Dimethyltryptamine

Colorado finalizes pioneering psychedelic-assisted therapy program regulations, with two facilitator licensing tracks, closely watched as a national model. The state will regulate natural medicines, with DORA overseeing training and licensing, and the Department of Revenue managing cultivation, manufacture, and testing. Local communities are establishing rules for the new industry, with some considering temporary moratoriums. High fees and costs of licensing pose challenges for practitioners.

Enveric Biosciences reported Q3 2024 progress on EB-003, a non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogenic molecule for mental health disorders, with confirmed oral bioavailability and selective serotonergic receptor activity. The company plans to submit an IND for EB-003 in H2 2025. Financial highlights include a net loss of $2.1 million and $3.1 million in cash-on-hand, with ongoing need for additional capital.

GH Research PLC reported a $12.1 million Q3 net loss, with rising R&D and G&A costs, but maintains $193.8 million in cash. It completed enrollment for its phase 2b trial of GH001 for treatment-resistant depression, with top-line data expected in Q4 2024 or Q1 2025. The FDA has placed its GH001 IND on clinical hold due to insufficient risk assessment, and it plans to end its bipolar II disorder trial in Q4 2024 due to recruitment issues.

Atai Life Sciences reported a $26.3 million net loss for Q3, down from $43.3 million net income in the previous year. The company is progressing toward federal approval for several psychedelic drugs, with clinical trials for VLS-01 (depression) and EMP-01 (social anxiety disorder) expected by end of 2024. Atai also acquired IntelGenX Technologies Corp. in an all-debt/equity deal, enhancing its psychedelic medicine portfolio.

Psychedelic drug users have a 21-fold higher risk of developing schizophrenia after ER visits, with a 3.5-fold increased risk even after controlling for existing substance use and mental health disorders, according to a Canadian study. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, highlights the potential risks of hallucinogen use outside clinical trial settings.

Massachusetts voters will decide on legalizing psychedelics for therapeutic use, with proponents citing mental health benefits and opponents warning of public safety risks. The measure would allow personal use and cultivation of certain psychedelics, establish licensed treatment centers, and is supported by personal stories of transformation and healing, despite concerns over unregulated access and potential harms.

Miami University researcher Andrew Jones uses bioreactors to produce psilocybin and other psychedelics, attracting attention and funding. Despite FDA setbacks like rejecting Lykos Therapeutics' MDMA application, interest in psychedelics for treating PTSD, depression, and addiction remains high. Jones' lab synthesizes compounds for consistency and safety, and he collaborates on research into psilocybin's neuroplastic and anti-inflammatory effects. Public acceptance of psychedelics is growing, with legal psilocybin therapy available in Oregon, and ongoing research worldwide.

Vox explores drug trends, DIY medicine, and non-drug topics like family reconciliation and backyard rewilding.

Massachusetts Ballot Question 4 proposes legalizing psychedelics for mental health treatment, aiming to benefit those with PTSD and other disorders. Proponents highlight potential efficiency, while opponents stress the need for more research on safety and efficacy. The debate reflects broader societal views on psychedelics as tools for healing, drawing from indigenous practices and modern clinical research.

Graham Hancock and 'alternative researchers' claim The Sphinx could be at least 12,500 years old, sparking 'archaeology wars' with the academic establishment. Hancock believes in a lost Ice Age civilisation of seafaring shamans using psychedelics, which influenced ancient sites like The Sphinx and megalithic temples, challenging conventional wisdom.