Policy
Following last month’s attempt to ban five novel psychoactive substances, which was later withdrawn, the DEA announced a plan to criminalize two additional psychedelic drugs—DOI and DOC. However, shortly after the announcement the DEA backed down and communicated that it no longer intends to place these two substances in Schedule I. While this may end up being a temporary victory, it is still a big win for now.
Industry
The psychedelic industry experienced a lot of movement this month. MindMed put an end to its 18-MC for opioid addiction program and slashed a lot of their early research and development projects. atai Life Sciences also decided to narrow its focus as well, cutting three programs: DemeRx’s noribogaine program, the non-psychedelic drug N-acetylcysteine for brain injury, and Salvinorin A for depression. And finally, Mydecine is looking like it is on the verge of closing due to a lack of funding.
Research
A randomized-clinical trial found that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is capable of treating alcohol use disorder. The study had a fairly small sample size of only 93 patients but the effect size was large, with the patients who received psilocybin reduced their drinking by 83% within eight months of their first dose.
Meanwhile, yet another placebo-controlled study found that psilocybin microdosing did not have any significant benefits to creativity, cognition, or perception. This study also had a small sample size, with only 34 participants, but it adds to the pile of evidence accumulating against the idea that microdosing has any tangible benefits that go beyond the placebo effect.
Miscellaneous
NFL football player Aaron Rodgers opened up about how he used ayahuasca to help him with his mental health and propel him to the point where he is at now in his career as the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. This was a pretty big admission in the world of sports, where the use of illegal drugs is a big no-no. Fortunately both his coach and the league were accepting of the news, and hopefully this is the beginning of a trend because it would be great to see even more professional athletes come forward about their experiences with illegal drugs.
However, not all athletes got off so easy. WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison for the possession and smuggling of cannabis oil cartridges. Since then she has appealed the conviction and is hoping to overturn the ruling, but there’s no telling how this case will play out in court.
Wrapping up this month’s recap is a video of a wild bear who helped himself to a supply of psychedelic honey and ended up incapacitated in the back of a truck. Fortunately he turned out just fine after coming down from his trip, which I’m sure he’ll remember for the rest of his life!
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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