Policy
Thailand legalized the cultivation and sale of cannabis after removing the plant from its banned narcotics list. As such, it has become the first nation to do so in Southeast Asia, which is well-known for having extremely strict drug laws. However, this move does not mean that Thailand has entirely legalized cannabis, as the government is still heavily discouraging personal use for non-medical reasons and officials have warned against smoking or vaping it in public.
Colorado’s governor signed a bill that will allow the state to legalize MDMA prescriptions if and when the federal government eventually allows its therapeutic use. This new legislation would legalize prescribing, dispensing, transporting, possessing, and using MDMA after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves it as a prescription drug, which is expected as soon as next year.
Industry
A petition challenging two patents held by Compass Pathways was denied by the Patent Trial and Appeal board. Although the challenger (Freedom to Operate) presented evidence that synthetic psilocybin is not a new invention, and thus should not be patentable, the United States Patent and Trademark Office disagreed. Unfortunately there is no ability for Freedom to Operate to appeal this decision.
Research
Another placebo-controlled study found that LSD microdosing does not improve mood or cognitive ability. Although this doesn’t necessarily mean that microdosing is ineffective, it is more evidence that it may not be as life-changing as its proponents believe it to be.
Harm Reduction
Festivalgoers in England have been warned that a combination of Brexit, Covid-19 lockdowns, and attempts by police to disrupt the supply chain have led to a dangerous increase in fake MDMA. Researchers found that roughly half of substances sold as the drug did not contain any of the advertised compound. Instead, purchasers were buying drugs containing cathinones, novel psychoactive substances, and/or caffeine. Be safe out there folks!
Miscellaneous
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has started running clinical trials to see if psychedelic-assisted therapy is effective at treating a variety of conditions that veterans of recent wars commonly experience. This marks the first time that psychedelic research has been conducted on members of the U.S. military on such a wide scale and hopefully it will yield positive results.
Additional Top Stories
DARE 2.0 is "Keepin' it Real" in US schools (Substance)
An Ayahuasca Retreat Claims to Sell 'Miracles.' Former Workers and Guests Say It's Unsafe and Abusive. (VICE)
Prescription cannabis products with more THC may ease chronic pain, at least a little, study finds (CNN)
Another Phoenix Church Sues DEA Over Religious Use of Ayahuasca (Phoenix New Times)
Malaysia Ends Mandatory Death Penalty for Nonviolent Drug Crimes (High Times)
That’s all for this month’s update. Remember to always test and weigh your drugs and until next time—keep thinking wilder.
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