Psychedelics

Gov. Cox says he opposes bill to legalize ‘magic mushrooms’ in Utah

Published

1 year ago

February 17, 2023

admin

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Despite efforts from a state senator to pare down a plan to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms in Utah for patients suffering from certain conditions, Gov. Spencer Cox said he does not support it.

“It’s just not there yet,” said Cox during his monthly news conference Thursday morning about Senate Bill 200, sponsored by Sen. Luz Escamilla (D-Salt Lake City), which aims to create a pilot program for up to 5,000 patients to use psilocybin, often referred to as “magic mushrooms.”

Cox said he would rather wait for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s process to proceed, which mirrors concerns previously expressed by the Utah Medical Association.

“I just don’t believe the science is there,” Cox said. “I don’t believe we should be experimenting on 5,000 people here in our state, and I think there are some serious consequences and side effects societally as well as medically that I’m just not comfortable with.”

Escamilla has wanted to allow patients suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, or those on hospice care to use psilocybin. She said Utah already has experience with medical cannabis and can do the same with psychedelic mushrooms.

“This is not for everyone, and we’re not claiming this is going to solve all of our mental health problems,” Escamilla said Wednesday afternoon at a news conference at the Utah State Capitol. “But it will solve the problem of more than one person, and that’s enough for me to save their lives.”

Escamilla’s bill does not yet have a Senate committee hearing scheduled. There are just over two weeks left in the legislative session.

During a media availability Wednesday afternoon, Escamilla told reporters she had spoken to the governor and was not surprised by his opposition to her bill, which she called a “big ask.”

Still, Escamilla said she expected her bill would be heard in a committee this session and that she said she would continue to work on the issue of psychedelic mushrooms to treat patients.

“It’s happening, guys,” Escamilla said. “The bottom line is people are using them. We’ve seen places where they’re selling them, and I think my idea was just kind of bringing more a medical piece to it in a more restraining way and actually regulating them better, so I thought it was a better approach than what we currently have in place.”

Source

https://kjzz.com/news/local/utah-governor-spencer-cox-news-conference-psilocybin-magic-mushrooms-psychedelic-luz-escamilla-senate-bill-200-opposes

Source link

Psychedelics

Lykos In Patent Mode On MDMA

Published

3 weeks ago

July 5, 2024

admin

We don’t believe in taking out IP on MDMA

oh actually we do

Double Blind

In a shocking move that contradicts its previous stance on intellectual property, Lykos Therapeutics (formerly known as MAPS PBC) — the organization leading the movement to legalize MDMA–assisted therapy — has filed multiple patent applications for specific forms and formulations of MDMA. Prior to this revelation, which was first reported on by Psychedelic Alpha, Lykos had long been praised in the psychedelic community and media for its “altruistic stance” in not seeking patent protections as part of its strategy, instead choosing to publish its research findings in scientific literature.

MAPS’s anti-patent stance, which intended to prevent MDMA from being monopolized, stood in stark contrast to the aggressive patent strategies of competitors like Compass Pathways and Atai Life Sciences. Rick Doblins, the founder of MAPS, had been analyzing the non-patentable status of MDMA since the late ‘80s, and in an article titled “MDMA Patentability and Orphan Drug Designation,” published in 1992, he wrote:

“It could be a major setback if MAPS funded MDMA research and secured approval for its medical use only to have someone else control it through an inexpensively obtained use patent.”

Read more

Lykos Therapeutics Quietly Moves to Patent MDMA

Source link

Psychedelics

Press Release: PsychedelicNewsWire Named Official Media Sponsor of the 4th Annual Psychedelic Therapeutics and Drug Development Conference

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2024

admin

LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PsychedelicNewsWire (“PNW”), a specialized communications platform for the psychedelics sector and one of the 60+ brands powered by IBN (“InvestorBrandNetwork”), is pleased to announce that it will be the Official Media Sponsor for the 4^th Annual Psychedelic Therapeutics and Drug Development Conference (“the conference”), an industry flagship event dedicated to research and development of psychedelics in the healthcare space hosted by Arrowhead SciTech Conferences & Events (“Arrowhead”). The event will be held at the iconic Revere Hotel Boston Common, 200 Stuart Street, Boston, MA 02116 on 23-24 May 2024

Source link

individualized treatment

Risks of Psychedelics for People with Personality Disorders

Published

3 months ago

May 9, 2024

admin

While psychedelics have shown promise in treating certain mental health conditions, a recent study suggests they may pose risks for individuals with personality disorders. The findings underscore the importance of careful screening and personalized approaches in psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Navigating the Psychedelic Landscape: Potential Risks for Individuals with Personality Disorders

Psychedelics, including substances like psilocybin and LSD, have gained significant traction in recent years for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. However, a recent publication in the Journal of Psychopharmacology has raised concerns about the suitability of these substances for individuals with personality disorders.

The study surveyed individuals who had used psychedelics and who were also diagnosed with personality disorders. A considerable number of respondents reported negative and persistent psychological impacts following their psychedelic experiences. Notably, these included heightened anxiety, paranoia, mood instability, and an exacerbation of existing personality disorder symptoms.

Researchers suggest that the vulnerability of individuals with personality disorders to the adverse effects of psychedelics may stem from pre-existing challenges in emotional regulation, self-identity, and interpersonal relationships. The profound and introspective nature of psychedelic experiences can intensify these issues, potentially leading to psychological distress and symptom aggravation.

This research highlights the critical need for thorough screening and assessment in the context of psychedelic-assisted therapy. It suggests that individuals with personality disorders might require tailored therapeutic approaches and robust support systems to navigate potential risks and to secure safe and positive outcomes.

Why It Matters

The burgeoning interest in psychedelic therapy underscores the necessity to discern both the potential benefits and risks across different demographic groups. This study contributes valuable insights, particularly for clinicians and researchers, stressing the importance of personalized treatment plans and the cautious consideration of individual vulnerabilities when administering psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Potential Implications

The findings from this study emphasize the need for ethical and responsible practices within the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. There is a pressing requirement for the development of detailed screening protocols that can identify individuals who may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of psychedelics. Furthermore, crafting specialized therapeutic strategies that cater specifically to the needs of individuals with personality disorders is essential for ensuring their safety and overall well-being during and after undergoing psychedelic experiences.

The Bigger Picture

The debate surrounding the therapeutic use of psychedelics is complex, with various factors influencing the suitability of these treatments for different individuals. While there are promising results in general populations, the nuanced needs and potential vulnerabilities of those with personality disorders require careful consideration to prevent harm and maximize therapeutic outcomes. This necessitates ongoing research, improved clinical protocols, and a commitment to patient-centered care in the burgeoning field of psychedelic medicine.

Source: Science Alert

Source link