MAPS

MAPS stands for Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, it’s the front runner in making psychedelics a legal way to use (and improve) in therapy. It’s been around since 1986 and has battled steadfastly, under the leadership of Rick Doblin, to make psychedelics medicines again.

MAPS

“We envision 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.”

MAPS is the mayor mover behind getting MDMA-assisted psychotherapy through Phase 2 and Phase 3 (current) in the US. The focus here is on reducing PTSD by combining MDMA with psychotherapy. Other efforts are being done for medical marijuana, LSD-assisted psychotherapy, ibogaine therapy for drug addiction, ayahuasca-assisted treatment, and other psychedelic research.

MAPS is a non-profit and relies on donors. In the fiscal year of 2016-2017, they took in about €5.500.000 from donors, events, grants. Most of this is spent on the MDMA Phase 2/3 trial. See here the full financial reports. In 2020 they have raised $30 million for the final legwork in the Phase 3 trial.

Next to the research, MAPS is also the funder of the Zendo Project (reducing psychedelic harm).

They are full own the MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC) that aims to commercialize the work with MDMA (in the future, now works on training therapists).

You can find their quarterly publication, the MAPS Bulletin, on their website. Top publications have also been put into a book, Manifesting Minds.

MAPS has also made available ‘The Manual of Psychedelic Support.’

Key Staff

  • Rick Doblin – Founder and Executive Director
  • Kris Lotlikar – Deputy Director
  • Ismail L. Aili – Policy & Advocacy Counsel
  • Ryan Jay Beauregard – Zendo Project Manager
  • Amy Emerson – MAPS PBC CEO

Collaborations

MAPS works together with many universities and private practices. For instance, the phase 3 trial with MDMA takes place in the US, Canada, and Israel.

The have also funded studies together with ICEERS.

MAPS has worked on database projects of MDMA with Erowid and of LSD and psilocybin with the Albert Hofmann Foundation.

In the fall of 2020 they will partner with Naropa University (‘a Buddhist university’) to offer a MDMA-assisted psychotherapy training course.

History

“Founded in 1986, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana.”

You can find more history about MAPS on their Wikipedia page.

Funders

MAPS has relied on donations since the start of the non-profit. This funding has come from many individual donors, as well as some wealthy individuals. Part of the funding comes from the Psychedelic Science Funders Collaborative (PSFC).

Other notable funders are the Pineapple Fund ($4 million), from cryptocurrency enthusiasts, Tim Ferris ($1 million) who also launched the Capstone Challenge (see news below) which has raised $30 million in 6 months and should get MAPS through Phase III of FDA trials.

News

Company Information

MAPS Website

Founded
January, 1986

Operational
Yes

Topics of Interest
Anxiety PTSD

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Related Course(s)

Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies
The course is based on the CIIS program, adapted for the Australian context, and with input from MAPS, USONA, and others. It teaches therapists the research, therapy setting, risks, and therapeutic models for working with psychedelics.

Psychedelic Fundamentals Course
The Psychedelic Fundamentals Course serves as an essential introduction to the world of psychedelics, providing newcomers with a solid foundation in the history, science, clinical research, therapeutic uses, and harm reduction aspects of these substances.

Integrating Psychedelic Experiences Course
The Integrating Psychedelic Experiences Course, by MAPS, is designed to help individuals navigate the critical process of integrating their psychedelic experiences.

Psychedelic Trip Planning Course
MAPS offers a Psychedelic Trip Planning Course to help prepare for a safe and beneficial experience, similar to planning a backpacking trip.

Psychedelic Peer Support Course
The Psychedelic Peer Support Course, offered by MAPS, aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support others during challenging psychedelic experiences.

The Promising Science of Psychedelics Course
The Promising Science of Psychedelics Course is an engaging and comprehensive learning experience that delves into the fascinating world of psychedelic research.

Monash MDMA-assisted Therapist Training Program
The Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) jointly offer an exclusive training program in MDMA-assisted therapy.

Company News

MAPS and Vine Ventures Pioneer Novel Regenerative Funding Structure to Infuse Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Research and Access With Timely $70 Million (MAPS, 02 December 2021)
MAPS and Vine Ventures have announced the creation of a novel, social impact Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), called the Regenerative Financing Vine (RFV), that will infuse $70 million into patient access infrastructure and research for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD.

A Look at the Vine Ventures/MAPS Funding Structure (The Truffle Report, 13 December 2021)
The Truffle Report take a closer look at the deal between Vine Ventures and MAPS.

MAPS Completes Enrollment, as Planned, for the Confirmatory Phase 3 Trial of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD (Cision, 09 May 2022)


First-of-its-kind MDMA group therapy trial set to commence (New Atlas, 30 June 2022)


Health Canada announces review of all MDMA trials, as complaint alleges major flaws and safety issues (CBC News, 08 April 2022)


atai Impact Donates to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) to Support Pioneering Work in Psychedelic Medicine (Yahoo Finance, 16 February 2022)
atai Impact, the philanthropic program of atai Life Sciences and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) today announced a $500,000 donation from atai Impact to MAPS.

Numinus Completes First MDMA Administration in PTSD Trial Sponsored by MAPS (Cision Newswire, 30 March 2022)


MAPS Canada announces its new partnership with the groundbreaking non-profit Roots To Thrive (Yahoo Finance, 01 April 2022)


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