Psilocybin

Tracey Tee founded Moms on Mushrooms, a platform for mothers to share experiences with microdosing psilocybin mushrooms, after personal health challenges and the pandemic led her to explore psychedelics. The group aims to foster healing and community among mothers, emphasizing safety and intention in microdosing practices.

FDA declined approval for MDMA as PTSD therapy, citing insufficient data and safety concerns, despite advocacy from veterans and mental health groups. Lykos Therapeutics plans to request reconsideration. This decision impacts the broader push for psychedelic treatments, with ongoing research into substances like psilocybin for mental health conditions.

FDA warns against Diamond Shruumz-brand microdosing chocolate bars after eight people in four states fell ill, with six hospitalized. Symptoms included seizures and CNS depression. The bars, marketed as microdoses, contain no psychedelics but a proprietary blend of natural ingredients. FDA investigates the cause.

Dextromethorphan, a common cough medicine ingredient known for causing hallucinations at high doses, is now being used as an antidepressant in Auvelity, a drug approved by the FDA in 2022. Unlike traditional psychedelics, Auvelity combines dextromethorphan with buproprion to prevent hallucinations, offering a safer, trip-free treatment for depression. This development challenges the notion that hallucinogenic experiences are necessary for therapeutic benefits, with ongoing research exploring trip-free treatments for mental health conditions.

Psyence Biomedical Ltd announced its Phase IIb clinical trial for nature-derived psilocybin treatment in patients with Adjustment Disorder post-advanced cancer diagnosis, listed on ANZCTR. The trial, involving 84 patients, tests three psilocybin doses with psychotherapy, aiming for primary endpoint results by 2025.

Mind Medicine Inc. announced FDA breakthrough therapy status for an LSD formulation, MM120, to treat generalized anxiety disorder, showing 48% remission at 12 weeks. The phase 2b trial highlighted significant clinical improvements without psychotherapy, marking a pivotal step in psychedelic treatment research.

Oregon legalized psilocybin for mental health treatment, with centers opening statewide. Despite its promise for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, the approach is largely experimental, with ongoing discussions on dosing and efficacy. Critics urge more research, while many patients report significant benefits.

Research on psychedelics for treating depression and addiction in California is stalled due to a state panel's inactivity since August. Scientists and patients, eager for new treatments, face delays as studies await approval. The panel, criticized as outdated, has caused frustration and financial losses, prompting calls for its dissolution.

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) uses substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA with therapy for conditions like PTSD and depression. It involves preparatory, medication, and integration sessions. Challenges include managing difficult experiences and ensuring informed consent, especially regarding session termination and therapeutic touch. Strategies to strengthen consent include psychiatric advance directives and dynamic consent, emphasizing trust and ethical considerations in PAP.

Provincetown voted to deprioritize psilocybin-related cases, joining six Massachusetts towns in decriminalizing psychedelic plants. Advocates highlight medical benefits for mental health and addiction, while some push for broader decriminalization and therapeutic use, amidst ongoing legislative and ballot initiatives.