Here are the top psychedelic news stories of the week:
RESEARCH
Researchers Believe Psilocybin Can Treat Fibromyalgia
According to the University Of Michigan psilocybin might help alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia, a condition that causes chronic pain and tenderness throughout the body. The hypothesis of the Phase 2a study is that the combination of talk therapy and psilocybin may transform people’s pain experiences and alter their negative associations with it.
“This hypothesis is informed by earlier and ongoing research of psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions.”
Read full story here.
Study Finds Age Can Predict the Intensity of a Psychedelic Trip
Researchers at King’s College London, specifically at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience conducted a study to gain insights into the potential predictors of the intensity of a psychedelic experience which could lead to improved therapeutic outcomes for psychedelic therapists and their patients. Dosage, age, and neuroticism can predict the intensity of a psychedelic experience, whether mystical (positive) or challenging.
Read full story here.
London Researchers Think Methylone Could Treat PTSD
Clerkenwell Health and Transcend Therapeutics researchers will study the potential safety of using methylone, a an entactogen with with effects similar to MDMA, to treat PTSD.
While methylone’s effects have drawn comparisons to MDMA, it has as shorter duration and the absence of hallucinogenic properties. Moreover, repeated doses of methylone don’t lead to serotonin depletion in the brain like MDMA.
Read full story here.
BUSINESS
Oregon’s Fist Legal Psilocybin Center Has High Demand
Epic Healing Eugene, America’s inaugural licensed psilocybin service center, launched this summer, signifying Oregon’s groundbreaking move in providing legal access.
Over 3,000 individuals on the waitlist, including those dealing with depression, PTSD, or end-of-life anxiety.
Read full story here.
POLICY
Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Supports Psychedelics for Therapeutic Purposes
Vivek Ramaswamy is currently the only major 2024 GOP presidential candidate to publicly support regulated access to certain psychedelics in a therapy setting.
Ramaswamy has repeatedly shared his perspectives and ideas on drug policy matters. However, his stance on the subject appears to encompass a blend of somewhat contradictory positions.
Read full story, click here.
CULTURE
Harvard University Will Soon Have a Psychedelics Program
Harvard University will offer a new interdisciplinary course titled “Psychedelics in Society and Culture,” made possible by a $16 million grant according to a recent press release.
The funding comes from the Gracias Family Foundation, established by Antonio Gracias, former Tesla employee and CEO of Valor Equity Partners, as per a news release.
Renowned Psychedelics Pioneer Roland Griffiths Passes Away at Age 77
Over his fifty-year tenure at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. Griffiths dedicated years to investigating the effects of mood-altering substances, including opiates, cocaine, sedatives, alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, on the human brain.
In 1999, Johns Hopkins University gave Dr. Griffiths the green light to resume research into the medical promise of psilocybin – a decision that catapulted the psychedelic medicines field.
Read our coverage here.
