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This study could be a game changer: issue 57

Issue 57 / Wednesday June 8, 2022

 

Hello and welcome (back) 👋

Here’s what’s in store for you in today’s issue:

🍄 Largest ketamine trial to date

🍄 Participate in a unique psilocybin study

🍄 A boom in government-funded trials

🍄 When you can expect psychedelic therapy to be legal

🍄 And more.

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2 years til medical legalization!

FDA approval of MDMA for PTSD and psilocybin for depression is anticipated within the next 24 months, according to a letter from the Department of Health and Human Services.

The department is also considering starting a federal task force dedicated to addressing complex issues surrounding psychedelics such as harm reduction and safety.

“Too many Americans are suffering from mental health and substance use issues, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and that we must explore the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies to address this crisis,” the letter explains.

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First Phase 3 trial receives government funding

After receiving three ketamine therapy sessions in Awakn’s Phase 2 trial, patients with alcohol use disorder achieved an increase in abstinence from around 2% to 86%. This means they abstained from alcohol for an average of 162 of the 180 days following the treatment 👏

The results were so encouraging that the UK government granted the company CA$2.5M to fund Phase 3 of the trial.

The grant covers two-thirds of Awakn’s costs and marks the first time that a Phase 3 psychedelics trial has received government funding.

With 280 patients across 7 sites in the UK, it will be the largest ketamine-assisted therapy trial to date!

This study could be a game changer

A new government-funded study will see if psilocybin can ease depression without producing a psychedelic effect – and no, we aren’t talking about microdosing…

At Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, adults with treatment-resistant depression will receive a full dose of psilocybin + 12 hours of therapy. 

What makes this study unique is that some patients will also receive a serotonin blocker, which will block the psychedelic or hallucinogenic effects of the psilocybin.

If benefits can be delivered while avoiding the trip, this could open up psilocybin therapy to those who aren’t typically candidates for the treatment, as well as people who don’t want to hallucinate. 

Learn how you can participate in the study here 👇

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Compass Pathways (CMPS) initiated a Phase 2 psilocybin therapy trial for anorexia. It will be conducted on 60 subjects across 4 research sites.

Small Pharma (DMT) was granted a patent for its formulation of injectable DMT, marking its first US patent and ninth patent to date.

MindBio Therapeutics of Blackhawk Growth (BLR) received NZ$1.44M from the New Zealand government to study LSD microdosing for depression.

Braxia Scientific (BRAX) shared year-end financial reuslts includine $8.6M in cash and $1.49M in revenue, up 47.5% from the previous year. The company’s net loss was $12.1M compared to $88.8M the year prior.

You’re all caught up! See you next Wednesday 👋

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The DEA is no longer banning these drugs

In January, the DEA proposed to ban 5 psychedelic drugs (4-OH-DiPT, 5-MeO-AMT, 5-MeO-MiPT, 5-MeO-DET, and DiPT) by classifying them as Schedule I substances.

After receiving significant pushback, the DEA has withdrawn the proposal.

Instead, the agency is requesting for the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct scientific and medical evaluations of the drugs to guide scheduling recommendations.

Health Canada’s verdict on MAPS

After sexual misconduct allegations arose from one of MAPS’ MDMA trials, Health Canada promised to review all upcoming MDMA trials that were previously approved.

Following the review, MAPS’ MDMA trial in Toronto has been suspended due to concern of patient safety. 

Some issued noted include “failure to conduct the study according to the approved protocol, problems with quality control and staff training, and a lack of informed written consent from participants.”

However, MAPS’ MDMA trial in Montreal is allowed to proceed given that some “corrective and preventive” changes are made

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Godfather of the Psychedelic Sisterhood Microdoses at a Concert: issue 56

Issue 55 / Wednesday June 8, 2022

 

Hello and welcome (back) 👋

Here’s what’s in store for you in today’s issue:

🍄Continuing the work of the Godfather of Psychedelics

🍄 What happens when you microdose at a concert

🍄 The 2 ingredients that could enhance your microdoses

🍄 And more.

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Continuing the work of the Godfather of Psychedelics

We’ll soon have a better understanding of the psychedelics that Alexander Shulgin has known and loved.

Dr. Alexander Shulgin became the so-called “Godfather of Psychedelics” after discovering countless new drugs and introducing MDMA to psychologists.

He and his wife Ann are famous for writing “PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story” and “TiHKAL: The Continuation” in the 90s (Phenethylamines and Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved, respectively).

The books outline his personal accounts of over 230 psychoactive compounds, many of which have gotten little attention from other researchers — until now.

CaaMTech Inc. is partnering with the Alexander Shulgin Research Institute to continue Dr. Shulgin’s legacy.

The organizations will conduct structural and chemical analyses of previously unreported compounds that Shulgin created.

Who knows how much therapeutic value the new drugs could have! 🤯

 

Join a psychedelic sisterhood 💗

Connect with other pro-psychedelic women at this unique event!

Sisters In Psychedelics (SIP) is a grassroots community and platform birthed in Vancouver, BC that empowers people to elevate the divine feminine and other underrepresented voices in the evolution of the psychedelic ecosystem.

They offer in-person and virtual events for female-identifying people, like sharing circles for BIPOCA folks, moms and psychedelic professionals, workshops, integration circles and more. 

On September 10th, the inaugural SIP Summit is launching at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra with an epic, not-to-be-missed after party planned at a private residence😉 

Featuring an all-female line up of speakers, the keynote will be delivered by Dr. Pam Kryskow, with other speakers covering topic like:

  • executive leadership in public psychedelic companies
  • modern medicine women
  • transformation stories,
  • trauma, sex & money and more!  

Check out the summit agenda and speakers here.

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These 2 ingredients may enhance your microdoses

Quantified Citizen, the organization that ran the world’s largest mobile microdosing study, is back at it again with more microdosing research.

The new study assessed 953 microdosers and 180 non-microdosers over one month.

To no surprise, microdosers showed greater improvements in mood and mental health than non-microdosers.

Interestingly, microdosers over the age of 55 experienced additional benefits when they combined or “stacked”  their psilocybin microdose with lion’s mane mushrooms and niacin (vitamin B3) – a blend made popular by Paul Stamets.

This group saw nearly a 40% increase in psychomotor performance – a greater improvement than those microdosing just psilocybin and lion’s mane or psilocybin alone.

Does this mean that the stack could help fight neurodegenerative disorders? More research with larger sample sizes needs to be conducted, as well as research on niacin alone, but it’s certainly possible 🤔

What happens when you microdose at a concert

Combining music, community, and microdosing could have lasting benefits on your mood!

At Red Light Holland’s psychedelic concert back in April, attendees microdosed psilocybin, listened to a live classical music performance for 3 hours, and joined a group integration session. 

Here’s what the participants thought of the experience:

  • 75% said enjoyed the music more than usual
  • 41.7% reported they felt connected to the group in a meaningful way
  • 33.3% reported lasting benefits beyond the event itself such as the release of negative emotions and beneficial insights into their personal or professional life
  • 0% reported significant negative effects
  • 91.7% said they would attend another microdosing concert

This September, Red Light is sponsoring another event that will combine music with psychedelics to promote the responsible use of psychedelics

The company will be the exclusive provider of psilocybin products at Psy-Fi — a 4-night psychedelic music and arts festival on the beaches of the Netherlands 🕺

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Numinus Wellness (NUMI) announced Q3 financial results including a $41.8M cash position and $741K in revenue, up 32% year-over-year. 

Mydecine Innovations (MYCO) successfully synthesized a family of compounds that have the same effects as MDMA, but last just 1-2 hours. The company filed a patent application covering the new formulations.

Small Pharma (DMT) announced Q1 financial results including a $5.8M net loss and $32M in cash.

Optimi Health (OPTI) strengthened its position as a leading psilocybin supplier, securing a deal with Bloom Psychedelic Therapy And Research Centre in Calgary.

Filament Health (FH) initiated the first ever study to directly administer natural psilocin. The company was also granted a patent for the extraction and standardization of natural psilocybin, marking it’s 6th patent to date.

You’re all caught up! See you next Wednesday 👋

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Celebrate Celebrities Selling Shrooms + Athlete’s Microdosing 🏋️: issue 55

Issue 55 / Wednesday June 8, 2022

 

Hello and welcome (back) 👋

 

Here’s what’s in store for you in today’s issue:

🍄Wiz Khalifa’s new shroom brand

🍄 An athlete’s take on microdosing 🏋️

🍄 Ketamine for corporate wellness

🍄 Colorado following in Oregon’s footsteps?

🍄 And more.

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Wiz Khalifa launches shroom brand

In partnership with Red Light Holland (TRIP), multi-platinum rapper Wiz Khalifa is starting a psychedelic and functional mushroom brand called MISTERCAP.

Red Light Holland hopes to leverage Khalifa’s huge following and entrepreneurial success in the cannabis industry to help end the stigma surrounding psilocybin.

The brand will sell:

  • Recreational psilocybin truffles in the Netherlands (potentially expanding to other markets if legalized)
  • Mushroom growing kits in the US, Canada, and Europe (launching by the end of this year)
  • Other functional mushroom products
  • And, of course, merch 

[ Insert reference to Young, Wild & Free ] 🤪

Red Light Holland also announced that it’s starting a new program to provide advice and funding to business owners who are looking to enter Oregon’s legal psilocybin therapy market.

The Trip of a Lifetime

Mark your calendar – DOSED 2: The Trip of a Lifetime is coming to the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver on  August 3rd! 

If you haven’t seen the original DOSED, check it out here. The award-winning documentary follows a woman overcoming opioid addiction with psilocybin and iboga.

DOSED 2 shares the remarkable story of a terminally-ill cancer patient who was granted the right to try psilocybin mushrooms to treat her end of life anxiety.

The special event premiere screening will be followed by an audience Q&A with:

  • Renowned addiction expert and author Dr. Gabor Maté
  • Legendary psychonaut Dennis McKenna
  • Psychedelic therapist (and your fave Daily Mushroom Podcast guest) Dave Phillips
  • Patient Laurie Brooks
  • Filmmakers Tyler Chandler & Nicholas Meyers
  • And more!
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An athlete’s take on microdosing 🏋️

A tiny dose of magic mushrooms might help you improve your form in the gym.

According to jiu jitsu athlete Adam Hanna, microdosing before a workout could help you focus on mind-body connection to better understand your body’s movement patterns.

“You are learning to do the same moves while under different states of consciousness, which helps you feel very small details,” he explains.

“Example: Exactly where my weight is in my fingers in a handstand. Is there enough weight in my thumb and index finger? You can hone in on stuff like this. It can help you really focus exclusively on tiny details that you don’t always think to do when sober.”

Ketamine for corporate wellness

With companies investing more and more money in their employees’ mental health, psychedelic therapy could soon be included in your benefits package.

In 2019, the CBD company HempLucid partnered with Numinus Wellness (NUMI) to offer ketamine-assisted therapy to its staff members. The results were so positive that Numinus is planning to expand the corporate ketamine services to all of its 13 clinics in North America.

“It’s been revolutionary to how we operate as a business,” says HempLucid’s Founder and CEO Chase Hudson. “Offering ketamine treatments to our employees has shown incredible benefits for healing, positivity, and productivity in the work environment.

If anyone manages to negotiate ketamine therapy into their benefits package, please let us know 😉

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Field Trip Health (FTRP) announced year-end financial results $63.7M in cash and a $54.7M net loss. The company’s revenue is steadily increasing, reaching $1.7M in Q4 (up 26.7% from Q3) for a total of $4.9M for the fiscal year.

HAVN Life Sciences (HAVN) entered into an agreement to supply psilocybin mushrooms to Healing Escapes Foundation, a non-profit offering mental health retreats in Jamaica.

The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) ruled in favour of Compass Pathways (CMPS) after the non-profit Freedom to Operate challenged the validity of its psilocybin patents back in December. 

Nirvana Life Sciences (NIRV) filed a patent for a process of isolation 4-PO-Psilocin compound, a psychedelic compound that, like psilocybin, the body converts into psilocin. 4-PO-Psilocin can be converted into a water-soluble salt, offering new administration methods and increased bioavailability. 

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Colorado to vote on psilocybin measure this Fall!

After Colorado activists submitted nearly twice the amount of signatures required, the Natural Medicine Health Act will appear on the ballot this November!

Colorado residents will vote to legalize possession of certain psychedelics and implement a model for legal psilocybin treatments, similar to Oregon’s.

Oregon county opposing psilocybin measure

One rural county has proposed to ban the services before they start.

As you likely know, Oregon will become the first state to offer legal psilocybin therapy starting next year.

This November, Linn County residents will vote on a county-wide ban on psilocybin production, manufacturing, and therapy facilities.

US military to study psychedelic therapy?

Last week, an amendment calling for the Department of Defense (DOD) to study medical cannabis for military service members was approved by a House Committee.

Now, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is pushing for the amendment to be expanded to include psilocybin and MDMA. If approved the DOD would be required to study the therapeutic potential of the drugs as alternatives to opioids prescribed for chronic pain.

You’re all caught up! See you next Wednesday 👋

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Is this how to change your mind?: issue 54

Issue 54 / Wednesday June 8, 2022

 

Hello and welcome (back) 👋

⚠️ Update: Starting now, Daily Mushroom will be shifting to a biweekly newsletter on a trial basis.

Here’s what’s in store for you in today’s issue:

🍄The most famous psychedelic book comes to Netflix 📺

🍄 What machine learning tells us about microdosing

🍄 Join a revolution of wellbeing 💙

🍄 MAPS is under fire?

🍄 And more.

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How to Change Your Mind comes to Netflix!

The most famous book on psychedelics becoming a Netflix series this July 12th.

If you haven’t read Michael Pollan’s best-selling book How to Change Your Mind, you’re missing out. The book provides one of the most comprehensive summaries on the history and future of psychedelic research, covering so many fascinating details that we could never fit in this 5-minute newsletter.

Now, the book is being transformed into a 4 part docu-series on the healing potential of LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and mescaline. The 

The psychedelics sector gained a ton of traction after the documentary Fantastic Fungi was released — we can only imagine the positive impact this series will have

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What machine learning tells us about microdosing

The benefits of microdosing can be so subtle that they’re hard to measure in clinical settings, which is why this study turned to machine learning and natural language processing.

Essentially, patients were asked a series of subjective questions following psilocybin microdoses or placebo doses, and the interviews were analyzed with AI.

The key takeaways?

  1. A “sentiment analysis” measured the connotation of each word as positive, negative, or neutral. Sentiment scores increased while microdosing, suggesting that psilocybin has a positive effect on mood and subjective well-being.
  2. Verbosity (length of responses in number of words) increased for all questions when microdosing, which may reflect increased enthusiasm, motivation, and energy.
  3. Semantic variability (how much the meaning of consecutive words changed) was not affected by microdosing. This implies that microdosing does not lead to incoherent speech and might not enhance creativity like many believe. 

It’s important to note that the microdose were fairly large – 500 mg of dried mushrooms. It would be interesting to see how a 100 or 200 mg dose compares 🤔

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Cybin (CYBN) announced year-end financial results including C$53.6M in cash and a C$67.6M net loss. The company is initiating a phase 1/2a psilocybin trial for depression in a few weeks.

Ceruvia Lifesciences submitted an application for a Phase 1 LSD trial targeting migraine prevention.

Clearmind Medicine (CMND) appointed John Krystal, Chair of the Psychiatry Department at Yale and a leading expert on alcoholism, to its Scientific Advisory Board to support the development of psychedelic treatments for addiction. So far, Clearmind’s MEAI formulation has significantly reduced alcohol consumption in mice receiving a daily dose for 2 weeks.

Mydecine (MYCO) received FDA approval for its multi-site psilocybin trial for smoking cessation, which has received $4M in grant funding from the National Institutes of Health.

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MAPS under fire for alleged investigator misconduct

Health Canada is reviewing all previously approved MDMA trial applications after a former trial participant came forward with sexual assault allegations.

Footage from MAPS’ PTSD trial in 2015 shows patient Meaghan Buisson being physically restrained and spooned by two therapists (one of them unlicensed) during an MDMA therapy session.

The session was recorded to ensure that therapists were following treatment protocols, but the footage wasn’t actually reviewed for 6 years. MAPS is finally looking into recordings from all past patients.

“I just want people to realize, this is not against MDMA. This is not against psychedelics,” Meaghan ensures.

“I’m just saying that if this drug is going to be legalized and medicalized in this way, then there is a certain degree of safety and fiduciary responsibility and credibility that goes into being part of the medical system — and especially with vulnerable subjects.”

You’re all caught up! See you next Wednesday 👋

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1🍄= 1 year of therapy?: issue 53

Issue 53 / Wednesday June 8, 2022

 

Here’s what’s in store for you in today’s issue:

🍄 6 year olds take ayahuasca

🍄 Promising findings from psilocybin study for binge eating

🍄 Psychedelic treatments for ADHD and social anxiety

🍄 Pro athletes form functional mushroom company

🍄 And more.

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Children took ayahuasca in ancient Incan ritual

A new study suggests that children in the Incan empire took psychedelics to ease stress before being sacrificed.

Archaeologists discovered the 500 year old remains of two Incan children who were sacrificed as part of a ritual called capacocha.

Capacocha was a common ceremony performed to appease the gods for a variety of purposes, such as to prevent natural disasters.

Toxicology samples revealed that the children, who were around the age of 6, consumed coca leaf and ayahuasca in the final weeks of their lives.

According to the study authors, “the Incas may have consciously used the antidepressant properties of (ayahuasca) to reduce the anxiety and depressive states of the victims.”

Wtf is wood lovers paralysis? 🪵

While psychedelic research is rapidly advancing, there’s still a lot we don’t know.

For instance, there’s little research on a rare but scary side effect of magic mushrooms called wood lovers paralysis – a condition causing muscle weakness or paralysis for several hours.

The phenomenon only seems to occur after ingesting mushroom species that grow on wood like Psilocybe azurescens, Psilocybe cyanescens, and Psilocybe subaeruginosa.

Luckily, companies like Lexston Life Sciences (LEXT) and CaaMTech are beginning to study the genetic makeup of various mushroom species to better understand what causes the condition.

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1 psilocybin therapy session = 12 months of therapy alone

Tryp Therapeutics (TRYP) and University of Florida initiated the first-ever psilocybin therapy study on binge eating disorder, and the results are already showing promise.

Just 4 weeks after receiving Tryp’s psilocybin formulation, TRP-8802, the first patient experienced:

  • Reduced overall anxiety
  • Reduced anxiety around food
  • Reduced compulsion to overeat
  • Improved self-image and confidence 
  • Significant weight loss

“We believe that the improvements witnessed in this patient following a single intervention with TRP-8802 in combination with tailored psychotherapy are on par with what might be possible in 12 months of extensive psychotherapy alone,” says Tryp’s Interim CEO and Chief Scientific Officer Jim Gilligan.

Researchers will follow up with the patient again in 8 weeks to see if the benefits are sustained. Up to 9 more patients will participate in the study as well.

Developing psychedelic treatments for ADHD and social anxiety

Filament Health (FH) announced several exciting updates this week.

First, the company shared that it has successfully developed a pharmaceutical-grade ayahuasca extract that can be administered in a capsule.

Filament also announced that it cultivated its 70th variety of psilocybin mushrooms and is conducting research to determine the most potent and effective variety. 

Additionally, the Vancouver-based company is partnering with Jaguar Health to develop natural psychedelic medicines for neurodegenerative diseases, addiction, and mental health disorders. The partners are currently identifying plant candidates to treat ADHD and social anxiety disorder.

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Small Pharma (DMT) announced year-end financial results including $40.7M in cash and a $22.2M net loss. The company is preparing for several DMT trials later this year.

Awakn Life Sciences (AWKN) shared Q1 financial highlights including $2.8M in cash and $253K in revenue, up 24% over the previous quarter.

Cybin (CYBN) received a ‘Buy’ rating from two major analysts, Roth Capital and Canaccord Genuity, following the announcement that it will acquire Entheon’s DMT study. Shares are currently priced at $0.60, but the firms predict price targets of $10 and $7.50, respectively.

Numinus Wellness (NUMI) completed its acquisition of Novamind (NM). Numinus now owns 13 wellness clinics, 4 clinical research facilities, and a dedicated psychedelics research lab. Novamind has ceased trading on the CSE, but two execs were appointed as Numinus’ Chief Science Office and Chief Clinical Officer.

Are functional mushrooms superior to psychedelic mushrooms?

“We believe that functional mushrooms have as much, if not more, potential to help humanity than psilocybin, and that’s coming from me, who is dedicating my life to advancing psilocybin mushrooms and psychedelics as a whole,” says Del Jolly, co-founder of the psychedelic research non-profit Unlimited Sciences.

That’s why he recently co-founded a functional mushroom company called Umbo alongside pro athletes Jake Plummer and Rashad Evans.

Plummer, former Denver Broncos quarterback, says he’s found a lot of healing through mushrooms, using them to counteract the harm that football injuries can have on the brain. He’s also noticed that his allergies symptoms and quality of sleep have improved since introducing functional mushrooms to his diet.

You can explore Umbo’s functional mushroom snack bars and capsules here or become an early investor in the company here.

You’re all caught up! See you next Wednesday 👋

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You have to open this email bc it’s our birthday ;): issue 52

Issue 52 / Wednesday June 8, 2022

Hello and welcome back 👋

Today marks 1 year since the Daily Mushroom started!

In honour of our birthday, we’re bringing back our most popular content from the past year.

These were the articles that readers clicked on the most: 

  1. Can weed make your trip better?
  2. Toad venom for Grandma
  3. Psilocybin for gut health
  4. A dose every six months keeps the divorce lawyer away
  5. How psychedelics change your social life
  6. Mushrooms go high fashion
  7. You no longer have to be on your deathbed to eat mushrooms!
  8. Is Elon going to take shrooms to the moon?
  9. Take a DMT trip without the anxiety
  10. Healing racial trauma

And these were the most popular podcast episodes:

  1. A doctor’s view on group psychedelic therapy & microdosing
  2. The truth about psilocybin and the brain
  3. What physicians really think about psilocybin
  4. A special episode: Our host Brett recounts a recent psilocybin therapy session
  5. Functional Mushrooms for Health & Nutrition with FreshCap CEO Tony Shields

Thank you for your support over the past year, it means the world to us 💛

Help us make the newsletter even better moving forward by filling out this quick survey 👇

Here’s what’s in store for you in today’s issue:

🍄 Microdosing at work

🍄 Free LSD!

🍄 Why ketamine reduces depression so quickly

🍄 Women-focused psilocybin study for depression

🍄 And more.

Hear insights from industry experts on the Daily Mushroom Podcast

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple
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Mircrodosing at work

Shane Health, CEO of the functional mushroom company MUD\WTR, made an open statement allowing employees to microdose at work.

He estimates that about 20% of employees microdose on the job, including himself and senior designer Ryan Rosenthal.

“It’s really good as a designer because we’re really trying to think about the psychology of who’s visiting our platform, and so you can really tap into that and become more empathetic,” Rosenthal explains.

Pro tip: if you accidentally take a bit too much, “it’s nothing that a quick walk and a coconut water can’t fix.” 

MUD\WTR had no current job openings in case you were about to check 😉

Free LSD!

For qualified researchers only… sorry to get your hopes up.

Ceruvia Lifesciences, a private Connecticut-based company, produced the world’s first LSD that meets the FDA’s strict manufacturing standards.

Now, the company is offering the drug to researchers at no cost to increase our knowledge of its potential medical benefits.

Ceruvia has also developed a non-hallucinogenic analog of LSD to target cluster headaches, migraines, and addiction.

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Why ketamine reduces depression so quickly

Several studies have found that ketamine produces a rapid antidepressant effect, reducing suicidal ideation in just hours.

A new study from Northwestern University sheds light on why the benefits are so instantaneous.

Traditional antidepressants work by increasing the number of neurons in the brain, which can take several weeks.

Ketamine, on the other hand, was found to increase activity in newborn neurons, which then activates other cells in the hippocampus.

“This small population of cells acts like a match, starting a fire that ignites a bunch of activity in a lot of other cells that produce the behavioral effects,” says lead study author Dr. John Kessler.

“That’s important because when you give ketamine to patients now, it affects multiple regions of the brain and causes a lot of adverse side effects. But since we now know exactly which cells we want to target, we can design drugs to focus only on those cells.”

Women-focused psilocybin study for depression

Women are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than men, but they’re often underrepresented in clinical trials.

Additionally, individuals with chronic illnesses like HIV often suffer from depression as well, which can make them less likely to adhere to their medications.

That’s why Cannsun Medicinal Global is investigating psilocybin as a treatment for depression in women who are HIV-positive.

The phase 2 trial received approval and will begin next month in South Africa.

“It is vitally important to have a deeper understanding of how women respond to medical treatment for major depression versus men in order to develop psychedelic therapies and treatment protocols for women that have clinically significant outcomes that are safe and effective,” says Donaghue Woodman, the company’s Head of R&D and Chief Medical Information Officer.

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Cybin (CYBN) is acquiring Entheon Biomedical’s (ENBI) phase 1 trial on the safety of DMT in healthy volunteers who smoke tobacco. The acquisiton will speed up the development of Cybin’s DMT-based treatment for anxiety by 9 months. 

Havn Life Sciences (HAVN) is supplying Green Stripe Naturals with psilocybin mushrooms to distribute at its cannabis dispensaries across Jamaica with potential of expanding into other Caribbean islands.

Nirvana Life Sciences (NIRV) found that psilocybin reduced reinstatement of heroin-seeking behaviour in a preclinical study in rats.

Optimi Health (OPTI) secured yet another psilocybin supply agreement, this time with ATMA Journey Centers, a psychedelic therapist training center in Calgary.

You’re all caught up! See you next Wednesday 👋

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Grandma tries toad venom: issue 51

Here’s what’s in store for you in today’s issue:

🍄 A therapist’s experience with MDMA

🍄 Largest psychedelic neuroimaging study to date

🍄 Psilocybin for gut health

🍄 BC becomes first province to decriminalize illicit drugs

🍄 And more.

Hear insights from industry experts on the Daily Mushroom Podcast

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple
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A therapist’s experience with MDMA

Sara Reed, licensed marriage and family therapist, tried MDMA therapy as part of MAPS’ training program. Her experience deepened her understanding of herself and helped her process the loss of her grandmother. 

“As the medicine and the music carried me away, my grandmother appeared. Tears flowed down my face and joy filled my heart. It had been years since I had felt her presence like this. Seeing her in this bright, liberating light was an important part of my grieving process.

She took me to a place I knew existed but had never seen. I traveled to what felt like the essence of the universe, a space of Divinity, a place where I belonged. The vision revealed my presence within this enormous Whole—a place that had no beginning or end, where there is no distinction or separation from love. I call that place home. And for the first time in my adult life, I felt freedom. Me, a young Black woman. Free. Human.”

The experience also made Sara realize that the psychedelics industry needs to prioritize culturally sensitive care to make treatments safer and more accessible for BIPOC communities.

Toad venom for Grandma

Could Alzheimer’s patients benefit from one of the most powerful psychedelics? 

Biomind Labs (BMND) will find out in an upcoming study.

The Phase 2 trial, which was just approved by the Argentinian Institutional Review Board, will see if 5-MeO-DMT can ease depression and anxiety in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

World’s first psychedelic trade association

Cybin (CYBN), PharAla Biotech (MDMA), PharmaTher (PHRM), and 9 other companies joined forces to create Psychedelics Canada – the first ever national trade association for legal psychedelics companies.

The association will speak on behalf of the psychedelics industry to government, the press, and the public to advance psychedelic research and policy change.

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Largest psychedelic neuroimaging study to date

University College London is raising funds for the world’s largest brain imaging study on psychedelics, aka Project UNITy.

In the first phase of the study, 150 people will receive three brain scans: one while watching a movie, one while dosed with DMT or a placebo, and another while watching a movie post-DMT trip or placebo.

Then, researchers will use an app to track participants’ changes in wellbeing for one year. 

The study will reveal which specific brain networks are altered on DMT (such as those related to vision, memory, or language), as well as which networks are linked to positive changes in wellbeing.

If successful, a second phase of the study will be conducted to see if DMT can reduce alcohol consumption and “reactivate” memory networks in hazardous drinkers.

Those who make a contribution to the study can receive goodies like trippy artwork, event tickets, and even a dinner with the scientists.

Psilocybin for gut health

Shrooms are known to cause nausea, so you wouldn’t expect them to help with digestive issues.

However, the Toronto-based startup Dyscovry Science Ltd. is developing a synthetic psilocybin formulation to target irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Psilocybin’s anti-inflammatory effect may help with the disorder.

The preliminary research must be promising because Silo Wellness (SILO) just entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of Dyscovry Science.

 

Update on Awakn’s ketamine study 🎮

Awakn Life Sciences (AWKN) filed an international patent application for its ketamine treatment for behavioural addictions like gambling, gaming, binge eating, and compulsive sexual behaviour. 

Plus, the company shared a bit more info on the “hugely promising” pilot study mentioned last week.

The treatment was found to reduce symptoms of addiction as well as comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety. Some patients no longer qualified for a diagnosis of addiction after the ketamine therapy.

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Wesana Health (WESA) reported Q1 financial results including a $4.8M net loss and $3.1M cash balance.

Optimi Health (OPTI) entered into psilocybin supply agreements with Filament Health (FH) and Halucenex Life Sciences just days after producing its first batch of mushrooms at its new cultivation facility. 

Novamind (NM) shared Q3 financial results including a record-high revenue of $3.2M, up 32% over the previous quarter.

atai Life Sciences’ (ATAI) CEO Florian Brandfiled was listed in the top 15 highest-paid CEOs in all of biopharma, earning over $26.5M in stocks and options in 2021. Excessive or well-deserved? 🤔

Lennham Pharmaceuticals filed a patent for a method of administering psilocybin to patients with reduced MAO-A activity, an enzyme that helps breakdown serotonin and dopamine.

Doseology (MOOD) received approval to trade on the OTC Pink Open Market under the symbol ‘DOSEF,’ making shares available to US investors.

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BC becomes first province to decriminalize illicit drugs

Yesterday, British Columbia received a 3-year exemption to decriminalize small amounts of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA.

“By removing the fear and shame of drug use, we will be able to remove barriers that prevent people from accessing harm reduction services and treatment programs,” says provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

While it seems like a step in the right direct, the legislation is being criticized because it only allows possession of 2.5 grams of the drugs and it won’t be effective until January 31 of 2023.

Michigan city rejects decriminalization measure

With a 3-2 vote, the city of East Lansing, Michigan rejected a measure to decriminalize psychedelics. 

Mayor Ron Bacon worries that creating a grey area would pose challenges and liabilities for law enforcement.

You’re all caught up! See you next Wednesday 👋

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Proof that microdosing works!: issue 50

Here’s what’s in store for you in today’s issue:

🍄 Canadian Senator microdoses for depression

🍄 MindMed’s ibogaine study results

🍄 Yale to study psilocybin for OCD

🍄 Ketamine for gaming addiction 🎮

🍄 And more.

Hear insights from industry experts on the Daily Mushroom Podcast

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple
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Canadian Senator microdoses for depression

In his opening speech at the Catalyst Psychedelics Summit, Canadian Senator Larry Campbell shared his fascinating (yet slightly disturbing) experience with microdosing.

The 74-year-old politician had been suffering from depression and PTSD for ages when his mental health suddenly started improving out of nowhere.

When Larry told his wife the good news, she admitted that she’d been spiking his morning coffee with a bit of psilocybin for the past two weeks 😲

While we don’t condone drugging people without their knowledge, her experiment revealed some important anecdotal evidence – the benefits that Larry experienced must have been from the psilocybin itself and not a result of the placebo effect!

Group ketamine therapy now available for frontline workers

After piloting the program for 9 months, Novamind’s group ketamine therapy for frontline workers is now available to the public.

The 6-week program is designed to help healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics work through trauma with the support of their peers.

“The greatest improvement has been my PTSD… Even when I do feel myself reacting, I feel I have more awareness and I am able to better regulate,” says one of the participants of the pilot program. 

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MindMed advances ibogaine research after successful Phase 1 trial

This quarter, MindMed (MNMD) will begin a Phase 2a trial to see if its non-hallucinogenic ibogaine formulation (MM-110) can treat opioid withdrawal.

In preclinical research, MM-110 showed “multi-day reductions in opioid self-administration” after a single dose. 

In the Phase 1 trial, MM-110 was found to be safe and well-tolerated at varying doses. Some participants received two 325 mg doses on a single day while others received a 90 mg dose twice daily for 7 days.

Let’s see what Phase 2 reveals!

 

Yale to study psilocybin for OCD

Ceruvia Lifesciences submitted an application to study psilocybin as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in a Phase 2 trial.

Preliminary findings suggest that psilocybin causes a “rapid and robust improvement in OCD symptoms with a sustained effect,” according to the press release.

The trial, which will be led by Yale researchers later this year if approval is granted, will determine if these findings hold true when psilocybin is compared to an active placebo. 

 

“Hugely encouraging” ketamine study 🎮

Collectively, over a billion people struggle with Gambling Disorder, Internet Gaming Disorder, Binge Eating Disorder, and Compulsive Sexual Behaviour.

Researchers at Awakn Life Sciences (AWKN) completed the world’s first ketamine study for these behavioural addictions. The results were “hugely encouraging,” according to the CEO. 

While actual data is yet to be released, the promising early findings “merit a larger study and further exploration,” which the company is now pursuing.

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Silo Pharma (SILO) began a trial to see if psilocybin can reduce inflammation in patients with signs of Parkinson’s disease.

Beckley Psytech will be using Empatica’s wearable biomarker devices in a 5-MeO-DMT study for treatment resistant depression. The devices will gather behavioural and physiological data with the goal of identifying early signals of patient response and relapse.

Braxia Scientific (BRAX) received Health Canada approval to administer psilocybin therapy for depression through the Special Access Program.

CB Therapeutics was granted a patent for an “eco-conscious” psilocybin production method involving precision fermentation.

PharmaTher (PHRM) is partnering with CC Biotechnology to develop a wearable ketamine delivery device for mental health, chronic pain, and neurological disorders. 

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Oregon finalizes rules for psilocybin program

The Oregon Health Authority has finalized the first subset of rules for the legal psilocybin services that will be available next year.

The full set of guideline, which cover psilocybin production methods and facilitator training requirements, can be found here.

A second committee meeting will take place in the Fall to establish the remainder of the rules.

You’re all caught up! See you next Wednesday 👋

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Animals that can make you trip 🐜: issue 49

Here’s what’s in store for you in today’s issue:

🍄 3 animals you never knew were psychedelic

🍄 Legal psilocybin therapy comes to Quebec

🍄 Managing pain with MDMA

🍄 Financial results from 3 major companies

🍄 And more.

Hear insights from industry experts on the Daily Mushroom Podcast

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple
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3 animals you never knew were psychedelic…

We bet you never knew that these animals could make you trip:

  • Ants: Red harvester ants have been used as a “ritual intoxicant” by at least 7 indigenous Californian groups. Boys and men would swallow hundreds of live ants to induce visions of “dream helpers” to gain shamanic powers. Read more about the ritual here.
  • Sea sponges (yes they are animals): Some species of sea sponges contain two derivatives of DMT: 5-Bromo-DMT and 5,6-dibromo-DMT. 5-Bromo-DMT has been found to have a sedative and antidepressant effect in animal studies.
  • Fish: Many fish are known to be psychedelic. A species called Sarpa salpa can produce vivid auditory and visual hallucinations for 36 hours when ingested. 

The more you know 💫

Legal psilocybin therapy comes to Quebec

After several unsuccessful depression treatments, a patient in Quebec will finally get to try psilocybin therapy through the Special Access Program (SAP), marking the first legal psilocybin treatment in the province.

Numinus Wellness (NUMI) received Health Canada approval to administer the treatment at its Montreal clinic. It will be the company’s first treatment outside of a clinical trial setting.

Hopefully we’ll start seeing more wins like this thanks to TheraPsil, a non-profit that launched an initiative to make it easier for patients to access psilocybin through the SAP. 

The initiative, called Project Solace, will secure a safe supply of psilocybin from HAVN Life (HAVN) and other licensed dealers and collect data on treatment outcomes to support policy change. 

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Managing pain with MDMA

Could your next surgery involve MDMA?

Shanti Therapeutics of Global Wellness Strategies (GWS) is preparing for a study to see if MDMA has an impact on pain tolerance in healthy volunteers.

The goal is to treat and prevent perioperative pain, or pain associated with surgery.

Managing pain immediately after surgery can help prevent chronic pain and the mental health issues that often follow.

 

Customized microdosing kits

Red Light Holland (TRIP) recently filed an international patent application for its “Find Your Dose” custom microdosing kits.

The kits help individuals get the most out of microdosing by providing personalized protocols based on biometric and movement data. 

This week, the company successfully imported 200 microdosing kits into Canada from the Netherlands with hopes that patients will be able to try microdosing through the Special Access Program.

 
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atai Life Sciences (ATAI) announced Q1 highlights including a $36.9M net loss and $335M in cash, which is projected to fund operations until the end of 2023. The company plans to progress 10 compounds through clinical development, which are supported by a total of 171 issued patents and 49 pending patents.

Field Trip Health (FTRP) is partnering with Nue Life to provide at-home ketamine treatments, expanding the company’s reach beyond its 12 existing clinics.

MindMed (MNMD) announced Q1 results including a $18.5M net loss and a $120.5M cash position, enough to support operations into 2024.

Optimi Health (OPTI) acquired a catalog of genetic information on 24 psychedelic mushroom strains and 9 functional mushroom strains.

Mydecine (MYCO) announced a $5.6M net loss and $264.7K cash position as of the end of Q1 (March 31), but has since raised an additional $1.65M in financing.

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Connecticut enacts psychedelic bill

The governor of Connecticut signed off on a new budget that will establish psychedelic treatment centers. Patients with serious conditions will be able to try psilocybin and MDMA therapy through the FDA’s expanded access program.

The state will fund treatments military veterans, retired first responders and health care workers 🧡

Mushroom case ruling sparks controversy

In some highly controversial news, the Supreme Court of Canada decided that voluntary extreme intoxication is a valid defence for violent crimes.

The court ruled in favour of a student who attacked his professor while high on magic mushrooms and alcohol in 2018. They noted that he was in a state of “automatism” in which he was incapable of consciously controlling his behaviours, and therefore isn’t accountable.

“In Canada, two elements of fundamental justice are required for a person to be found guilty of a crime. They are a guilty action; and a guilty mind. Neither element is present when a person is in a state of automatism,” stated the court in a brief of the ruling.

You’re all caught up! See you next Wednesday 👋

Follow our Instagram @dailymushroom.co for more trippy inspiration and fun graphics like these ones!

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neurodivergents evade bad trips: issue 48

Here’s what’s in store for you in today’s issue:

🍄 How to avoid adverse reactions to psychedelics

🍄 LSD found to reduce anxiety for 4 months

🍄 How ketamine affects the brain over time

🍄 A study to understand neurodiversity

🍄 And more.

Hear insights from industry experts on the Daily Mushroom Podcast

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple
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Science-backed psychedelic experiences

Leveraging over 20 years of psychedelic research, Beckley Foundation is launching a psilocybin-focused holistic wellbeing company called Beckley Retreats.

Starting this September, Beckley Retreats will offer a self-development program that includes:

  • 4 weeks of virtual preparation
  • A 5-day retreat in Jamaica with 2 psilocybin ceremonies and tons of holistic healing practices
  • 6 weeks of virtual integration to encourage new habits and thought patterns

Led by certified psychotherapists and doctors, the retreat combines Indigenous wisdom with modern science to create an unparalleled experience.

Learn more and reserve your spot here.

Equity initiatives for PTSD treatment

MAPS announced that its Phase 3 MDMA trial for PTSD is now fully enrolled at 13 sites across the United States and Israel.

The organization took equity initiatives to ensure that BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals are represented in the study, as these individuals are more likely to have PTSD (yet less likely to be diagnosed or have reasonable access to treatment).

How to avoid adverse reactions to psychedelics

A survey of over 9,200 psilocybin mushroom users found that only 0.2% have sought emergency medical treatment following use.

The most common reported reasons for these adverse experiences were:

  • Mixing substances
  • Poor mindset
  • Poor setting

Additionally, those in the emergency care-seeking group were significantly younger than the group that didn’t seek care, with a median age of 19 compared to 23.

Keep this in mind if you’re considering trying psilocybin!

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LSD can reduce anxiety for 4 months

MindMed’s collaborators at University Hospital Basel studied the effect of two high doses of LSD (200μg) on patients with anxiety disorders.

They found that 65% of subjects had significant reductions in anxiety scores for 16 weeks after the treatments.

Like many other studies have found, mystical experiences were significantly correlated with long-term therapeutic benefits.

 
 

Understanding neurodiversity

COMPASS Pathways (CMPS) is funding a psilocybin study to better understand the brain science of neurodiversity.

Using brain imaging and behavioural tasks, researchers will investigate how psilocybin affects the serotonin brain networks in autistic adults compared to non-autistic adults. 

The goal is to understand the unique brain mechanisms associated with autism to provide “better tailored choices” to autistic people.

CMPS shares spiked 11% yesterday after the company announced Q1 financial results, including $21.2M net loss and $243.7M in cash.

 
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Wesana Health (WESA) is considering selling all assets related to client care (like its network of ketamine clinics and mental health software) to focus solely on drug development.

Psycheceutical Inc., a subsidiary of Psycheceutical Bioscience (BWVI), announced that OG Shark Tank investor Kevin Harrington is joining the company as an investor and strategic advisor.

FSD Pharma (HUGE) sold its assets related to cannabis processing to focus on biotech. The C$16.4M in proceeds give the company enough capital to support operations through 2025.

PharmAla Biotech (MDMA) signed a distribution agreement with CCrest Laboratories, making its MDMA available to both international and domestic customers.

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Activists arrested at DEA protest

At least 17 activists were arrested for protesting at the DEA headquarters. The purpose of the protest was to raise awareness about the DEA’s obstruction of access to psilocybin therapy, which should be legal for terminally ill patients through the Right to Try (RTT) laws.

“There is urgent need for the DEA to accommodate RTT and enable access (to psilocybin). This demonstration shines the bright light of public concern and outrage on this agency’s conduct,” says Kathryn Tucker, the attorney behind the litigation.

You’re all caught up! See you next Wednesday 👋

Follow our Instagram @dailymushroom.co for more trippy inspiration and fun graphics like these ones!