Last Week in Psychedelic Sundays

We’re depriving millions of people of a better life by not making use cleverly of what has been known throughout history. Psychedelics are tools to heal, to treat, to get to another level. – Amanda Feilding

For those who follow my work, it will be no surprise that the topic I research the most is Psychedelics. In this post, I will share with you some of the hidden gems of my recent journey through the psychedelic digital jungle of interesting articles, podcast, and studies that I have found.

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California Activists Take First Steps To Decriminalize Psilocybin Mushrooms Statewide

“We hope to collaborate with you in crafting legislation that would provide express immunity from arrest, broad immunity from prosecution, and other legal protections (including, but not limited to, protection from prolonged detention, seizure, and forfeiture), for adults ages 21 and over (or younger with the consent of a parent or guardian) who cultivate, manufacture, distribute, transport, and give away entheogenic fungi for medicinal, therapeutic, and/or religious purposes,” the group wrote.

##Denver Voters Approve Measure To Decriminalize Psychedelic Mushrooms

The new ordinance—written by an advocacy group called Decriminalize Denver—is just one example of how drug policy reform activists are increasingly setting their sights beyond marijuana, which has been legalized in a growing number of states despite its ongoing federal prohibition.

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MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD may have benefits beyond reductions in clinical symptoms

“Through my work as a clinical psychologist, I have often witnessed the distress, difficulty functioning, and depleted quality of life associated with severe PTSD for many individuals. Additionally, I have seen the difficulty with which many individuals with PTSD have going through traditional treatments for PTSD,” said William Barone, a clinical psychologist and the senior qualitative researcher on the study.

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of PTSD: study design and rationale for phase 3 trials based on pooled analysis of six phase 2 randomized controlled trials

Posttraumatic stress disorder is a prevalent mental health condition with substantial impact on daily functioning that lacks sufficient treatment options. Here we evaluate six phase 2 trials in a pooled analysis to determine the study design for phase 3 trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD.

Consider This Before Self-Medicating With MDMA

Until MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, is thoroughly vetted via scientific analysis, and until it is made a legal, pure, dose-controlled medication, keep in mind that what you get on the street may not produce the intended outcome.

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1,000-Year-Old Pouch Contains Traces of 5 Ancient Psychoactive Drugs

In the paper , an international team of archaeologists identified traces of five different psychoactive chemicals in a bundle of belongings dating back to about 1,000 years ago. The objects, found in Cueva del Chileno, a rock shelter in the Andes in present-day Bolivia, include animal-skin pouches and a headband, as well as spatulas, two trays, and an intricately carved tube — tools that were most likely used for sniffing a plant-based psychedelic drug.

Ayahuasca and the Twelve Steps: An Anonymous Friendship

In a similar way, many agree that ayahuasca is an immensely powerful psycho-spiritual tool. It can uncover a vastness of hidden memories, can evoke wondrous and ineffable peak experiences, and maybe, just maybe, able to help an individual to positively alter his or her life. Possible applications of these profound, visionary encounters fill our imaginations, but there is a shortcoming. Ayahuasca is an engine that needs a transmission for its benefits and blessings to endure. Many discussions these days center on integration. But what exactly does that mean for an addict, and what might it look like?