MDMA saves marriages ❤️: issue 36

Hello and welcome back.

If you’re heading into Valentine’s Day in a rocky relationship, you’ll want to keep reading to learn how MDMA could bring back your spark. If you’re spending this one alone, we’ll keep you company. Join our new Reddit community to discuss all things psychedelic and connect with the Daily Mushroom Community 🧡

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

🍄 How MDMA saved a marriage

🍄 Detoxing with Indigenous wisdom

🍄 Why ketamine eases depression

🍄 And more.

Be sure to check out this week’s Daily Mushroom podcast:

How to get legal access to psychedelic therapy

In this episode of the Daily Mushroom Podcast, we have the wonderful Holly Bennett, Communications Director at TheraPsil. Holly dives into how she got started in a rewarding career with psychedelics. She gives us an inside look into how the Section 56 exemption works and some other possible ways Canadians can access psilocybin psychotherapy without it. Holly is very knowledgeable about her field and sheds light on some questions we are sure many people have about Canada’s Special Access Program.

Is this why ketamine helps with depression?

Our brains are constantly making predictions about the world around us based on learned associations – if we hear sirens, we expect to see an ambulance.

A recent study by University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers found that ketamine blocks the chemical signals that allow us to make predictions.

Why is this beneficial?

Many disorders are rooted in poor predictions. For instance, patients with depression often predict that the worst case scenario is bound to happen.

“Blocking the negative predictions that are prominent in depressed patients could be how ketamine helps,” explains the school’s psychology and neuroscience professor.

Take a DMT trip without the anxiety

A wild DMT trip that blasts you off to a different dimension has potential to be therapeutic, but also very anxiety-inducing.

That’s why Cybin (CYBN) developed a version of the molecule that breaks down slowly in the body. So instead of a 10-minute rocket ride to outer space, patients have a smoother, more pleasant experience with a larger therapeutic window.

The company received a patent for the formulation this week and will study it as a treatment for anxiety disorders in Q3 of this year.

A dose every six months keeps the divorce lawyer away

A couple was on the verge of getting divorced until they took MDMA together for the first time.

The wife, Ree, said her husband couldn’t open up to her or deal with conflict, but MDMA helped them see eye-to-eye.

“My husband started sharing with me for the first time all these thoughts and emotions,” Ree said. “It was him without the walls.”

They decided to take MDMA together twice a year and go over a list of issues they want to address. Three years later, their marriage is solid and they can communicate openly without the need for drugs.

A better way to measure depression

Diagnosing and measuring depression is usually very subjective, relying on data from patient questionnaires. This leaves room for bias and makes it difficult to know if a treatment is actually working.

MYND Diagnostics of MYND Life Sciences (MYND) developed a biomarker test that provides objective data to solve this problem. It measures inflammation in the brain, which may be what causes depression.

Seeing evidence of improvement gives patients hope in the treatment process, like showing them the “light at the end of the tunnel” as MYND’s CEO explained on a recent Daily Mushroom Podcast.

The company announced that Monash University will use the biomarker test in a psilocybin study on treatment-resistant depression, which has received $3M in funding from the Australian government.

Detox with Indigenous wisdom

Universal Ibogaine (IBO) and Osoyoos Indian Band signed an agreement to develop a detox center that combines western science and Indigenous wisdom.

The center will use ibogaine treatments to ease opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms, followed by Indigenous healing practices as aftercare to “rebuild people in a holistic manner.”

Their flagship detox center will be in Manitoba, Canada with the goal of working with other First Nations to expand across the country, and then globally.

Optimi Health (OPTI) received a Dealer’s License from Health Canada and announced that it will begin cultivating, extracting, and processing “the highest-grade all-natural psilocybin in North America” at its facility in Princeton, British Columbia. The facility can secure up to 1,250kg of psilocybin, a value of roughly $53MM CDN.

Ketamine Media launched Psychedelic Therapy Network, a digital platform that connects psychedelic medicine providers with patients seeking treatment across North America.

Cybin (CYBN) announced Q3 financial results and business highlights including C$63.6 million and a C$17.2 million net loss.

Enveric Biosciences’ (ENBI) stock is 45% off! The share price plummeted this morning after announcing a $10M public offering at 50 cents per share, about 24% below yesterday’s closing price of 66 cents 😬

Ehave, Inc. (EHVVF) acquired Rejuv IV, a company offering at-home ketamine therapy and IV infusions for anything from a hangover to migraines.

Here’s what you missed:

The Oregon Health Authority released the first draft of rules for the state’s legal psilocybin program. Only one of 200 species of psilocybin mushrooms will be allowed (psilocybe cubensis, the most popular species) and synthetic psilocybin will be banned. Plus, facilitators will need 120 hours of instruction on psilocybin history, safety, racial justice, and cultural equity. Read more…
A bill was filed in Maryland to offer free psychedelic therapy to veterans with PTSD and promote psychedelic research. Read more…

Activists in Washington filed an initiative to decriminalize simple drug possession statewide and give $150M in annual funding to substance abuse prevention, recovery, research, and education. The measure could appear on the ballot this November if enough signatures are collected. Read more…

Maine lawmakers rejected a bill that would legalize medical use of psilocybin after an 8-3 vote. The bill’s sponsor says she’s not surprised, however “society is changing, and the science is moving quickly, so it’s a matter of when, and not if, legislation like this passes in the future.” Read more…

Video of the Week

Playlist of the Week

February 8, 2022March 10, 2022

A better way to measure depression

MYND Diagnostics Inc. Announces Participation in Approved Monash University (Australia) Government Funded $3 Million Clinical Trial

The company announced that Monash University will use the biomarker test in a psilocybin study on treatment-resistant depression, which has received $3M in funding from the Australian government.

PDF of article

January 14, 2022March 10, 2022

Docs on Mushrooms: issue 32

Hello and welcome back.

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be bringing you a FREE virtual event on February 3rd to discuss all things psychedelic and mental health. If your New Year’s resolution is to work on your mental health, you won’t want to miss it! Keep reading for details 😊

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

🍄 The most intense psychedelic?

🍄 Impressive findings from a ketamine study on addiction

🍄 A promising treatment for ALS

🍄 Rescheduling psilocybin GLOBALLY

🍄 And more.

Be sure to check out this week’s Daily Mushroom podcast:

What physicians really think about psilocybin

On this episode of the Daily Mushroom Podcast, we have Dr. Lyle Oberg, co-founder, and CEO of MYND life sciences. Dr. Oberg has been had an extensive career across many sectors, including working as a family physician and a Chief Policy and Medical Officer at a cannabis company. He was also part of the Alberta government for 15 years as Minister of Finance, Social Services, Learning, and more. Stick around to hear what Dr. Oberg has to say, we are sure it will give a new insight into the world of psychedelics!

86% abstinent after ketamine therapy

Six months after receiving three ketamine infusions and Awakn Life Sciences’ proprietary therapy, 86% of patients with severe alcohol use disorder remained abstinent from alcohol.

Awakn’s study also showed that:

The treatment was 2.7x more effective than placebo infusions and alcohol education
Risk of mortality within one year dropped from 1 in 8 patients to 1 in 80
Liver function improved (shocker)
Depression scores were significantly reduced
Ability to experience pleasure increased

The downside? There isn’t one. There were no serious adverse reactions either 👏

Slowing the progression of ALS

When diagnosed with ALS, patients are typically given 2 to 6 years to live and experience rapid decline in muscle function. Even after the ice bucket challenge took the internet by storm, a cure has yet to be found.

Luckily, ketamine is showing potential to slow the progression of the disease to improve both the quality and length of patients’ lives.

In a mouse model of ALS, PharmaTher (PHRM) found that ketamine preserved muscle function and increased life expectancy if administered in the early stages of the disease.

The company received FDA approval for a Phase II trial that will assess a biomarker of neurodegeneration, functional abilities, muscle strength, and depression scores among ALS patients undergoing ketamine treatments.

Psilocybin + CBD 🧠

The majority of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) also experience depression, and patients with severe TBI-related depression are 5x more likely to attempt suicide.

Wesana Health (WESA) is planning a study to see if the condition can be treated with one large dose of psilocybin in a clinic, followed by “self-administered maintenance doses” of psilocybin and CBD to sustain the benefits.

Researchers believe the treatment will promote neuroplasticity and neurogenesis while reducing neuroinflammation.

Can ketamine enhance addiction medication?

Novamind (NM) is hosting a first-of-its-kind study to find out.

The trial will see if ketamine-assisted therapy can enhance the effectiveness of buprenorphine, a first-line addiction medication, in treating opioid use disorder.

Will the two drugs finally be able to conquer this treatment-resistant condition?

Join our virtual Mental Health Town Hall

We’re collaborating with experts at Entheon Biomedical (ENBI) to bring you a special virtual event on February 3rd.

Here’s what you can expect to learn:

The latest psychedelic research on mental health and addiction
How psychedelics can be used for personal development
All things microdosing
Where the industry is headed
Answers to all your burning questions

You’ll hear insights and stories from:

Timothy Ko, CEO and Founder of Entheon
Dr. Andrew Greenshaw, Scientific Advisor to Entheon and Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the University of Alberta
David Mayoh, Communications Manager at Entheon
Thomas Hartle, the first Canadian to receive psilocybin therapy
And more

Now is your chance to get your questions answered by industry experts and connect with fellow members of the Daily Mushroom Community. We can’t wait to see you there. Register now 👇

The most intense psychedelic?

“I truly doubt that there is another psychedelic drug, anywhere, that can match [4-HO-DiPT] for speed, intensity, brevity, and sensitive to dose, at least one that is active orally.”

Field Trip Health’s (FTRP) first novel compound could produce the most intense experience of any oral psychedelic.

It’s a more stable and soluble version of 4-HO-DiPT — a drug that induces an extremely powerful experience lasting 2-3 hours, according to Alexander Shulgin, the chemist who created it.

Considering he’s experimented with 55 different psychedelics, which he reviewed in “Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved,” we’ll take his word for it.

Field Trip expects to receive a patent for the formulation next month.

Mydecine (MYCO) is launching a program to sell MDMA and psilocybin, as well as training and support services, to healthcare practitioners through Health Canada’s amended Special Access Program. The company also completed a model that can rapidly screen billions of compounds using AI to find novel psychedelics that bind to serotonin receptors.

Delic Holdings Corp. (DELC) announced that it plans to more than double its footprint in the next 18 months by opening 15 new ketamine clinics, which will be strategically located in secondary cities to improve patient accessibility.

Ketamine One (MEDI) began trading on the OTCQB marketplace under the symbol ‘KONEF’.

atai Life Sciences (ATAI) received FDA approval for a study to investigate how its R-ketamine compound interacts with other drugs.

Rescheduling psilocybin GLOBALLY 🌍

“Given today’s scientific understanding of psilocybin’s high potential therapeutic value and low risk of dependence, a change of its status as a Schedule I drug is long overdue,” according to Christopher Koddermann.

That’s why he co-founded The International Therapeutic Psilocybin Rescheduling Initiative (ITPRI) – an initiative that’s pushing for psilocybin to be rescheduled on a global scale.

ITPRI aims to reschedule psilocybin through the United Nations’ Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which was enacted over 50 years ago 😮 This would significantly reduce the regulatory barriers that impede psilocybin research and access to treatment.

So yes, rescheduling is long overdue, but better late than never!

Plus, progress in the US & Italy:

A Missouri Rep. filed a bill to expand the state’s right-to-try law to include psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, ibogaine, LSD, mescaline, and peyote. This would grant patients with serious illnesses legal access to the substances. Read more…
Senator Scott Wiener announced that he is once again pushing for a psychedelic decriminalization bill in California after halting it last year, and believes it has a 50/50 chance of being passed. To generate support, veterans are meeting with Assembly members and changes may be made to possession limits and types of psychedelics included. Read more…
Virginia lawmakers introduced a bill to reduce the penalty for possessing peyote, ibogaine, psilocybin, or psilocin from a Class 5 felony to a $100 fine. A separate bill focused on just psilocybin and psilocin was also filed. Read more…
Italian officials verified 630,000 signatures collected in support of a measure to decriminalize cultivation of marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms. If the measure is approved by the Constitutional Court, which will be announced on February 15, it will appear on a ballot this spring. Read more…

Turning mushrooms into mush houses

Architect David Benjamin wants to make the construction industry more sustainable using (you guessed it) mushrooms!

He constructed a 40-foot-tall structure using bricks grown from mushroom mycelium.

The bricks are lightweight yet durable and can be grown in five days without emitting carbon or producing waste.

Video of the Week

Playlist of the Week

January 12, 2022March 10, 2022

MYND Life Sciences Announces Collaborative Research Agreement with the University of British Columbia

MYND’s Second CRA focuses on Novel Therapies for Neurological Diseases of the Brain

VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 12, 2022 /CNW/ – MYND Life Sciences Inc. (“MYND” or the “Company“) (CSE: MYND) (OTC: MYNDF) a biopharmaceutical research and development company creating innovative precision medicines for patients with relentless neurological diseases, today announced that it has entered into Collaborative Research Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the University of British Columbia (“UBC”) focussing on Novel Therapies for Neurological Diseases.

MYND is creating safe and effective precision medicines based on proprietary technologies, targeting intractable diseases affecting the Central Nervous System, aiming to improve the standard of care for patients. This research seeks to test new compounds, including Psilocybins which may modify neurological diseases. Through 38 Health Canada licenses issued under their Section J exemptions of the Food and Drug Act issued to the UBC Laboratory, MYND possesses the enviable ability to examine the unique actions of analogues of Psilocybin. The focus is to develop, validate and patent the ability of Psilocybin-based drugs to modify outcomes in disease.

“We are very excited to announce our second Collaborative Research Agreement focussing on diseases of the brain,” stated Dr. Lyle Oberg, MYND‘s Chief Executive Officer. “We have a unique opportunity to improve the wellness and quality of life of millions of people and families torn apart by the tragedy of dementia and other debilitating diseases of the Central Nervous System. The MYND management team has a wealth of scientific, clinical and operational experience, and is well networked within the pharmaceutical industry. The Psilocybin sector is rapidly transitioning to become a pharmaceutical industry and MYND holds a unique position within the sector in terms of building upon our unique intellectual property and a valuable portfolio of related patents”,”

The Company has a broad development pipeline, including advancing clinical programs, such as novel biomarkers for depression and MYND is expecting results from its pivotal trial to validate these biomarkers. Through its subsidiary MYND Diagnostics INC., this includes conducting an adaptive dose finding single phase 2b clinical trial funded by the Australian Government of the efficacy and safety of psilocybin assisted psychotherapy (“PAP”) in the treatment of people diagnosed with treatment resistant depression (“TRD”) in collaboration with clinical researchers at Monash University. Furthermore, MYND anticipates entering clinic trials with three additional programs in the course of 2022/2023. After progressing to clinical proof of concept, MYND will continue to have the option to enter into partnerships for late-stage development and commercialization.

“We are continuing to translate our innovative approaches, while maintaining our scientific excellence,” stated Dr. Wilfred Jefferies, Chief Science Officer at MYND. “We have unique technologies with differentiating potential and access to state-of-the-art facilities. This funding will allow us to accelerate our research dramatically leading to more rapid translation of our studies. This is a really exciting time for MYND and our team.”

DEPARTURE OF AN OFFICER OF THE COMPANY

MYND’s Chief Operating Officer, Jordan Cleland, is moving on from the company to pursue other professional opportunities effective the end of day, January 11, 2022. Cleland was MYND’s first hire in August of 2020 and provided operations set up and support in the formative months of the company. Cleland’s duties will be assumed by Dr. Chahaat Singh who will assume the role of Operations and Research Manager with MYND. Dr. Singh has a Ph.D. in Medical Genetics, a M. Sc. In Microbiology, and brings a wealth of research experience to the position. Singh has biotech industry experience with the firms IMTech and Panacea and recently co-authored an article in the Lancet dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease. Mynd would like to thank Mr. Cleland for his dedication to the company and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

ABOUT MYND LIFE SCIENCES INC.

MYND Life Sciences Inc. is a medical biotech drug research and development company focused on neuro-pharmaceutical and novel psilocybin drug development, diagnostics and vaccines. MYND is developing new biological entities (NBEs) and new chemical entities (NCEs) and differentiates itself from other (bio)pharmaceutical companies by unique molecular concepts for the applications of Psilocybins for overcoming disease. The Company is advancing pharmaceuticals through rigorous science and clinical trials, while diligently patenting and safeguarding its intellectual property. For more information and to subscribe to MYND’s mailing list, please visit https://myndsciences.com/contact/.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Lyle Oberg, MD, CEO
Email: ir@myndsciences.com
Web: www.myndsciences.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of MYND to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this release.

Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

None of the securities issued in connection with the Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and none of them may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.

SOURCE Mynd Life Sciences Inc.

January 7, 2022March 10, 2022

Finally, a way to have less sex in 2022: issue 31

Hello and welcome back.

We hope you’ve had a great start to 2022.

In 2021, we read thousands of articles so you didn’t have to. (You’re welcome 😉)

We curated the best content and summarized over 300 articles so you could be the smartest mushroom in the room, covering over 45 conditions and disorders that could potentially be treated with psychedelics 🤯

This is just the beginning… Get ready for another year of groundbreaking research, inspiring stories, and major business deals.

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

🍄 Take a psychedelic retreat from your bed

🍄 The African shrub that could solve the opioid crisis

🍄 How to make your NY’s resolutions stick

🍄 How psychedelic therapy just got A LOT more accessible for Canadians

🍄 And more.

Be sure to check out this week’s Daily Mushroom podcast:

What physicians really think about psilocybin

Microdoses for the whole family

Here’s a fun way to bond with grandma…

Mindset Pharma (MSET) filed a patent for psilocybin microdoses that have potential to treat Alzheimer’s disease and ADHD.

The compounds may promote cognitive benefits without the liability of a psychedelic experience, making them suitable for “fragile population groups” like children and the elderly, according to the company’s Chief Scientific Officer.

Could this African shrub solve the opioid crisis?

MindMed (MNMD) developed a non-hallucinogenic molecule based on ibogaine, the psychoactive compound in the African iboga plant, and it’s showing potential to treat opioid addiction.

How? 🤔

The compound has demonstrated the ability to reduce opioid use and ease withdrawal symptoms by regulating excessive dopamine fluctuations.

An upcoming Phase 2a trial will put the compound to the test.

Make your New Year’s resolutions stick

Spent too much time gaming or had too much sex in 2021?

We’re guessing you didn’t answer yes to both, but if you struggle with one of these things, ketamine therapy could help you make changes this year 😉

Awakn Life Sciences (AWKN) received ethics approval to expand its ketamine study. In addition to investigating Gambling Disorder, it will now cover three more behavioral addictions: Internet Gaming Disorder, Compulsive Sexual Behaviour, and Binge Eating Disorder.

The goal is to “harness a window in which the brain is able to make new connections” to create lasting behaviour changes.

The quest to treat addiction

After his brother overdosed in 2019, Timothy Ko founded Entheon Biomedical (ENBI) on his quest to find a better treatment for addiction through psychedelic therapy.

The company is focused on advancing the DMT molecule to treat substance use disorders. It just submitted a regulatory package to an ethics committee for a human clinical trial on healthy smokers, which will be one of the most comprehensive studies of DMT ever.

Entheon has also begun recruiting patients with treatment-resistant depression for a ketamine therapy study, which will be conducted with Heading Health LLC. The study will use an electroencephalography (EEG) headset and genetic screening to:

Understand how ketamine influences brainwave patterns
Investigate how genetic markers influence ketamine response
Explore the effects of music on therapeutic outcomes
Develop a framework for characterizing the psychedelic drug state

Take a psychedelic retreat from your bed

Psychedelic retreats are inaccessible to most due to high costs, length of treatments, and travel restrictions. Who has ten thousand dollars to drop on a week in Jamaica?

That’s why Ei.Ventures is investing (heavily) in the Metaverse.

The company purchased a $2.2M estate in The Sandbox virtual world – the third largest land sale in the Metaverse ever.

The goal?

To provide “wondrous” psychedelic journeys through the Hawaiian islands, or outer space, using VR technology.

Sound like the ideal setting for your next trip?

Filament Health (FH) received Health Canada approval for a psilocybin microdosing study on 100 patients with persistent depression, which will be funded by the Nikean Foundation.

The McQuade Centre for Strategic Research and Development (MSRD), a subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical (one of Japan’s biggest pharma companies), invested $5M in Mindset Pharma to support its drug development.

MindBio Therapeutics is aiming to develop a “smart drug delivery technology” that can use patient data to determine an optimal microdose for each individual.

Compass Pathways’ (CMPS) early psilocybin research was published in The Journal of Psychopharmacology this week. The study suggests that both low and high doses of psilocybin are safe to administer in group settings and do not have negative impacts on thought patterns or processing of emotions.

Psychedelic therapy just got A LOT more accessible for Canadians

Until now, the only way for patients to access psychedelic therapy outside a clinical trial was to apply for a Section 56 exemption and wait months on end to (possibly) receive approval from Health Canada.

Despite six more patients receiving the exemption over the holidays, the system remains flawed.

Thankfully, this Wednesday, Health Canada made an amendment to this thing called the Special Access Program (SAP), which enables healthcare practitioners to request access to drugs that are not yet approved, but have shown promise in clinical trials.

The amendment allows practitioners to request access to psilocybin and MDMA for their patients with serious, life-threatening, or treatment-adverse conditions. And the best part: requests are typically processed in just 1 day! 🎉

While this does not guarantee access for patients, it certainly feels like a big step in the right direction.

To learn more about the amendment, check out TheraPsil’s free webinar on Jan. 19th.

WA pushes for psilocybin sessions for all

Washington State legislators introduced a bill that would legalize supported psilocybin sessions for “nearly any purpose” – no medical diagnosis required.

The experiences would be administered by state-licensed facilitators at licensed service centers or, in some cases, remotely.

Goodbye styrofoam 👋

M2Bio Sciences developed a sustainable alternative to styrofoam out of mushroom mycelium and hemp.

The foamy material, appropriately named Hempcelium, is fully biodegradable and can even remove industrial toxins from groundwater and soil.

Plus, it takes less energy to produce than styrofoam and can be grown into any shape.

Video of the Week

Playlist of the Week

December 31, 2021March 10, 2022

2021 Psychedelics Unwrapped // 2022 Year of the 🍄: issue 30

Hello and welcome back for the final issue of the year.

2021 proved to be a monumental year for the psychedelic sector. We saw more psychedelic research than ever before, and the medicines became widely accepted by the public and mainstream media (we like to think that we helped with that 😉).

In this special issue, we’ll review this year’s top advancements, scientific breakthroughs, and legislation changes that have moved the psychedelic revolution forward.

Whether you’ve been following along since Issue 1 or you’re brand new to the Daily Mushroom Community – thank you for joining us 🧡 We are so grateful that we can use this platform to give psychedelic medicine the attention it deserves.

We’ll see you in the New Year with an exciting announcement!

Don’t miss a Daily Mushroom Podcast!

In 2021, we heard stories from:

The first Canadian to receive legal psilocybin therapy
CEOs of major psychedelic companies
The founder of a ketamine-assisted group therapy workshop
A veteran who cured his pain and PTSD with a (wild) DMT trip
And many more amazing guests

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple ⬇️

MDMA was found to be an extremely promising PTSD treatment

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) conducted the first-ever Phase 3 trial for psychedelic-assisted therapy – and the results were incredible.

Patients with chronic PTSD (many battling the condition for over 20 years) finally found relief after three sessions of MDMA-assisted therapy.

Of the 46 patients, two-thirds no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis and 88% experienced a clinically significant reduction in symptoms after the sessions 👏

Researchers explain that MDMA reduces activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain associated with fear response, allowing patients to process trauma in therapy without becoming overwhelmed.

MAPS expects that MDMA therapy will become FDA-approved in 2023. The non-profit has begun patient enrollment for a second study of similar nature, so stay tuned for the results.

Psilocybin out-performed a leading antidepressant…

A study conducted by Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris at Imperial College London suggests that psilocybin is more effective than antidepressants – and with fewer side effects.

Patients with mild-to-severe depression were given either a daily dose of escitalopram (aka Lexapro) or two doses of psilocybin.

In the psilocybin group:

70% saw at least a 50% reduction in depression scores, with an average decrease of 8.0 points
57% were in remission at week 6, meaning they no longer qualified for a depression diagnosis
Patients were more likely to report improvements in the ability to feel compassion, pleasure, and intense emotion
No patient requested to stop dosing
The most common adverse event was headache

In the escitalopram group:

48% saw at least a 50% reduction in depression scores, with an average decrease of 6.0 points
28% were in remission from depression at week 6
Patients were more likely to experience anxiety, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, and reduced emotional responsiveness
4 patients stopped dosing and 1 halved their dose due to adverse side effects

…and became widely accepted as viable treatment

These magazine covers say it all – just look how far we’ve come!

Research revealed that psychedelics help the brain grow

Yale researchers discovered that psilocybin regrows and strengthens neuronal connections that can be lost due to depression or chronic stress.

Two months later, Algernon Pharmaceuticals (AGN) found that DMT was even more effective at growing neuronal connections, even at sub-hallucinogenic doses 🤯

The formation of new connections could explain why psychedelics are so effective at altering negative thought patterns and fostering positive behaviour change!

Psychedelic research received gov’t funding for first time in 50 years

When the War on Drugs was declared in the 70s, the US federal government stopped funding psychedelic research.

Things changed this September, when Johns Hopkins researcher Dr. Matthew W. Johnson received a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to conduct a psilocybin study on tobacco addiction.

So far, his research has suggested that psilocybin is more than twice as effective at treating addiction than nicotine patches.

The Canadian government also began funding psilocybin research, with a grant given to MYND Life Sciences (MYND) to study depression and neuroinflammation.

Canada expanded access to psilocybin therapy 🇨🇦

Earlier this month, three Canadians gained legal exemptions to access psilocybin therapy to treat mental health conditions. This marked an exciting turning point by expanding access to the treatment beyond end-of-life care.

DMT was fast-tracked in the UK 🇬🇧

In October, Small Pharma’s DMT program for depression was found to be so promising that it was granted an Innovation Passport Designation from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The designation will give Small Pharma access to specialist advice to expedite the drug development process and facilitate patient access to the treatment.

Once approved, DMT could make psychedelic therapy more accessible and affordable because the trip takes just 20 minutes, yet produces long lasting effects!

Microdosing took the world by storm 💊

We saw an explosion of microdosing research this year, including the largest psychedelic study to date, which revealed that microdosers exhibit lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than non-microdosers. Many other intriguing studies have been initiated such as:

Diamond Therapeutics’ study on psilocybin microdoses for healthy volunteers
MindMed’s studies on LSD microdoses for sleep and cognitive function and for ADHD
MindBio Therapeutics’ study on LSD microdoses for cancer-related pain management
Nova Mentis and Mycrodose Therapeutics’ study on psilocybin microdoses for children with autism – the first-ever study investigating psilocybin’s impact on children 😮

Companies around the world jumped on the psychedelic bandwagon

With more and more research confirming the incredible healing power of psychedelics, it’s no surprise that we’ve seen a tremendous amount of capital invested in the sector this year.

At the beginning of the year, there were just a handful of publicly-traded psychedelic companies. Now, there are over 70 public companies working to bring psychedelic medicines to market – some valued at over $1 billion! 🚀

The first-ever psychedelic indexes were launched

In 2021, it became easier than ever to diversify your psychedelic portfolio 🤑

In January, Horizons ETFs Management debuted PSYK on Toronto’s NEO exchange, becoming the first exchange traded fund for psychedelic stocks.

Later in the year, two more ETFs were introduced on US exchanges – Definace ETFs’ PSY, a passive fund, and AdvisorShares’ PSIL, an actively managed fund.

Private investments reached record highs

Private investments in psychedelic companies reached $595M across 45 deals this November — that’s an increase of 66% from last year and 625% higher than in 2019 📈

We saw widespread drug reform across both red and blue states…

Some or all psychedelics were decriminalized in:

More big wins:

Texas and Connecticut passed bills to study the therapeutic potential of psilocybin.
New Jersey successfully reduced the criminal penalties for possession of psilocybin.
The DEA increased production quotas for psilocybin, psilocin, MDMA, and DMT for both 2021 and 2022, allowing more research to be conducted.

We saw widespread drug reform across both red and blue states…

Legislation was filed to decriminalize psychedelics in:

Legislation was filed to promote psychedelic research or legalize therapeutic use in:

December 15, 2021March 10, 2022

MYND Life Sciences Provides Update on Depression Gene Modulation Pathway Patent Application

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 15, 2021 /CNW/ – MYND Life Sciences Inc. (“MYND” or the “Company“) (CSE: MYND) (OTC: MYNDF) is pleased to announce it has completed the National Phase filing of its Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent application, following on previously submitted provisional patent applications that describe: “A Method of Immune Modulation by Modulating a Specific Gene.”

“MYND’s is profoundly different than the majority of the Psychedelics’ sector. We are seeking intellectual property protection through the pursuit of patents by validation of our Intellectual Property through research and development,” stated Dr. Lyle Oberg, MD, CEO of MYND. “As this sector grows and matures and as MYND develops our novel drug development pipeline, the creation of a solid intellectual property portfolio is the key to creating lasting shareholder value. MYND’s ability to obtain patent protection will allow us to move towards the filing of Innovative New Drug (IND) application and approval status.”

According to the World Health Organization, over 300,000,000 people globally suffer from depression and other psychiatric disorders. Major Depressive Disorder and Treatment Resistant Depression have a greater than 50% chance of relapse using conventional methods of treatment. Traditional treatments focus solely on symptom suppression, not the root cause. Covid-19 has accelerated the ongoing mental health crisis around the world. In a June 2020 CDC survey, 31% of US respondents reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, 13% started/increased substance use, 26% reported stress-related symptoms, 11% reported serious thoughts of suicide in preceding 30 days. These numbers are double pre-pandemic levels.

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is an international treaty with more than 150 Contracting States. The PCT makes it possible to seek patent protection for an invention simultaneously in a large number of countries by filing a single “international” patent application instead of filing several separate national or regional patent applications. The granting of patents remains under the control of the national or regional patent offices in what is called the “national phase”. https://www.uspto.gov/patents/basics/international-protection/patent-cooperation-treaty

MYND MARKETING AND INVESTOR RELATIONS AGREEMENTS

MYND has retained Hybrid Financial Ltd. (“Hybrid”) to provide marketing services to the Company. Hybrid has been engaged to heighten market and brand awareness for MYND and to broaden it’s reach within the biotech drug research and development investment community. Hybrid has been engaged for a monthly fee of $22,500 by the Company for an initial period of twelve months, commencing November 16, 2021.

ABOUT MYND LIFE SCIENCES INC.

MYND Life Sciences Inc. is a medical biotech drug research and development company focused on neuro-pharmaceutical and novel psilocybin drug development, diagnostics and vaccines. The Company is advancing pharmaceuticals through rigorous science and clinical trials, while diligently patenting and safeguarding its intellectual property. For more information and to subscribe to MYND’s mailing list, please visit https://myndsciences.com/contact/.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Lyle Oberg, MD, CEO
Email: ir@myndsciences.com
Web: www.myndsciences.com

Forward-Looking Statements

SOURCE Mynd Life Sciences Inc.

December 14, 2021March 10, 2022

Psyched Wellness Hires Del Mahabadi as Digital Marketing Consultant to Drive AME-1 Product Launch

Toronto, Ontario – December 14, 2021 – Psyched Wellness Ltd. (CSE: PSYC) (OTCQB: PSYCF) (FSE: 5U9) (the “Company” or “Psyched“) a life sciences company focused on the production and distribution of artisanal functional and psychedelic mushrooms, is pleased to announce that it has hired Del Mahabadi as Digital Marketing Consultant to drive the launch of the Company’s AME-1 products to market next year.

Ms. Mahabadi is a highly successful marketer and leader with a long track record of helping organizations effectively develop and execute marketing strategies, enabling growth. Her specialties lie in using digital marketing to raise a company’s public profile, increase consumer engagement and develop powerful and profitable ways to further connect with consumers. She has led several creative digital marketing strategies over a variety of industries, including cosmetics, government, and arts and culture.

Ms. Mahabadi holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Ryerson University, a Postgraduate Degree in Communications and Digital Marketing, and a Diploma in Data Science. In addition, she runs a nonprofit organization, supported by Google for Nonprofits, the Federal Government of Canada, and Factor Canada. In 2021, Del was a finalist for the Arts and Cultural Leadership award of the Ontario Arts Council.

Psyched Wellness Chief Commercial Officer, Matthew Singh, commented, “Del joining our team is an integral step as we transition to a CPG entity and bring our AME-1 products to market. She has a wealth of experience creating brands that disrupt the status-quo and then evolve to become household names. Del has facilitated the growth of tincture-based products, like Deciem, and we are eager to learn from her knowledge and experience. We are also excited to launch our new website, product pre-sales, and evolved brand strategy, in the coming weeks.”

Ms. Mahabadi added, “Psyched Wellness is driving innovation in the psychedelic mushrooms industry with the aim of developing products that can help with stress relief, relaxation and restful sleeping. I am delighted to join the Psyched Wellness team at such a pivotal time of growth, and look forward to bringing about change with the launch of our AME-1 products next year.”

For further information, please contact:

Jeffrey Stevens
Chief Executive Officer
Psyched Wellness Ltd.
t: (647) 400-8494
e: jstevens@psyched-wellness.com
Website: http://www.psyched-wellness.com

Investor Contacts:
Tim Regan/Sophia Bashford
KCSA Strategic Communications
t: (347) 487-6788
e: PsychedWellness@KCSA.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Psyched Wellness Ltd.:

Psyched Wellness Ltd. is a Canadian-based health supplements company dedicated to the distribution of mushroom-derived products and associated consumer packaged goods. The Company’s objective is to create premium mushroom-derived products that have the potential to become a leading North American brand in the emerging functional food category. The Company is in the process of developing a line of Amanita muscaria-derived water-based extracts, teas and capsules designed to help with three health objectives: promote stress relief, relaxation and assist with restful sleeping.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words “could”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. The forward-looking information and forward- looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the ability of the Company to develop Amanita Muscaria-derived products; the safety of Amanita Muscaria consumption and the safety and purity of any extracts thereof; and (ii) the uses and potential benefits of Amanita Muscaria.

Forward-looking information in this news release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to continue to develop its mushroom-derived products and associated consumer packaged goods; continued approval of the Company’s activities by the relevant governmental and/or regulatory authorities; and the continued growth of the Company.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the potential inability of the Company to continue as a going concern; risks associated with potential governmental and/or regulatory action with respect to the Company’s operations; competition within the psychedelics market; risks with respect to the safety of Amanita Muscaria consumption and the safety and purity of any extracts thereof; and the risk that there is no potential benefit of Amanita Muscaria consumption.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company’s expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

December 3, 2021March 10, 2022

Want a life-changing psychedelic trip but don’t know where to start?: issue 26

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

🍄 The cure for the worst pain known to humans

🍄 Combining antidepressants and psilocybin

🍄 More positive findings from biggest psilocybin trial

🍄 Psychedelic cream?

🍄 And more.

Be sure to check out this week’s Daily Mushroom podcast:

Why a psychedelic retreat might be the best vacation you’ve ever been on

In this episode of the Daily Mushroom Podcast, we have the CEO of Silo Wellness, Douglas Gordon. Silo Wellness offers legal, psychedelic retreats in Jamaica and Oregon. Their mission is heavily rooted in the education around the physical and mental benefits of mushrooms. We hope you enjoy this one!

Antidepressants + psilocybin

Do patients need to come off of antidepressants before trying psilocybin therapy?

New research from MindMed (MNMD) and Liechti Labs suggests that it’s not necessary – and there are actually benefits of combining the two.

Escitalopram (aka Lexapro) did not affect the way psilocybin was processed and helped reduce negative side effects like anxiety and high blood pressure.

More positive findings from biggest psilocybin trial

COMPASS Pathways (CMPS) announced additional findings from the world’s largest psilocybin trial for depression.

In addition to reduced depression scores, patients showed improvements in anxiety, daily functioning, cognition, and quality of life. Just one day after the treatment, patients had increased positive feelings such as “interested, excited, strong” and decreased negative feelings like “distressed, upset, afraid.”

Psychedelic cream

Psycheceutical Inc., a private Florida company, is developing a unique way to deliver psychedelics – through a cream or patch applied to the back of the neck. This method allows psychedelics to enter the brain in just 5-10 minutes without entering the bloodstream, which reduces negative side effects.

Participate in psychedelic research from your phone!

Quantified Citizen is a platform made in collaboration with Paul Stamets to accelerate health research. It allows anyone to participate in studies anonymously from their phone.

The platform was used to conduct the world’s largest mobile microdosing study, which revealed that microdosers exhibit lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

It’s not too late to participate – download the app here to join the study!

Curing the worst pain known to humans

For years, Brad Badelt suffered from debilitating cluster headaches (which are often called “suicide headaches” and described as the worst pain known to humans.

After seeing countless neurologists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and naturopaths, he would still experience the horrible headaches several times a day for weeks on end.

After taking one dose of shrooms, things finally changed.

“When I woke the next morning, I felt different: the mental fog brought on by my cluster headaches was gone. For the next twelve months, I remained headache free. Every year since, I’ve downed a dose of shrooms, and every year my cluster headaches have remained in remission.”

Want a life-changing psychedelic trip but don’t know where to start?

The Wakeful Integration Journal is your guide to transformation.

It’s the ultimate tool to help you prepare for, navigate, and deeply integrate your psychedelic experiences. The journal features:

Prompts to discover your intentions and reflect on your trip
Dose tracking
Tips to support you along the journey
Colouring pages to unlock your creativity

If you want to start with microdosing rather than a full-on trip, the Wakeful Intention Journal is for you! It guides you through a 6-week microdosing protocol and helps you set intentions, notice patterns, and integrate your insights.

Support the Kickstarter here to receive a journal and begin your transformation journey!

The Canadian government is funding psychedelic research!

MYND Life Sciences (MYND) received $45,600 in government funding to support a psilocybin research project on treatment resistant depression and neuroinflammation. The project will run now until March 2022.

Novamind (NM) partnered with Bienstar Wellness to develop the first network of integrative mental health clinics in Latin America. The companies plan to bring psychedelic medicine to Uruguay, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Panama.

PharmaTher (PHRM) was granted a Japanese patent for KETBET, a combination of ketamine and betaine anhydrous that can be used for various mental health and pain disorders. Betaine anhydrous enhances the antidepressant effect of ketamine while reducing the side effects.

Telescope Innovations (TELI) acquired the rights to the University of British Columbia’s research on synthetic psilocybin in exchange for 1M common shares at $0.99 each.

Bright Minds Biosciences (DRUG) announced that its drug discovery program has synthesized hundreds of patentable psychedelic compounds. Researchers are optimizing the most encouraging molecules and aim to announce the lead molecule early next year.

Shanti Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Global Wellness (GWS), is awaiting ethics committee approval to conduct one of the first studies on MDMA for pain management.

These companies announced their financial highlights:

Here’s what you missed in the legal world:

New Zealand is legalizing drug testing so users can check the purity of illegal substances. The services will be available at events like concerts and festivals. Read more…

The DEA is once again increasing the production quotas of these psychedelic drugs for 2022:
- Psilocybin increased from 3,000 to 8,000 grams
- Psilocin increased from 2,000 to 3,000 grams
- MDMA increased from 3,200 to 8,200 grams
- DMT increased from just 250 to 3,000 grams

The new limits will allow more researchers to study the drugs! Read more…

A Florida Rep. filed a bill to decriminalize all illegal substances and implement rehabilitative health intervention or civil fines instead. Read more…

Eco-friendly funerals

A startup in the Netherlands is making biodegradable “living coffins” out of mushroom mycelium!

Not only do the coffins enrich the soil, but they allow “people to become one with nature again.”

After months of testing, the first funeral using a mushroom coffin was a success.

Bob Marley mushrooms 🇯🇲

Silo Wellness (SILO) launched a line of functional mushroom products in collaboration with Bob Marley’s family!

The Marley One line features:

One Mind: A coffee-flavored blend of lion’s mane and gingko biloba designed to improve focus and cognitive function.
One Flow: A peppermint-flavored blend of cordyceps and ginseng designed to enhance physical endurance and mental function.
One Harmony: A mango-flavored blend of chaga and ginger designed to stimulate gut health and improve digestion.
One Body: A berry-flavored blend of turkey tail and astragalus designed to support immune health.
One Rest: A vanilla-flavored blend of reishi and GABA designed to help reduce tension and stress and improve quality of sleep.

Use promo code DAILYMUSHROOM20 to get 20% off!

Industry Quick Hits

Nov 29 – Numinus (NUMI) Develops Proprietary Psychedelic Tests with New Toxicity and Potency Scans Read more…

Nov 29 – atai Life Sciences (ATAI) Increases its Ownership Position in COMPASS Pathways (CMPS) Read more…

Nov 30 – Cybin (CYBN) Announces FDA IND and IRB Approvals for Clinical Trial to Treat Frontline Clinicians with COVID-Related Distress Read more…

Dec 2 – Ketamine One (MEDI) Partners with Cognetivity Neurosciences in Collaborative Clinical Study on Depression and PTSD Read more…

Dec 2 – Tryp Therapeutics (TRYP) Receives Confirmation from FDA to Proceed with Phase 2a Study in Fibromyalgia Read more…

Nov 26 – Delic Corp’s (DELC) Ketamine Wellness Centers Opening Salt Lake City & Reno Locations Read more…

Video of the Week

Playlist of the Week

November 30, 2021March 10, 2022

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