Your relatives 🤬 Christmas 🎄 and Psychedelics 🍄: issue 27

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

🍄 First psychedelic studies program in Canada

🍄 How to cure depression in two hours 🤯

🍄 Psilocybin works twice as well as nicotine patches!

🍄 Two stock that could quadruple in price 📈

🍄 And more.

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

Can DMT really help cure addiction?

In this episode of the Daily Mushroom Podcast, we have David Mayoh, communication manager for Entheon Biomedical. David talks about how psychedelic therapy changed his life and how DMT can help those who are suffering from addiction.

How to cure depression in two hours

GH Research (GHRS) discovered that the most powerful psychedelic, 5-MeO-DMT (aka toad venom), is highly effective at curing treatment-resistant depression.

Out of eight patients, seven were in remission from depression just one day after receiving the company’s proprietary formulation, and five of those were in remission in as little as two hours. 

All eight patients showed improved depression scores, with an average reduction of 76%. 

Psilocybin works twice as well as nicotine patches!

Dr. Matthew Johnson’s research found that 59% of nicotine-addicted patients remained abstinent from smoking for 12 months after receiving a single macrodose of psilocybin. Only 28% of patients on a nicotine patch remained abstinent for the same time period.

His other research shows that multiple psilocybin doses can have an 80% success rate!

Psychedelics → spirituality → emotional regulation → happiness

A recent survey shows that spirituality increases with psychedelic use, and that increased spirituality is linked to improved emotional regulation. The findings suggest that better emotional regulation is associated with decreased scores for depression, anxiety, and disordered eating.

Reboot your brain 

Marcus Capone, a former Navy SEAL who was battling PTSD, finally got his life back after travelling to Mexico for an ibogaine treatment. 

He instantly felt like a huge weight had been lifted, as if his brain “was rebooted like a new operating system.”

“You can’t hide from the medicine. It’s going to reach down and it’s going to pull out everything that is affecting you,” he explains.

Ibogaine is a psychedelic substance found in the root  bark of the iboga tree! Learn more here.

The first psychedelic studies program in Canada

This semester, the University of Ottawa launched a three-course “microprogram” on Psychedelics and Spirituality. The school will offer a master’s program in psychedelics in the fall of 2022 and aims to develop a Ph.D. program after that!

Why?

“I was getting emails almost on a daily basis from people who wanted to know how they could become psychedelic therapists,” said Dr. Monica Williams, who created the program.

US government studies ibogaine

Delix Therapeutics, a private Boston-based company, is partnering with The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to develop a treatment for substance abuse. The partnership will evaluate Delix’s non-hallucinogenic formulation of ibogaine, which has already shown promise of reducing alcohol- and heroin-seeking behavior.

BetterLife Pharma (BETR) found that its LSD formulation successfully increased exploratory and grooming behaviours in rats, two indicators of an antidepressant effect.

atai Life Sciences (ATAI) launched TryptageniX, a majority-owned joint venture with CB Therapeutics that will focus on discovering new compounds, both psychedelic and non-psychedelic.

Mycotopia Therapies (TPIA) is planning a $360M merger with Ei.Ventures to form PSLY.COM and intends to list on the NASDAQ. The new company would focus on Ei.Ventures’ flagship product Psilly, which combines psilocybin with other plant and fungi extracts for a synergistic effect.

Vine Ventures and MAPS formed a $70M special purpose vehicle called the Regenerative Financing Vine to fund MDMA research for PTSD and promote patient access.

An analyst at H.C. Wainwright predicted that Field Trip Health’s (FTRP) and COMPASS Pathways’ (CMPS) stocks could quadruple in value in the next 12 months! 🤑

GH Research (GHRS) and Numinus Wellness (NUMI) announced their financial highlights.

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Here’s what you missed in the legal world:

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and National Institute On Drug Abuse (NIDA) showed support for Biden’s plan to accelerate research on cannabis and certain psychedelics. The plan would reduce the requirements to research Schedule I substances, making them more similar to the Schedule II requirements. Read more…

 

4,000% of your daily vitamin D

The majority of people are deficient in vitamin D. Mushrooms could provide a solution!

Wild mushrooms are rich in the vitamin, but commercial production (which is often done in the dark) reduces concentration levels.

Scientists discovered that exposing mushrooms to UV radiation can increase vitamin D levels to over 4,000% of your daily value per serving! The exposure also causes mushrooms to produce more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules.

Industry Quick Hits

Dec 6 – Novamind (NM) Opens New Salt Lake City Clinic with Specialized Focus on Substance Use Disorders Read more…

Dec 6 – Mydecine (MYCO) Files Full Patent Application Covering Multiple Families of Psilocin Analogs Read more…

Dec 8 – Ketamine One (MEDI) Adds Seattle Location To US Clinical Network Read more…

Dec 8 – Silo Wellness (SILO) Announces U.S. DTC Eligibility Read more…

Dec 8 – Nue Life announces donations to MAPS and Ketamine Research Foundation  Read more…

Dec 9 – Cannabis company Nextleaf Solutions (OILFF) Receives a Controlled Substance Dealers License Read more…

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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. 

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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…

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Win + Support + Microdose + Covid-19 🍄: issue 25

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

🍄 Results from a global microdosing study

🍄  Ayahuasca vs. placebo

🍄 3D-printed psychedelics

🍄 Can mushrooms fight covid?

🍄 And more.

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

Where Religion And Psychedelics Collide

In this episode of the Daily Mushroom Podcast, we have Peg Peters. Peg is setting up a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy clinic just outside of Vancouver, BC. He discovered psychedelics in his mid 40s, taking a 6g dose of psilocybin mushrooms while accompanied by a therapist. After that experience his career in psychedelics took off!

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Ayahuasca vs placebo

An ayahuasca retreat could make you more empathetic!

In a recent study, participants reported reduced stress, anxiety, and depression after attending an ayahuasca ceremony… even those who were given a placebo. 

However, only the ayahuasca users showed increased empathy.

The supportive group atmosphere could explain why people experienced benefits even without taking ayahuasca. 

Don’t get triggered

Researchers discovered that DOI (a psychedelic that’s similar to LSD and mescaline) can reduce anxiety and increase neural plasticity. Rats stopped showing anxious behaviours in response to fear triggers after a single dose!

How psychedelic ceremonies change your beliefs

A survey of ~900 psychedelic ceremony attendees revealed that psychedelic use is associated with a decreased belief in materialism, an increase in transcendentalism, and improved mental health. Participants showed more moderate views on metaphysical beliefs after the ceremony rather than extreme stances.

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GIVEAWAY ALERT 🚨

You could win $4,000+ in prizes for supporting legal access to psychedelics!

By becoming a member of the Canadian Psychedelic Association, you can help bring new regulations forward so Canadians in need can receive lifesaving psilocybin treatments.

If that’s not enough, you’ll also be entered to win an incredible prize package including:

  • A scholarship towards a Holos Plant Medicine retreat (Value: $1,500)
  • A 2-night stay at the Sentinel Retreat Centre (Value: $500)
  • A functional mushroom wellness package from Eversio Wellness (Value: $300)
  • 1 of 3 Physiology of Trauma premium masterclass packages from Nectara (Value: $900)
  • And more!

Plus, your membership unlocks tons of other benefits such as conference discounts, exclusive interviews, resources, and media content.

Purchase a membership before December 10th to be entered in the giveaway!

Get ready for a psychedelic TV series coming this summer!

This month’s issue of Los Angeles Magazine features an in-depth cover story on the city’s recent obsession with psychedelics. 

Now, the story is being developed into a drama/comedy series called Psychedelic City (think Silicon Valley meets Limitless).

The writer hopes the show will “wipe away some of the stigmas that have been attached to psychedelics.”

The developers are also creating a Psychedelic City metaverse platform with immersive art, music, and experimental therapies. 

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Biomind Labs (BMND) developed a new way to manufacture psychedelics using 3D printers and lasers. By printing the formulation layer by layer, the company can control exactly when the drug is released and adjust doses for each patient.

LOVE Pharma (LUV) signed a letter of intent to acquire Microdoz Therapy Inc. to accelerate a psilocybin trial for cannabis use disorder. Seems ironic considering that the company also sells THC and CBD oral strips!

Entheon Biomedical (ENBI) has begun testing the stability of its DMT formulation in preparation for a study on nicotine addiction.

PharmaTher (PHRM) applied for an orphan drug designation for a ketamine treatment for a rare seizure condition called Status Epilepticus. If approved, the designation would give the company potential tax credits, grant eligibility, and exclusive marketing rights.

Pasithea Therapeutics (KTTA) began offering an esketamine nasal spray at its UK clinics. It’s one of just three clinics in the UK that have been approved to provide the treatment.

MYND Life Sciences (MYND) began research on its biomarker test that aids in diagnosing multiple sclerosis. There are currently no physical indicators or lab tests that can diagnose the condition.

Researchers are turning to fungi to treat covid!

In an upcoming clinical trial, agarikon and turkey tail mushrooms will be given to covid-positive patients with mild symptoms. Researchers hope that the mushrooms’ antiviral and immune-boosting properties will prevent symptoms from worsening.

In a separate trial, the same blend of mushrooms will be given to subjects while getting vaccinated to see if it can boost antibody levels.

Industry Quick Hits

Nov 22 – Emyria Ltd (EMD) receives $5 million from one of Australia’s largest private investment groups Read more…

Nov 23 – Cybin (CYBN) Awards Grant for Psychedelic Treatment Clinic at Lenox Hill Hospital to Benefit Underserved Communities Read more…

Nov 23 – COMPASS Pathways (CMPS) granted fifth US patent for crystalline psilocybin Read more…

Nov 24 – Seelos Therapeutics (SEEL) Acquires Exclusive License of iX Biopharma’s Proprietary Wafer-Based Ketamine Delivery Platform Read more…

Nov 24 – NeonMind (NEON) Announces Successful Completion Of Pre-IND Consultation With FDA On Clinical Path For Obesity Drug Candidate NEO-001  Read more…

Nov 26 – Numinus (NUMI) Receives Conditional Approval to Graduate to the Toronto Stock Exchange Read more…

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Kids try ketamine in the metaverse: issue 24

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

🍄 Psychedelic therapy enters the Metaverse?!

🍄 Kids try ketamine

🍄 How psychedelics help you manage stress

🍄 Microdosing for a better sleep

🍄 And more.

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

Functional Mushrooms for Health & Nutrition with FreshCap CEO Tony Shields

In the episode of the Daily Mushroom Podcast, we have Tony Shields, CEO of FreshCap. Tony’s knowledge on mushrooms is deep and expansive and stems from a childhood fascination with these magnificent fungi. If you want to learn more about the benefits of functional mushrooms, this podcast is for you.

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How psychedelics help you manage stress

Psychedelic drug users had less psychological distress and more social support during pandemic lockdowns, according to a recent Tilburg University survey. 

Users were more likely to spend time outdoors, maintain healthy diets, meditate, play music, and do yoga. Non-users spent more time watching TV and following COVID news.

Ditch your opioid addiction

A new study found that people who used psychedelics within the past six months were 55% less likely to use opioids daily. 

Can microdosing before bed help you sleep better? 

MindMed (MNMD) launched a study to investigate the effects of microdosing LSD in the morning versus the evening.

Researchers will use digital devices and software to track:

  • Various sleep measures
  • Neuroplasticity
  • Mood
  • Cognitive function
  • Regulation of emotions
  • Quality of life &
  • Immune function

Too much screen time, shopping, or sex? 

Clearmind Medicine’s (CMND) proprietary compound could treat alcohol addiction, but that’s not all. It is now being evaluated to treat other addictive behaviours such as compulsive consumption of food, television, technology, shopping, gambling, and even sex.

Reducing alcohol cravings

A study discovered that psilocybin can reduce the odds of alcohol relapse! 

How does it work? Alcohol reduces a protein in the brain called mGluR2. In a rat model, researchers found that the more protein lost, the more alcohol the rats craved, creating an addictive cycle.

Psilocybin was able to restore protein levels, thus decreasing relapses.

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Psychedelic therapy enters the Metaverse?!

Tennessee-based ketamine company Revitalist (CALM) announced that it’s developing a mental health clinic in the Metaverse 🤯

Patients will be able to attend VR therapy sessions, pay with cryptocurrency, and earn NFTs as part of a rewards program.

Should kids try ketamine?

Most parents think they should! 

A survey shows that parents, especially those who have experienced mental illness, are very open to ketamine therapy for children. The average acceptance score was 7/10 and over 60% said they would allow their child to try ketamine therapy to treat depression. 

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Allied Corp. (ALID) sourced the active ingredients to produce Psilonex™, its formulation of psilocybin, functional mushrooms, and vitamins. It will be used in conjunction with a daily dose of CBD in an upcoming clinical trial on depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Way2Grow Biopharma, a private BC company, received a license from Health Canada to create a psychedelic production campus. The company can produce up to $30 worth of compounds to sell to pharmacies and clinics.

Delic (DELC) launched a free, virtual education program to teach the families of ketamine therapy patients how they can best support their loved ones through the healing journey.

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Suing for access to MDMA

A psychiatrist is suing the Australian state of Victoria for denying a patient access to MDMA-assisted therapy. The case has been adjourned until early next year, as the government may decide to reschedule MDMA from a Schedule 9 to a Schedule 8 substance.

Tackling one of the biggest litter problems in the world!

Researchers in Australia are training oyster mushrooms to digest cigarette butts, including their microplastics. The goal is to turn some of the 4.5 trillion cigarette butts that are littered annually into a reusable material!

Need a brain-boost?

Try FreshCap’s Mushroom Coffee to have the most productive day ever!

Made with organic Lion’s Mane mushrooms to support cognition, immune-boosting Chaga, and stress-relieving Ashwagandha, it’s everything you love about coffee – made even better.

Use promo code DAILY for 10% off your order at FreshCaps.com! 

You’re welcome in advance 😉

Industry Quick Hits

Nov 15 – Lobe Sciences Announces Common Stock to Trade Under the Symbol “LOBEF” in US Markets Read more…

Nov 16 – Michael J. Fox Foundation Donates $2M to Fund Ketamine Trial to Treat Depression in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Read more…

Nov 16 – Ketamine One (MEDI) Subsidiary IRP Health Opens Two New Veteran-Focused Clinics in Comox Valley and Ottawa Read more…

Nov 17 – Pasithea Therapeutics (KTTA) Expands At-Home Ketamine Therapy to New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco Read more…

Nov 19 – Numinus to Begin Trading on the OTC Under Symbol “NUMIF” Read more…

Nov 19 – PsyBio Therapeutics Furthers Intellectual Property Portfolio with Six New Manufacturing Patent Applications Read more…

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Smoke weed with a veteran on DMT: issue 23

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

🍄 How weed influences your trip

🍄 Healing veterans with DMT

🍄 The results from the biggest psilocybin study ever!

🍄 At-home ketamine therapy

🍄 And more.

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

Functional Mushrooms for Health & Nutrition with FreshCap CEO Tony Shields

In the episode of the Daily Mushroom Podcast, we have Tony Shields, CEO of FreshCap. Tony’s knowledge on mushrooms is deep and expansive and stems from a childhood fascination with these magnificent fungi. If you want to learn more about the benefits of functional mushrooms, this podcast is for you.

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The results from the world’s biggest psilocybin trial are in!

COMPASS Pathways’ (CMPS) stock dropped nearly 30% after announcing mixed study findings and Q3 financial results on Monday.

The company conducted a trial on 233 patients to determine the best psilocybin dose for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

All three groups showed improvements the day after receiving the dose. The group with the largest dose had the best results, with 36.7% of patients showing at least a 50% decrease in depression scores and 29.1% in remission at week 3. A quarter of the patients showed sustained improvements until week 12.

Unfortunately, 12 patients experienced serious adverse events such as suicidal ideation or self harm, but these behaviours are common in patients with TRD.

The company is preparing for a larger trial beginning next year.

COMPASS also announced that it lost $15.8 million or $0.38 per share in Q3, an improvement compared to its $1.30 loss per share in Q3 of last year.

Here’s a graph that shows the impact on levels of depression reported by trial patients: 👇🏽

Why ketamine is so effective at preventing suicide

Researchers have known for years that ketamine can reduce depression symptoms and suicidal ideation in as little as 24 hours, but a recent study helps us understand why it’s so beneficial.

The study showed that a single dose of ketamine rapidly improved cognitive function, problem-solving abilities, and distorted thinking in suicidal patients.

“Being able to think more clearly can make someone feel less suicidal,” explains Ravi. N. Shah, MD, one of the researchers.

Ketamine was more effective than Midazolam, a benzodiazepine used as a sedative for surgeries. After the dose, suicidal ideation was diminished for up to 6 weeks.

Treating alcoholism and depression with half the dose

Cybin (CYBN) announced that its psilocybin formulation for depression and alcoholism, CYB003, could be more effective than oral psilocybin.

The company conducted preclinical testing on multiple species of animals. Researchers found that CYB003 has nearly double the brain penetration compared to oral psilocybin, resulting in a 50% reduction in dosage, variability, and onset time.

A smaller dosage has potential to reduce negative side effects such as nausea. The formulation could lead to shorter sessions which would make treatment more affordable!

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Can weed make your trip better?

A bit of weed could make your trip more spiritual and less scary.

A survey of 321 people suggests that using cannabis while on psychedelics increases the odds of mystical experiences, ego deaths, and intense visuals. 

The data also showed that low doses of cannabis reduced the chances of bad trip, whereas high doses increased feelings of fear and insanity.

Healing veterans with DMT

In honour of Veteran’s Day, we’re sharing how a Special Ops veteran cured his chronic pain and PTSD with DMT.

Asher Gibson was diagnosed with PTSD and traumatic brain injury after countless combats across the world. Prescription medications began to dominate his life, so he turned to psychedelic healing.

After smoking DMT, the powerful compound found in ayahuasca, Asher was blasted out of his body and traveled through different dimensions to the beginning of time.

“I remember my whole head being ecstatic and numb, like the most wonderful electrical massage on my brain. The feeling moved down my neck and shoulders and eventually filled my entire body.”

After the trip, Asher’s debilitating neck and shoulder pain was almost non-existent and his mental state subsided to manageable levels. He is no longer dependent on prescription drugs.

“While DMT isn’t the magic button that fixes everything, I believe it’s a powerful guide to help you do the work yourself,” he explains.

To bring this kind of relief to other veterans, consider supporting the Heroic Hearts Project – a non-profit organization that provides ayahuasca retreats for veterans with combat experience or military sexual trauma.

Insurance coverage for ketamine therapy

A major hurdle of making psychedelic therapy accessible to all will be getting the treatment covered by insurance.

That’s why we’re excited to share that Novamind (NM) has secured coverage for ketamine treatments from four major health insurance providers: Blue Cross Blue Shield, the University of Utah, PEHP Health & Benefits and MBA Benefit Administrators!

The company’s Chief Medical Officer says that this a promising signal that insurance providers are interested in more effective mental health treatments as research emerges.

Novamind has also opened a call center dedicated to insurance verification to ensure that patients are approved and reimbursed as quickly as possible.

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Congrats to the top psychedelic companies of 2021!

These leading psychedelic companies were recognized for their accomplishments at Microdose Psychedelic Insights’ Wonderland: Miami – the world’s largest psychedelic business event, ever.

Company of the Year: Cybin Inc. (CYBN)

Psilocybin Company of the Year: MycroDose Therapeutics (private)

Ketamine Company of the Year: Field Trip Health (FTRP)

Ibogaine Company of the Year: MindMed (MNMD)

DMT Company of the Year: Psilera Bioscience (private)

LSD Company of the Year: MindMed (MNMD)

MDMA Company of the Year: MAPS (non-profit)

Platform Company of the Year: MindMed (MNMD)

Drug Development Company of the Year: Awakn Life Sciences (AWKN)

Retreat of the Year: Synthesis

Clinic of the Year: Awakn Life Sciences (AWKN)

B2C Tech Company of the Year: Fireside Project (non-profit)

B2B Tech Company of the Year: MycroDose Therapeutics (private)

Try psychedelic therapy at home in these states

TripSitter Clinic Corp. now offers at-home ketamine therapy in 10 states! 

The company, which is part of Origin Therapeutics’ portfolio, expanded its services to eight new states: Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Washington, Florida, New York, Ohio, and Virginia, in addition to California and Illinois.

Patients can receive a prescription for oral ketamine after a virtual consultation with a physician. They then take the medication at home with virtual guidance, followed by therapy sessions.

This is a promising step toward greater ketamine accessibility. 💪🏼

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Psilocybin production increases 11,900% in 2021

To keep up with the growing demand for psychedelic research, the DEA is yet again increasing the legal production quotas for certain Schedule I substances.

The original proposal for psilocybin was just 50 grams, which increased to 1,500 grams in September. The final quota is now 6,000 grams – a total increase of 11,900%!

Production of both MDMA and DMT increased 6,300% from 50 grams to 3,200 grams.

Industry Quick Hits

Nov 5 – Fluence Raises $1.6M for Psychedelic Therapy Training Read more…

Nov 5 – MAPS and Momentum Events Announce Collaboration on Psychedelic Science 2023 Read more…

Nov 8 – Blackhawk Growth’s (BLR) MindBio Therapeutics Completes Safety Milestone in its Phase 1 Clinical Trials Read more…

Nov 8 – Delic Corp (DELC) Acquisition Of Ketamine Wellness Centers Is Complete Read more…

Nov 8 – NeonMind (NEON) And SRx Health Solutions Announce Strategic Alliance To Establish Specialty Mental Health Clinics For Interventional Psychiatry Treatments Read more…

Nov 9 – MYND Life Sciences (MYND) Executes LOI to Enter into a Clinical Research Collaboration with Revitalist Read more…

Nov 9 – Nova Mentis (NOVA) Files Genetic Neuroinflammatory Disease Patent Read more…

Nov 9 – Herbal Supplement Giant, Irwin Naturals (IWINF), To Enter THC & Psychedelics Industries Read more…

Nov 11 – PharmaTher (PHRM) Announces Positive Research Results for Psilocybin Microneedle Patch Read more…

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Psychedelic music studio changes your attachment style: issue 22

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

🍄 Psychedelic music studio receives $4.5M in funding

🍄 How your attachment style affects your trip

🍄 First-ever study with direct psilocin

🍄 A new helmet to understand the brain

🍄 And more.

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

The DMT Cure for Chronic Pain and PTSD

Kieran, a retired black ops vet who magically cured his neck pain with a wild DMT trip. Kieran talks about being in a constant stress state while serving and how psychedelics help him cope with ongoing PTSD.

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First-ever study with direct psilocin

When psilocybin is consumed, it’s metabolized into psilocin, which is the compound that produces most (or all) of the psychedelic effects.

Will the experience change if psilocin is administered directly?

Filament Health (FH) just received FDA-approval for a first-of-its kind study that will reveal the answer.

The phase I trial at the University of California San Francisco will compare the effects of psilocybin and psilocin in 20 healthy patients. Psilocybin will be administered orally, whereas psilocin will be administered both orally and sublingually, meaning it will be absorbed through tissues under the tongue.

Researchers predict that direct psilocin could result in faster onset times, greater consistency and bioavailability — with fewer side effects.

A faster treatment for depressed moms

Existing treatments for post-partum depression take up to 8 weeks and often separate the mother from her baby for long periods of time, creating even more stress.

Field Trip Health (FTRP) is developing a proprietary psychedelic to change this.

The formulation, FT-104, could be administered in just one day and lasts 2-3 hours shorter than pure psilocybin. The compound leaves the mother’s system in just 24 hours, allowing her to safely breastfeed again.

FT-104 is currently in preclinical evaluation with phase I trials expected to begin in Q1 of next year.

atai accelerates schizophrenia research after promising findings

atai Life Sciences (ATAI) developed a new compound that could help treat cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia.

The compound, RL-007, was tested on a cohort of 8 schizophrenic patients while continuing with their antipsychotic treatments. Using brain mapping and other biomarkers, researchers found that formulation improved cognition by activating receptors linked to learning and memory. 

The findings were so promising that atai decided to spend additional resources to accelerate the compound into a Phase 2a trial, which should be completed by the end of the year.

Ending the PTSD crisis

The lack of effective PTSD treatments is “a crisis,” according to the PTSD Psychopharmacology Working Group. About one in 20 people in the UK suffer from PTSD, and current treatment options are ineffective for 40% of patients.

COMPASS Pathways (CMPS) is launching a phase II trial to see if its psilocybin therapy model for treatment-resistant depression can bring relief to patients with PTSD.

The trial will assess 20 patients who experienced trauma as adults. They will be given a single dose of the psilocybin formulation followed by 12 weeks of therapy protocols.

Researchers will measure the safety of the drug as well as improvements in PTSD symptoms, functionality, and quality of life.

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Psychedelic music studio receives $4.5M in funding

When patients have a positive response to music during psychedelic therapy, they’re more likely to have a mystical experience which can lead to a more effective treatment.

That’s why neuroscientist Dr. Mendel Kaelen co-founded Wavepaths – a music studio that uses AI to create customized music—on the fly—in response to a patient’s emotional state!

The implications of Wavepaths go far beyond psychedelic therapy: hospitals, birth clinics, hospice centers, and schools are showing interest in the technology. It is already being used in 30+ countries and over 5,000 practitioners await its public release.

How your attachment style affects your trip

If you’ve ever struggled with attachment anxiety in your relationships, there’s promising evidence that psilocybin could be an effective treatment:

After undergoing individual therapy, group therapy, and a single psilocybin session, a group of 18 male AIDS survivors showed significantly reduced scores for attachment anxiety – an attachment style characterized by clinginess, fear of abandonment, and difficulty trusting others.

There were no significant changes in attachment avoidance, which is characterized by repressing emotions and discomfort with close relationships.

However, high attachment anxiety scores were associated with a greater chance of mystical experiences, whereas high attachment avoidance scores were linked to grief, fear, physical distress, and paranoia during the trip.

What better way to feel more secure in your relationships than through a trip? 🤩

Old Town Road to success

Lil Nas X was honoured as a visionary at the Wall Street Journal’s Innovator Awards after releasing his latest album, ‘Montero.’ Were magic mushrooms the secret behind his success?

The artist says that his first-ever mushroom trip was a pivotal moment while recording the album. The experience helped him reflect on himself and break free from feelings of self-consciousness.

“I was able to open up a lot. I was able to write actual stories about my life and put it into my music. I actually did that for the first time,” Nas explained.

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A new helmet to understand the brain

The LA-based company Kernel developed a brain-imaging helmet that can track what actually happens in the brain during a psychedelic trip.

The device, Kernel Flow, was just approved by the FDA to be used in a ketamine trial sponsored by Cybin (CYBN).

Researchers will use the helmet to measure the neurological activity of 15 patients during a ketamine therapy session compared to baseline activity.

Kernel Flow is much less expensive than other brain-imaging tools and allows the patients to move freely during the session.

Trip at home with a psychedelic patch

PharmaTher (PHRM) and Revive Therapeutics (RVV) are entering into a research agreement to develop psychedelic patches that could be used at home!

The biodegradable patches will use microneedles to deliver both micro and macrodoses of psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA, LSD, DMT, ibogaine, and mescaline.

PharmaTher is currently studying the effects of the psilocybin microdose patch, with results expected by the end of this month.

The companies aim to create a delivery method that’s safe and convenient enough for patients to administer on their own, without supervision.

PharmaTher (PHRM) and Revive Therapeutics (RVV) are entering into a research agreement to develop psychedelic patches that could be used at home!

The biodegradable patches will use microneedles to deliver both micro and macrodoses of psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA, LSD, DMT, ibogaine, and mescaline.

PharmaTher is currently studying the effects of the psilocybin microdose patch, with results expected by the end of this month.

The companies aim to create a delivery method that’s safe and convenient enough for patients to administer on their own, without supervision.

Creating a myriad of drugs with AI

Using an AI drug discovery program, Mydecine (MYCO) successfully added a novel psilocin analogue with improved delivery and stability to its pipeline.

The AI technology synthesizes billions of drug candidates and filters them based on psychedelic-related targets such as how they bind to receptors.

Mydecine also filed a patent for nanoemulsion technology. Nanoemulsion can:

  • help the company develop compounds inspired by traditional plant medicines such as reishi and cordyceps mushrooms
  • improve control in delivery, which is critical in microdosing and customizing dosages
  • advance development of over-the-counter consumer products
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Detroit decriminalizes psychedelics!

With a 61% to 39% win, Detroit became the fourth city in Michigan to widely decriminalize possession and therapeutic use of psychedelics.

Over 80% voted to establish a reparations committee that will address historical discrimination against Black communities through housing and economic development programs.

Industry Quick Hits

Oct 29 – Oppenheimer initiates COMPASS Pathways (CMPS) with a buy rating and $50 price target Read more…

Oct 29 – Braxia Scientific (BRAX) Announces Voting Results from the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders Read more…

Nov 1 – Blackhawk Growth’s (BLR) MindBio Therapeutics Looks to Expand Microdosing Clinical Trials Read more…

Nov 1 – Algernon Pharmaceuticals (AGN) reports positive pre-clinical data on DMT candidate to treat stroke Read more…

Nov 1 – Small Pharma (DMT) reports second quarter highlights Read more…

Nov 2 – Braxia Scientific (BRAX) Graduates First Cohort of Medical Professionals From Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Training Program Read more… 

Nov 2 – U.S. FDA Approves Nova Mentis (NOVA) Orphan Drug Application Read more…

Nov 2 – Tryp Therapeutics (TRYP) Submits IND Application for Phase 2a Clinical Trial in Fibromyalgia Read more…

Nov 3 – Amanita Muscaria Mushroom Successfully Added to the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database (NHPID) of Canada Read more…

Nov 4 – Awakn Life Sciences (AWKN) Announces The Findings From Phase II A/B Study Are To Be Published In American Journal Of Psychiatry Read more…

Nov 5 – Novamind (NM) Reports FY2021 Financial Results and Operating Highlights Read more…

Nov 5 – NeonMind (NEON) Biosciences Named As A Top Industry Innovator In Inaugural Issue Of Psychedelia Magazine Read more…

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A better way to get drunk: issue 21

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

🍄 The future of psychedelics, according to an expert

🍄 A better way to get drunk

🍄 A first-of-its-kind severe anxiety study

🍄 The race for a dementia treatment

🍄 And more.

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

The DMT Cure to Chronic Pain and PTSD

Kieran, a retired black ops vet who magically cured his neck pain with a wild DMT trip. Kieran talks about being in a constant stress state while serving and how psychedelics help him cope with ongoing PTSD.

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A better way to get drunk

This psychedelic makes you feel drunk. Could it be used to treat alcoholism?

5-Methoxy-2-aminoindane (MEAI) is a synthetic molecule that simulates the euphoric feeling of alcohol while reducing the desire to drink.

Pre-clinical studies conducted by Clearmind Medicine Inc. (CMND) show promising evidence that MEAI could treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) and binge drinking. Clinical trials are expected to begin in the second half of 2022. 

The company just signed a development and supply agreement with Aragen Life Sciences to manufacture the molecule.

First-of-its-kind study on severe anxiety

Monash University just got the go-ahead to conduct a first-of-its-kind study!

Yesterday, the Australian university received ethics approval for a triple-blinded, active-placebo-controlled study that will investigate psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for severe Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Researchers are looking to recruit 72 patients for the study, which will be conducted in partnership with Incannex Healthcare Ltd (IHL).

The therapists facilitating the study will have the option to undergo their own psilocybin session to better understand what the patients will experience.

Does neuroplasticity benefit healthy people too?

Psychedelics clearly have a huge impact on people with mental health issues, but how do they impact people who are already mentally healthy? A new research project at University College London will give us more insights!

After two years of planning, the university is launching the “Understanding Neuroplasticity Induced by Tryptamines” or UNITy Project.

UNITy Project will use fMRI scans, eye-tracking, and experience sampling to understand how the naturally functioning brain responds to various tryptamines (psychedelics that bind to serotonin receptors, such as psilocybin).

The first study will evaluate how DMT affects language processing, sensory processing, and memory in both healthy participants and heavy drinkers, and if neuroplasticity drives the results.

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The future of psychedelics, according to this pioneering researcher

Rick Doblin, a pioneering psychedelic researcher and activist, made some interesting predictions about the future of psychedelics in the US:

  • MDMA will be FDA-approved by the end of 2023, with psilocybin following a year or two after.
  • By 2023 or 2024, there will be 6000+ psychedelic therapy clinics (there are currently about 1000). Every town with a hospice center will have enough demand for a psychedelic clinic.
  • By 2030, one million MDMA therapy sessions will have been administered by 25,000 trained therapists.
  • A licensed legalization model could be implemented around 2035 in which patients can earn a license to use psychedelics outside the clinic once undergoing a supervised session.

Doblin is hopeful that the tremendous impacts on mental health will result in a spiritualized society that “has finally come to the point of embracing global thinking, global humanity, and dealt with economic inequity.”

Donation heals traumatized children

“We’re all traumatized children running around in adult bodies, and (psychedelic) medicines can help us all,” according to venture capitalist Sanjay Singhal.

That’s why his charity donated $5 million to launch The Nikean Psychedelic Psychotherapy Research Centre at Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN).

The centre will study psilocybin therapy as a treatment for terminally-ill patients, patients with body dysmorphia, families who have lost a child, and grieving caregivers. It will also study 5-MeO-DMT as a PTSD treatment and will train therapists to administer psychedelic therapy.

Singhal, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his 30s, was inspired to fund psychedelic research after a psilocybin trip helped him break down his emotional walls and fix his relationships.

Can shrooms make you a better leader?

Magic mushrooms may have been the key to this NHL legend’s success.

Mark Messier, the only NHL player to lead two different teams to Stanley Cup championships, said that a magic mushroom trip at age 19 sparked his interest in spirituality and the power of the mind.

“I had no idea the mind was that powerful. Obviously it turned out to be an amazing experience, but more important was the question afterwards: wow, how can I use my mind to empower myself to be a better player, to be a better person, to have more energy, to create a better aura?”

The trip inspired Messier to learn about Eastern philosophies, Buddhism, Indigenous spirituality, and meditation, which had a major influence on him both as a player and a leader.

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Tripping on an island to help frontline workers

Cybin (CYBN) is sending therapists on a psychedelic retreat so they can learn how to provide support to frontline healthcare workers.

Clinical trial facilitators will head to a small island in Washington to be trained on Cybin’s new EMBARK therapy model and gain experiential knowledge of psychedelics. The EMBARK model combines aspects of several psychotherapy models and incorporates patients’ spiritual experiences, bodily experiences, and relationships into the healing process.

The retreat will prepare the facilitators for an upcoming clinical trial at the University of Washington that aims to treat healthcare workers suffering from COVID-related distress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Optimizing the DNA of plant medicines 

Delic Labs of Delic Corp (DELC) is partnering with GT Research Inc. to help mushroom and cannabis producers optimize their products. 

Through the deal, Delic Labs will use DNA analysis to evaluate the commercial value of different cannabis and psychedelic mushroom strains based on certain gene traits. The services will help Canadian producers optimize their compounds through genetic engineering to produce more effective plant medicines.

Which company will develop a dementia treatment first?

If treatments don’t improve, the number of Americans battling Alzheimer’s is expected to nearly triple by 2050 — reaching $1.1 trillion in care costs.

Fortunately, two more companies joined the race to develop a new treatment using psychedelics!

On Tuesday, MYND Life Sciences (MYND) acquired IP rights from Cava Healthcare Inc. for dementia treatments using psilocybin and other psychedelics. It received the assets in exchange for 450,000 shares at $0.85 each, plus $120,000 and an annual royalty fee.

Silo Pharma Inc. (SILO) also joined the race this week through a sponsored research agreement. The company will work with Columbia University to develop a psychedelic treatment that could halt or reverse Alzheimer’s.

Researching ADHD treatments in Korea

These companies are joining forces to develop unique treatments for a range of debilitating conditions.

Agtech Global International Inc. (AGGL) and  KRTL Biotech Inc. are partnering to develop CBD and psilocybin-based medicines to treat conditions like ADHD, pain from cancer, autism, PTSD, depression, and addiction.

The agreement will leverage KRTL’s team of researchers in the US and Korea, where they have already received the Korean equivalent of FDA approval to study the compounds.

Several other companies are supporting the research project including Here To Serve Holding Corp. (HTSC) and Pervasip Corp. (PVSP).

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Here’s what you missed:

  • Next Tuesday, Detroit will vote on a bill to decriminalize possession and therapeutic use of entheogens including psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, and peyote. Read more…
  • A DC non-profit called The Plant Medicine Coalition issued $50K in grants to community organizations that promote psychedelic education and reform thanks to donations from Dr. Bronner’s soap company. Read more…
  • Dr. Bronner’s is also funding a lobbyist group that’s working to legalize psilocybin for therapeutic uses in Connecticut. Read more…

Industry Quick Hits

Oct 25 – HAVN Life (HAVN) Announces Departure Of Rick Brar As Director Read more…

Oct 26 – Nova Mentis (NOVA) Earns Psilocybin Orphan Drug Designation in Europe for Fragile X Syndrome Read more…

Oct 27 – Mindset Pharma (MSET) Reports Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update Read more…

Oct 27 – PharmaTher (PHRM) Provides Business Update and Releases Financial Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2022 Read more…

Oct 28 – Blackhawk Growth’s (BLR) Subsidiary MindBio Therapeutics Appoints Patrick Moher as Advisor Read more…

Oct 28 – Greenbrook TMS (GTMS) Announces Dates For Its Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results Read more… 

Oct 28 – MYND Life Sciences (MYND) Announces Appointment of New Director Read more…

Oct 29 – Blackhawk Growth (BLR) Files Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021 Financial Reports Read more…

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Autistic children try microdosing at a psychedelic farmer’s market: issue 20

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

🍄Autistic children try microdosing

🍄 Group psychedelic therapy cures depression

🍄 Psychedelic farmer’s markets?

🍄 DMT granted innovative medicine designation

🍄 And more.

You’ll want to stay till the end to learn how someone found enlightenment on a trippy hike.

(Did a good friend forward this to you? If so be sure to subscribe here)

Be sure to check out this week’s Daily Mushroom podcast:
The Truth About Psilocybin and the Brain

Julia Joyes is a neuroscientist and research director at TheraPsil, a leading non profit organization making a difference to mental health in Canada. In this episode, we take a closer look at psilocybin’s impact on the brain. 

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The first study investigating psilocybin’s impact on children

According to preclinical research conducted by Nova Mentis (NOVA), psilocybin has potential to reduce anxiety in autistic patients and could improve cognitive function in patients with fragile x syndrome (FXS), a genetic condition that causes learning impairments.

Now, the company is forming a joint venture with Mycrodose Therapeutics to accelerate R&D into the treatment. The partnership will use Mycrodose Therapeutics’ patented systems to deliver a self-administered and non-invasive microdose.

The joint venture plans to conduct human clinical trials on a broad range of patients with FXS and autism, including pediatric patients. This will be the first study investigating psilocybin’s impact on children.

Group psychedelic therapy cures depression!

On Tuesday, Compass Pathways (CMPS) received a US patent for COMP360, its proprietary formulation of crystalline psilocybin. On Wednesday, the company announced positive findings from an open-label study using the formulation to treat depression in cancer patients.

Thirty patients were administered COMP360 in group therapy sessions of two to four people. Twenty-four people experienced at least a 50% reduction in depression symptoms within three weeks of treatment, which was sustained at week eight, and fifteen people were in total remission from depression.

The average depression score dropped from 25.9 to just 6.8!

The company notes that the study was not blinded or placebo-controlled, so the findings are subject to expectancy bias, but the results show promise that both COMP360 and group therapy models are effective.

Trip your way to a healthier lifestyle

Psychedelics improve mental health, but can that translate into better physical health too?

A recent study found that people who have tried psychedelics at least once in their life had a 23% lower chance of heart disease and a 12% lower chance of diabetes in the past year.

Other research indicates that psychedelic use is tied to healthier lifestyle choices such as increased exercise, reduced smoking and alcohol consumption, and a balanced diet.

Researchers also theorize that psychedelics could stimulate brain receptors that are linked to both mental and cardiometabolic health.

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DMT receives innovative medicine designation

DMT-assisted therapy could be approved in the UK sooner than expected!

Yesterday, Small Pharma (DMT) received an Innovation Passport Designation for its DMT-assisted therapy program for depression – a status given to promising medicines to expedite development. The passport gives the company access to the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) to reduce time to market and facilitate patient access to the treatment.

The designation is essentially the UK’s version of a Breakthrough Therapy Designation, which the FDA granted to Compass Pathways (CMPS) and Usona Institute in 2018 and 2019, respectively, for their psilocybin-assisted therapy programs.

Small Pharma also launched a Phase 2a clinical trial for DMT-assisted therapy on Tuesday and began trading on the OTCQB market on Wednesday under the symbol “DMTTF”.

The largest psychedelic event in history

Curious about the latest advancements in psychedelic medicine, psychedelic retreats, microdosing, or the role of technology in the psychedelics sector? Then you won’t want to miss Microdose HQ’s Wonderland: Miami – the largest psychedelic medicine business event to date!

The two-day event on Nov. 8-9 will have keynote presentations from some of the biggest names in the psychedelic sector including including Robin Carhart-Harris, Matthew W. Johnson, Rick Doblin, and David Nutt.

(Mike Tyson and Lamar Odon will also share their experiences with psychedelic healing!)

The speakers will cover a vast range of unique topics: 

  • Shamanic protocols for making investment decisions…
  • Psychedelics and sports…
  • The threat of corporate domination in the industry…
  • And more.

Get your your ticket or virtual access pass here!

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Be an early investor 🤑

Want to be an early investor in a psychedelics company? Now’s your chance!

Ei.Ventures is currently looking to raise $50M through a Regulation A+ Framework – a type of offering that allows the general public, not just institutional or accredited investors, to buy shares in a company before it goes public.

“I’m really passionate about democratizing investment opportunities so any investor can reap the rewards, and take all of the risks of early investment in game-changing companies,” said David Nikzad, the company’s founder, who was an early investor in Airbnb , Betterment, and Vidyard.

Ei.Ventures is developing a transdermal psilocybin patch and is preparing to launch a functional mushroom line early next year. Shares are selling for $4.94 each with a minimum purchase of 101 shares, and the company has already raised $20M. Take advantage of the offer here.

The world’s biggest psychedelic therapy provider

Field Trip Health (FTRP) just got one step closer to reaching its goal of running 75 psychedelic therapy clinics by 2024.

The company opened three new treatment centers in Seattle, Vancouver and Fredericton. It now administers ketamine-assisted therapy at eight clinics across North America and one in Amsterdam.

The treatment is proving to be effective with clients’ depression scores dropping from an average of 17 (severe) to 6 (mild) and benefits lasting at least 120 days.

74 studies on 50 compounds 🤯

This week, Cybin Inc. (CYBN) completed its 74th preclinical study to advance its proprietary molecules, CYB003 and CYB004, toward clinical research.

The company has evaluated 50 novel compounds in its preclinical research, narrowing it down to four lead candidates. including CYB003 for alcohol use disorder and CYB004 for anxiety disorders.

Compared to classic psychedelics, the formulations are showing:

  • Faster onset times
  • Shorter durations
  • High oral bioavailability
  • Significant brain penetration, and
  • Less variability between subjects

Human clinical trials are expected to begin early next year to work toward an Investigational New Drug (IND) status.

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Psychedelic farmer’s markets coming to Cali!

Oakland could legalize the sale of psychedelics as early as next year!

The city decriminalized the use and cultivation of many psychedelics back in 2019, and now, activists are building on their progress with a “Go Local” Legislative Initiative. The initiative would create a community-based model to allow people to legally purchase natural psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca from local producers.

The initiative will gather research on how best to implement the model over the next year and will introduce a legislation in the summer of 2022.

Some possible reforms being considered include allowing commercial agriculture in residential zones, creating “sacred plant adult farmer’s market permits,” and allowing cannabis dispensaries with 100% local ownership to sell entheogens, among many others.

All products would have to be grown, produced, and tested locally.

Another unanimous win 🎉

After yet another unanimous vote, Easthampton became the fourth city in Massachusetts to decriminalize possession and cultivation of psychedelics!

Will this European island legalize shrooms?

Malta may legalize cannabis, but residents don’t want the reforms to stop there.

In a recent survey, 447 people in Malta were asked if they think the country should legalize any other substances beyond cannabis. Magic mushrooms was the most popular response with 45% in favour of its legalization.

LSD was the next most common response at 27%, but 56% did not see a need for any other drugs to be legalized.

Industry Quick Hits

Oct 18 – Johns Hopkins Receives $4M from the NIH – The First Federal Grant for Psychedelic Research in 50 years Read more…

Oct 19 – FSD Pharma (HUGE) Signs Agreement With Covar Pharmaceuticals To Support The Development Of Lucid-Psych Read more…

Oct 19 – Psyched Wellness (PSYC) says preliminary data reveals potential new functional property of Amanita mushroom for treating skin conditions Read more…

Oct 19 – Bank Of America Shuts Down Account Of Cannabis & Psychedelics Research Institute Registered With DEA Read more…

Oct 19 – atai Life Sciences (ATAI) Launches atai Impact, a Philanthropic Program to Harness the Power of Innovative Mental Health Approaches for Positive Social Change Read more…

Oct 20 – Tryp Therapeutics (TRYP) Reports Clinical Hold on Proposed Phase 2a Study in Eating Disorders Read more… 

Oct 20 – LOVE Pharma (LUV) Announces Development of Muco-Adhesive Sublingual Psilocybin Strip Read more…

Oct 21 – Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Publishes New COVID-19 Suicide Research Led by Braxia Scientific (BRAX) CEO Dr. Roger McIntyre Read more…

Oct 22 – Novamind (NM) Unveils Stealth Mode Investment in Alto Neuroscience Read more…

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Hey ladies, get those butterflies back with MDMA: issue 19

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

🍄 Preventing depression legally

🍄 Inhaling shrooms?

🍄 The cure for low sex drive

🍄 Why your employer should let you do drugs

🍄 And more.

You’ll want to stay till the end to learn how someone found enlightenment on a trippy hike.

(Did a good friend forward this to you? If so be sure to subscribe here)

Be sure to check out this week’s Daily Mushroom podcast:
Psychedelic medicines could hold a promise never seen before in mental healthcare

In this episode we have Dave Philips, a registered clinical counselor who has integrated psychedelic therapy into his practice. Dave talks about how he is training the next generation of psychedelic counselors and how he started in this extraordinary field.

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How to prevent depression legally

Even non-psychedelic mushrooms could lower your risk of depression!

Researchers from the Penn State College of Medicine collected data from 24,000 Americans and discovered that those who ate mushrooms had a lower chance of being depressed.

Mushrooms are the highest dietary source of ergothioneine, an antioxidant that may prevent mental illnesses by reducing oxidative stress protecting against cell damage. 

While the study didn’t factor in different types of mushrooms, white buttons are believed to ease anxiety and Lion’s Mane can promote neurogenesis which may prevent mental disorders.

Therapy is hard…but drugs help!

Patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) often struggle with concentration, mood and motivation, which can make therapy challenging or unsuccessful. Can psilocybin’s immediate mood-boosting effect enhance engagement in therapy?
 
Monash University is seeking funding from the Australian government for a proposed 2b clinical trial that would reveal the answer.
 
The study would use proprietary biomarker technology developed by MYND Diagnostics Inc., a subsidiary of MYND Life Sciences (MYND), to monitor blood indicators of the subjects’ response, progress, and any relapsing to the psilocybin treatments. If successful, a multi-site phase 3 adaptive trial would follow within a year of completion to get psilocybin-assisted therapy approved by the Therapeutic Goods Association.

Never leave home without your inhaler 😉

Cybin Inc. (CYBN) developed a new device that delivers psychedelic medicine through inhalation.

Inhaling psychedelics could be superior to oral administration, as it could result in optimized session timing, lower doses, and greater control for healthcare providers.

The company filed an international patent application for the method and the device, which has potential to gain coverage in 153 countries.

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Is MDMA the Viagra for women?

A Vancouver company called LOVE Pharma (LUV) wants to promote mental and sexual wellness with its growing product line. 

The company recently launched two products (a CBD oral strip and a clitoral stimulation gel) and has exclusive rights to a total of seven novel therapeutic products. It’s currently developing a biosynthetic psilocybin strip using the IP from the CBD strip.

On Tuesday, the company was listed on  the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “G1Q0”.

In other sexual wellness news, Mind Cure Health (MCUR) recently launched a research program to treat female hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a disorder involving low sex drive and emotional distress, with MDMA-assisted therapy.

How shrooms are saving the butterflies!

An eye-opening psychedelic journey inspired this former Navy SEAL save the butterflies while helping veterans cope with trauma.

Mark Matzeldelaflor founded a nonprofit called Guardian Grange after a magic mushroom trip showed him the healing power of nature.

“I just reconnected to nature and my past, where I was like a kid in the woods. And I realized there’s so much healing in being outside in nature, getting your hands in the dirt and doing good work,” he said.

The organization provides a safety net for veterans where they can learn about conservation, sustainability and regenerative agriculture while transitioning back to civilian life. Its first major initiatives is to build a preserve for Western monarch butterflies, which have had a 99.9% population decline in California.

Why your employer should let you do drugs

Psych’s third annual report on psychedelic medicine revealed some interesting findings.

According to a survey of 440 healthcare professionals working in various fields, two thirds said they were excited about psychedelics as medicines. Of those who’ve personally tried the drugs for therapeutic or spiritual purposes, 83% were in favour of psychedelic medicine.

Consumers also showed a positive view of psychedelics, with about two thirds supporting medical legalization and 38% noting that someone they know would benefit from psychedelic therapy. When asked which psychedelic they would want to try in therapy, psilocybin and salvia were the most popular choices.

The report also showed that psychedelic therapy could save employers US$64 billion in Europe and US$270 billion in America due to fewer sick days and increased productivity.

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New advisor supports expansion into psychedelic treatments

Blackhawk Growth Corp. (CSE:BLR) (CNSX:BLR.CN) (Frankfurt:0JJ) is accelerating its expansion into psychedelic and mental health treatments with a new addition to its team.

Yesterday, Blackhawk appointed Dr. Lahiru Russell, the founder and chief scientist of Digital Health Technologies, as the company’s medical advisor. Using her 10+ years of experience in clinical trials and psycho-oncology research, Dr. Russel is developing a mindfulness-based intervention platform that will help patients regulate their emotions and thoughts to reduce negative mental health conditions.

Blackhawk’s subsidiary, MindBio Therapeutics, will be able to utilize Dr. Russel’s IP in its microdosing research through a commercialization agreement with Digital Mind Technology, which was established last month.

MindBio will also utilize Google Cloud’s “Health Care Solutions” to recruit, enroll, and engage with patients in its internal clinical trials and to accelerate drug development.

A new subsidiary to tackle depression

atai Life Sciences (ATAI) and Chymia LLC launched a new company to offer individualized care for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

The company, PsyProtix, takes a precision psychiatry approach – an emerging method that treats illnesses based on each patient’s genetic, metabolic, environmental, and lifestyle variability.

The platform should allow patients to be diagnosed and treated faster and more effectively than when following protocols designed for the majority.

Measuring brain penetration?

Mindset Pharma (MSET) is rapidly expanding its pipeline thanks to advancements made by its Co-operative Psychedelics Evaluation (COPE) program, which aims to develop preclinical benchmark data for psychedelic medicines.

Researchers established standard pharmacokinetic, brain penetration, and drug discrimination data and protocols for psilocybin, LSD, and 5-MeO-DMT. The company also developed procedures to determine concentrations of the drugs in plasma, brain, and cerebral spinal fluid.

These finding, which were gathered in collaboration with InterVivo Solutions, will help drug developers understand how compounds interact with the body. Mindset will commercialize the data by making it available to other InterVivo clients.

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Another win for California

With a unanimous vote, Arata became the third city in California to decriminalize psychedelics!

The possession, cultivation and distributions of entheogens including psilocybin and ayahuasca will become the city’s lowest law enforcement priority, but commercial sale will remain illegal.

The measure represents “a pivotal point in history by reclaiming our sovereign right to explore our consciousness, and to choose the path of healing that we see best fit for ourselves,” according to an organizer of the activist group Decriminalize Nature Humboldt.

We told you decriminalization isn’t risky!

It’s been over two years since Denver decriminalized mushrooms, and a recent report shows that people are using psilocybin responsibly.

The Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Policy Review Panel, which is comprised of local officials, law enforcement, and scientific experts, unanimously agreed that there have been no significant public health or safety risks as a result of the reform.

The panel proposed that the city’s next steps should be to train first responders to respond to psychedelic crises, create public service announcements on psychedelic safety, and deprioritize the sharing, gifting, and communal use of psilocybin, among other recommendations.

Support for first responders

The push for psilocybin research is gaining traction in Pennsylvania.

Twenty one lawmakers from both parties sponsored a bill called the Public Heath Benefits of Psilocybin Act, which would set up a research framework to optimize psilocybin’s public health benefits. Studies focused on veterans, retired first responders, and their families would be prioritized.

“A growing body of research provides a reason for hope that psilocybin, administered in a controlled setting, will be the most effective tool at our disposal to combat the suicide, opioid and overall mental health crisis burdening the Commonwealth,” the group wrote to colleagues.

Industry Quick Hits

Oct 8 – Numinus (NUMI) Upgrades Psychedelics Lab to Increase Research Service Capabilities Read more…

Oct 11 – Cannabis Global (CBGL) Selects Oakland, CA for New Mushroom-based Psychedelics Infusion Research Initiative Read more…

Oct 13 – Novamind (NM) Granted DEA Licenses for Psilocybin Research Read more…

Oct 13 – MindMed (MNMD) Joins Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative Read more…

Oct 13 – Psyence Group (PSYG) Announces Commencement Of Trading On OTCQB And DTC Eligibility Of Common Shares In The United States Under The Ticker “PSYGF” Read more…

Oct 14 – Delic Corp’s (DELC) Ketamine Wellness Centers Partners with Veterans Affairs Community Care Network to Provide Free Ketamine Treatments to Veterans Read more… 

Video of the Week

🌲+🌧️+🍄=✨

This Reddit user found enlightenment after taking a mega dose of Golden Teachers in the forest.

“I like to combine mushrooms and hiking. The forecast called for rain on this day. Generally not the best hiking weather, unless there’s shrooms involved.

Once they kicked in I went into this deep meditation. I started to think about current events in my life, but as if I was looking at them from a completely different set of eyes. I was so deep in meditation that I didn’t realize it had started raining. I slowly came to the realization that I was soaking wet. Normally that might have made me feel uncomfortable. I stood up and felt ready for anything this world could throw at me.

I looked around and the visualizations were quite extreme. All of the landscape around me was shifting and moving. It looked like the whole earth was breathing. The patterns in the bark of the trees were moving. I found this big rock under a tree and laid flat on my back. At this point it was raining pretty hard. I could feel every raindrop hitting my face. I could see the droplets falling through the sky as if it was slow motion. The raindrops dripping from the surrounding leaves and branches seemed to be frozen in time. My concept of time itself was totally lost. I felt like I had been laying under that tree for days.

It started to get dark and was still raining. I could hear thunder in the distance. The forest looked so enchanting and I felt like I was in the most magical place. I left the forest and watched the lightning in the distance until the trip wore off. I wasn’t even slightly bothered by the fact that I was totally drenched from head to toe.

Playlist of the Week

Shrooms win the Seattle fight club: issue 18

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

🍄 A trippy (family-friendly) vacay

🍄 Microdosing for pain management

🍄 Psychedelic beverages

🍄 The largest US city to decriminalize shrooms

🍄 And more.

You’ll want to stay till the end to learn how someone discovered their inner child with help from mischievous spirits!

(Did a good friend forward this to you? If so be sure to subscribe here)

Be sure to check out this week’s Daily Mushroom podcast:
Psychedelic medicines could hold a promise never seen before in mental healthcare

In this episode we have Dave Philips, a registered clinical counselor who has integrated psychedelic therapy into his practice. Dave talks about how he is training the next generation of psychedelic counselors and how he started in this extraordinary field.

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A trippy (family-friendly) vacay

Patients in palliative care have higher rates of depression – could a psychedelic retreat change this?

Launched yesterday in Utah, “Psychedelic Palliative Care by Novamind” combines psychedelic-assisted therapy with workshops, multi-day immersive retreats, and group support at its recently-opened clinic.

“Due to psychedelic medicine’s generally low side effect burden and fast-acting nature, it shows promise for patients who are physically ill and might have limited life expectancies,” said Novamind’s Chief Scientific Officer.

Fight Club💥

Lobe Sciences (LOBE) is partnering with the the World Boxing Association (“WBA”) to help boxers manage brain injuries!

The organizations plan to launch a global registry to identify former and current boxers with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and help them manage the side effects, which can often include PTSD. The WBA will also develop best practices for early diagnosis of mTBI that can be used immediately after fights for current boxers.

Injured boxers could potentially be treated with Lobe’s therapeutic regimen, which utilizes the combination of psilocybin and NAC (the pneumonia drug) mentioned in last week’s issue.

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E. coli + shroom moonshine anyone?

A recent study suggests that it’s possible to produce a potent “psilocybin moonshine” using a fast and simple homebrew method that doesn’t involve growing mushrooms or sterilization.

Researchers inserted magic mushroom genes into E. coli bacteria, which was then added to bottles, submerged in a water tank that was aerated with an aquarium pump, and covered with aluminum foil to maintain a temperature of 37 °C.

In less than two days, 300 mg of psilocybin was produced per liter of water. The method even worked without sterilization, but produced only 100 mg/L, yet this deficit was counteracted by adding a form of penicillin.

Even boomers want to microdose

New market research shows a growing interest in psilocybin services!

Red Light Oregon, a 50/50 joint venture between Red Light Holland (TRUFF) and Halo Collective (HALO), conducted market research to help the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board (OPAB) and health officials make informed regulations.

Of 473 Oregonian adults surveyed, 86% showed in interest in microdosing, including 94% of Gen Z and 74% of Boomers. As a result, Red Light Oregon launched an advocacy program to educate the OPAB and health officials on the benefits of microdosing.

The survey also found that 37% of adults, mainly minorities, did not know what psilocybin is, so the company is launching a community outreach program to educate underserved populations on psilocybin’s therapeutic effects.

Turn the music up, it’s sad boi hour

Scientists confirmed what mushroom users have long known…

In a study conducted by a Copenhagen University researcher, psilocybin was found to increase the emotional response to music, whereas the control drug, ketanserin (a blood pressure medication), lessened the emotional response.

Participants listened to 10 minutes of classical music and were assessed on the Geneva Emotional Music Scale, which measures nine mental states: wonder, transcendence, tenderness, nostalgia, peacefulness, power, joyful activation, tension, and sadness. Those on psilocybin showed a 60% increase in emotions.

“What we need to do now is optimize this approach probably through individualizing and personalizing music tracks in therapy,” says Professor David Nutt of Imperial College London.

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New ways to consume drugs 🎉

Will shroom edibles and drinks be the next big thing in Cali?

Cannabis Global Inc. (CBGL) is developing methods to infuse psilocybin and psilocin, as well as other compounds found in psychedelic mushrooms, into foods and beverages.

The LA-based company has initiated research into infusion methods to improve bioavailability of the compounds and to mask the bitter flavour of the mushrooms. It has already filed 9 patent applications for its cannabinoid infusion technologies, which it hopes to leverage for this new research program.

With the state of California on track to have a psilocybin legalization measure on the 2022 ballot, the program could potentially serve a large marketplace in the near future.

Managing pain across the globe

Could microdosing + this new technology reduce pain in cancer patients?

MindBio Therapeutics is developing a technology platform to integrate with psychedelic therapy to prevent the mental health of cancer patients from deteriorating. By utilizing wearable devices, the platform is designed to help with pain management to prevent depression, existential distress, and anxiety.

MindBio Therapeutics will use the mindfulness app in an upcoming  Phase 2 microdosing trial, which is funded by the New Zealand government, to see if it provides additional benefits to late-stage cancer patients compared to microdosing alone.

The company aims to commercialize the application globally and believes the tech has potential to receive government funding in Europe.

More psilocybin please!

This new extraction method could yield more psilocybin from a single mushroom than previously possible.

Natural psilocybin extraction can have low and unstable yields, which is why many companies opt for synthetic versions. When mushrooms are dehydrated, the total psilocybin/psilocin content extracted is three times lower than the total amount believed to be in the mushroom.

Optimi Health (OPTI) developed an extraction technique that not only increases the yield of natural psilocybin, but also protects the compounds from degeneration while reducing the cost of the final drug. On Tuesday, the company announced that it filed a provisional patent application to protect the process.

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Seattle becomes the largest US city to decriminalize psychedelics

With a unanimous vote, a new legislation was passed to decriminalize the possession, cultivation, and sharing of psychedelic mushrooms, ayahuasca, ibogaine and non-peyote-derived mescaline.

Peyote was intentionally excluded from the measure, as it’s in danger of extinction due to the increase in illegal harvesting. In fact, Santa Cruz recently removed peyote and other mescaline-containing cacti from the city’s decriminalization policy after pushback from Indigenous groups that consider the entheogens to be sacred.

Psychedelic reform coming this year!

It’s time for the federal government to catch up with the rest of America. 

At a psychedelics policy symposium organized by Harvard’s Project on Psychedelics Law and Regulation (POPLAR), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) said he plans to bring drug reform to the Capitol this year!

“I promise you I will do my part—not only assisting in the evolution of the Oregon [psilocybin] program, but I plan on bringing this movement to Capitol Hill this year in the same way we developed the foundation for the support of our cannabis work,” he vowed.

This is why Gen Z should be in charge…

Some of the youngest state legislators in the US want to decriminalize all drugs.

Tony Labranche, a 19-year-old Rep. of New Hampshire, is pushing to establish a regulated cannabis sales system and decriminalize the possession of magic mushrooms, as well as all other controlled substances. The reform proposals are bold for a GOP-controlled state, but they’re sparking more dialogue about the need to end the war on drugs.

Back in February, a 20-year-old lawmaker filed a bill to broadly decriminalize drug possession in Kansas, noting that drug use should be treated as a mental health problem rather than a criminal one.

Canada is following suit, with the city of Toronto preparing to ask Health Canada to decriminalize all drugs, similar to Vancouver’s request in May.

Progress down under

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) may reschedule psilocybin and MDMA after recognizing their therapeutic potential.

The substances are currently classified as Schedule 9, or “prohibited substances”, creating a barriers for conducting clinical research. The TGA is considering changing the classification to Schedule 8, or “controlled substances” (the same as THC) to allow controlled use in clinical settings.

The verdict will be announced in the first week of December after an advisory committee meeting!

Industry Quick Hits

Oct 1 – Psychedelic biotech startup Psylo raises $1.1m to treat mental health issues with psilocybin Read more…

Oct 4 – Incannex Healthcare (IHL) raises close to $18m, including $8m from chief medical officer Read more…

Oct 4 – Delix Therapeutics Named One of Fierce Biotech’s “Fierce 15” Companies of 2021 Read more…

Oct 5 – Mydecine (MYCO) To Supply MYCO-001 for Multi-Site NIDA Grant-Funded Smoking Cessation Study Lead by Dr. Matthew Johnson Read more…

Oct 5 – MindMed (MNMD) Announces Strategic Research Collaboration with Sphere Health Read more…

Oct 6 – Psygen Announces use of Psilocybin in Human Trial and Provides Update on IP Portfolio Read more… 

Oct 6 – Creso Pharma’s (CPH) psychedelics subsidiary proceeds to stability testing ahead of clinical trial Read more…

Oct 7 – Cybin (CYBN) Announces Milestone Achievements of its Subsidiary Adelia Therapeutics Read more…

Oct 7 – Tryp Therapeutics (TRYP) Announces Collaboration With Researchers At The University Of Wisconsin-Madison Read more… 

Oct 7 – PsyBio Therapeutics (PSYB) Successfully Demonstrates Commercial Scale Manufacturing Feasibility Read more…

Oct 7 – MYND Life Sciences (MYND) Announces Diagnostic Division with Formation of Wholly-Owned Subsidiary – MYND Diagnostics Ltd. Read more…

Oct 7 – HAVN LIFE (HAVN) Files Final Base Shelf Prospectus Read more… 

Video of the Week

Playing with mischievous spirits

This Reddit user found their inner child with help from some cheeky entities.

“On my first trip, I was taken to my afterlife and was touched by the unconditional universal love. It was so beautiful and I cry everytime I try to tell anyone about it because it felt so powerful. I’m crying now lol. I felt like I was in the presence of God. I was shown my Heaven and was told that there is nothing to fear about dying. I felt so much love from God towards me, it was overwhelming but very healing. It was like the love I feel for my children…. total acceptance, no judgement, unconditional positive regard.

On the next few trips I met a variety of more playful spirits who would ‘play’ with me like children would. Some were quite cheeky and mischievous. I called them my ragtag band of misfits. They really like to portray themselves to me as pirates. They helped to bring out the child in me and my sense of fun which I must admit I had burried deep inside due to life circumstances. My partner, who is my usual trip sitter, always hoped I would meet them because he liked seeing my cheeky side come out. My pirate friends liked him too and often made me say funny things to him, but they were always respectful towards him. Eventually, they stopped coming to me, to make way for higher beings who had other lessons to teach me. I miss those rascals and I hope to see them again some day.”

Playlist of the Week

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