EMDL) to advocate for the potential therapeutic use of MDMA. By 1984 the DEA had announced its intention to designate MDMA as a Schedule I substance, a categorization that would substantially restrict and regulate the drug's availability, as well as indicate that it held no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential.<ref>http://www.maps.org/dea-mdma/|Documents from the DEA Scheduling Hearing of MDMA</ref> | ||
EMDL organized supporters to petition the DEA for a scheduling hearing regarding MDMA. Dr. George Greer, | EMDL organized supporters to petition the DEA for a scheduling hearing regarding MDMA. Dr. George Greer, Lester Grinspoon, Professor James Bakalar, and Professor Thomas Roberts contributed to the argument that MDMA belonged in Schedule III, a category that would more readily enable future research and permit the continuation of its use in psychotherapy. Despite such efforts, the DEA pursued emergency scheduling in 1985, citing an imminent risk to public health.{{citation needed}} | ||
As MDMA was now deemed illegal, held in the same category as such substances like heroin, the only way for it to be employed in the scientific inquiry would be through the lengthy and expensive FDA approval process. Holding the belief that MDMA had the unique potential both to aid psychotherapy and eventually to become a prescription medicine, Rick Doblin sought to gain incorporation for MAPS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization. The founding of MAPS was a first step toward the future envisioning of what Doblin has called a "non-profit psychedelic-pharmaceutical company."<ref>{{cite news| title=This is your brain on drugs: Rick Doblin thinks pot, ecstasy, and other psychedelics could unlock the human mind — and he wants to bring them to Harvard, the FDA, and a doctor’s office near you| author=Millard, M.| work=Boston Phoenix| date=October 8–14, 2004| url=http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/top/features/documents/04176022.asp| accessdate=31 May 2014}}</ref> Chartered in 1986, MAPS has since contributed over 12 million dollars towards the scientific study of psychedelics and marijuana in therapeutic applications.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.maps.org/about/fiscal/ |title=Financial Reports |publisher=Maps.org |date= |accessdate=2012-04-14}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://www.maps.org/about/mission/ |title=Mission |publisher=Maps.org |date= |accessdate=2012-04-14}}</ref> | As MDMA was now deemed illegal, held in the same category as such substances like heroin, the only way for it to be employed in the scientific inquiry would be through the lengthy and expensive FDA approval process. Holding the belief that MDMA had the unique potential both to aid psychotherapy and eventually to become a prescription medicine, Rick Doblin sought to gain incorporation for MAPS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization. The founding of MAPS was a first step toward the future envisioning of what Doblin has called a "non-profit psychedelic-pharmaceutical company."<ref>{{cite news| title=This is your brain on drugs: Rick Doblin thinks pot, ecstasy, and other psychedelics could unlock the human mind — and he wants to bring them to Harvard, the FDA, and a doctor’s office near you| author=Millard, M.| work=Boston Phoenix| date=October 8–14, 2004| url=http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/top/features/documents/04176022.asp| accessdate=31 May 2014}}</ref> Chartered in 1986, MAPS has since contributed over 12 million dollars towards the scientific study of psychedelics and marijuana in therapeutic applications.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.maps.org/about/fiscal/ |title=Financial Reports |publisher=Maps.org |date= |accessdate=2012-04-14}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://www.maps.org/about/mission/ |title=Mission |publisher=Maps.org |date= |accessdate=2012-04-14}}</ref> | ||
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MAPS is conducting a phase 2 pilot study to assess the effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of PTSD among veterans of war. The study is taking place in Charleston, SC and is conducting experimental treatment with 16 veterans, both male and female, suffering war-related PTSD. The study will follow a randomized, triple-blind protocol and test three different experimental doses. | MAPS is conducting a phase 2 pilot study to assess the effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of PTSD among veterans of war. The study is taking place in Charleston, SC and is conducting experimental treatment with 16 veterans, both male and female, suffering war-related PTSD. The study will follow a randomized, triple-blind protocol and test three different experimental doses. | ||
MAPS has developed a training protocol that will allow therapists to take part as subjects in a Phase 1 study on the psychological effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in healthy volunteers. MAPS would thus administer one MDMA-assisted psychotherapy session to the therapists to offer them training as well as evaluate the effects of MDMA. The study has received approval to proceed by both the US FDA and the IRB. Mithoefer, the primary clinical investigator in this study, has received his Schedule 1 license from the DEA, enabling him to administer MDMA within this study.<ref name="maps-mdma"/> | MAPS has developed a training protocol that will allow therapists to take part as subjects in a Phase 1 study on the psychological effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in healthy volunteers. MAPS would thus administer one MDMA-assisted psychotherapy session to the therapists to offer them training as well as evaluate the effects of MDMA. The study has received approval to proceed by both the US FDA and the IRB. Mithoefer, the primary clinical investigator in this study, has received his Schedule 1 license from the DEA, enabling him to administer MDMA within this study.<ref name="maps-mdma"/> | ||
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MAPS is collecting observational data from two ibogaine treatment centers in Mexico to study the long-term effects of Ibogaine treatment on opiate-dependent subjects. | MAPS is collecting observational data from two ibogaine treatment centers in Mexico to study the long-term effects of Ibogaine treatment on opiate-dependent subjects. | ||
MAPS has released a [[request for proposal]]s (RFP) to find a research team interested in conducting clinical trials on ibogaine; a $25,000 grant has been made available to help fund such a study.<ref> | MAPS has released a [[request for proposal]]s (RFP) to find a research team interested in conducting clinical trials on ibogaine; a $25,000 grant has been made available to help fund such a study.<ref>http://www.maps.org/research/ibogaine/ |Ibogaine Therapy for Drug Addiction</ref> | ||
=== Medical marijuana === | === Medical marijuana === | ||
The | The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) holds a monopoly on the supply of marijuana grown for research in the United States{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}, as they fund the only laboratory licensed to grow it. Since NIDA is solely interested in studying the adverse aspects of marijuana use and abuse, studies to explore its potential medical benefit are impossible within the US. | ||
MAPS is the only organization working to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of botanical marijuana as a prescription medicine to the satisfaction of the FDA{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}. For nearly ten years, MAPS has been involved in lengthy and ongoing legal battles with the DEA to end NIDA’s monopoly on research-grade marijuana.<ref name="maps-mmj"/> | MAPS is the only organization working to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of botanical marijuana as a prescription medicine to the satisfaction of the FDA{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}. For nearly ten years, MAPS has been involved in lengthy and ongoing legal battles with the DEA to end NIDA’s monopoly on research-grade marijuana.<ref name="maps-mmj"/> | ||
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=== Other research projects === | === Other research projects === | ||
MAPS has pursued a number of other research studies examining the effects of psychedelics administered to human subjects. These studies include, but are not limited to, studies of [[ | MAPS has pursued a number of other research studies examining the effects of psychedelics administered to human subjects. These studies include, but are not limited to, studies of [[MDE]], [[Ayahuasca]], [[DMT]], [[Ketamine]], [[LSA]], [[Mescaline]], [[Peyote]], and ''[[Salvia divinorum]]''. | ||
MAPS has also conducted multi-drug studies as well as cross-cultural and meta-analysis research. | MAPS has also conducted multi-drug studies as well as cross-cultural and meta-analysis research. | ||
== Educational outreach == | == Educational outreach == | ||
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=== Psychedelic harm reduction === | === Psychedelic harm reduction === | ||
MAPS offers educational resources that actively promote psychedelic [[harm reduction]]. Psychedelic harm reduction is an approach to minimize harmful consequences and risks associated with the therapeutic and recreational use of [[psychedelic drugs]]. A harm reduction approach is an alternative to | MAPS offers educational resources that actively promote psychedelic [[harm reduction]]. Psychedelic harm reduction is an approach to minimize harmful consequences and risks associated with the therapeutic and recreational use of [[psychedelic drugs]]. A harm reduction approach is an alternative to drug prohibition laws that criminalize users of psychedelic substances. Inexperienced or overwhelmed users of psychedelics sometimes have challenging emotional experiences that are resolved through law enforcement or medical intervention, which may lead to psychological damage long after the trip is over.<ref>http://vimeo.com/10883376|Horizons 2009: Valerie Mojeiko Psychedelic Harm Reduction – Rethinking the "Bad Trip" on Vimeo</ref> A harm reduction approach to using psychedelics often includes attention to set and setting, a trip sitter, or framing in the context of psychedelic therapy. | ||
MAPS has provided psychedelic emergency services at festivals such as Hookahville, | MAPS has provided psychedelic emergency services at festivals such as Hookahville, Burning Man and the Boom Festival. MAPS’ model of psychedelic emergency services is volunteer staffed, peer-based and relies on acute intervention.<ref name="Vimeo.com"/> MAPS also provides training and an educational video, which empowers psychedelic users and their peers with therapeutic techniques for use in assisting others through difficult psychedelic experiences. MAPS’ approach to psychedelic harm reduction encourages a new framework for looking at “bad” trips as opportunities for emotional and spiritual growth. | ||
Additionally, MAPS co-sponsors | Additionally, MAPS co-sponsors EcstasyData.org, an online resource that provides laboratory testing of [[ecstasy tablets]] for a minimal cost, which allows users to know what exactly they are ingesting and to avoid taking mislabeled or impure substances. MAPS has also formed a partnership with Bluelight, a web forum dedicated to harm reduction. | ||
=== Conferences === | === Conferences === | ||
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*Catalysts: The Impact of Psychedelics from Culture to Creativity (Dec. 10th–12th, 2010, Los Angeles, CA)<ref>http://www.maps.org/conferences/details/critical_components_a_maps_benefit_event/</ref> | *Catalysts: The Impact of Psychedelics from Culture to Creativity (Dec. 10th–12th, 2010, Los Angeles, CA)<ref>http://www.maps.org/conferences/details/critical_components_a_maps_benefit_event/</ref> | ||
*The Second International Psychedelic Science Conference (April 18–23, 2013, Oakland, CA)<ref>[http://www.wired.com/2013/04/psychedlic/]</ref> | *The Second International Psychedelic Science Conference (April 18–23, 2013, Oakland, CA)<ref>[http://www.wired.com/2013/04/psychedlic/]</ref> | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [Beckley Foundation] | * [[Beckley Foundation]] | ||
* [Heffter Research Institute] | * [[Heffter Research Institute]] | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
* [http://www.maps.org/ MAPS Website] | * [http://www.maps.org/ MAPS Website] | ||
*[[wikipedia:Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies|Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (Wikipedia)]] | |||
==References== | |||
<references /> | |||
[[Category:Psychedelic organizations]] | |||