Ross Dillon 
As the Psychedelic Science 2023 conference takes center stage in Denver, the industry sees itself taking massive strides forward. Ayahuasca is credited in assisting a search and rescue to find children lost in the rainforest. New York Jets’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers opens up about hundreds of NFL athletes reaching out to him about the potential benefits of psychedelics. New York Mets’ owner Steve Cohen and Toms Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie make significant donations to support psychedelic research. And, with 60% of Americans supporting psychedelic therapy legalization, Colorado’s governor shows his support for pardoning psychedelic drug crimes.
Ayahuasca Aids in Childrens’ Rescue from Amazon Rainforest
According to an article published by NewsNation, four Colombian children, who survived a plane crash in the Amazon rainforest, were recently rescued after 40 days. On the 39th day of the long and painful search, the rescue team consumed yagé, the local name for ayahuasca, the DMT containing brew that has been traditionally used in healing and spiritual ceremonies, and has cultural significance in Colombia. On the 40th day, José Rubio, one of the rescuers, experienced a vision during the ceremony and confidently declared, “We’ll find the children today.” (1)
Manuel Ranoque, attributed the rescue of his children to the psychedelic experience. The children had been fleeing a conflict-ridden region in Southern Colombia, where armed groups recruit children. The children are undergoing recovery at a military hospital in Bogota, the capital of Colombia.(1)
Aaron Rodgers Reveals Players’ Interest in Ayahuasca
Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets’ quarterback and advocate for ayahuasca, emphasized the need to normalize its use during his speech at the 2023 Psychedelic Science Conference. Rodgers believes that he has benefited deeply from ayahuasca ceremonies, going so far as to attribute his MVP Awards to his psychedelic journeys. Rodgers shared that he has received inquiries from “hundreds” of players interested in experiencing ayahuasca themselves. He believes that discussing and dispelling misconceptions surrounding psychedelics will encourage more people to share their own experiences and promote a greater understanding of their potential benefits.(2)
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While there is evidence to suggest that psychedelics can aid in coping with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcoholism, many in the space are aware that further research is necessary to determine the actual benefits and risks involved. Rodgers aims to initiate a conversation that challenges outdated beliefs and encourages a more open and informed discussion about psychedelics, and their place in our healing and spiritual lives.(2)
New York Mets Owner Donates $5 Million to Psychedelic Research
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and his foundation, the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, announced on their website that they have donated $5 million to support the integration of psychedelic drugs into mainstream medicine. The foundation, dedicated to philanthropy and community service, believes in the potential positive effects of substances like psilocybin (aka magic mushrooms) in the treatment of conditions such as addiction, anxiety, and depression. The donation was made to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelics Studies (MAPS), an organization working to gain FDA approval for MDMA-assisted therapy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).(3)
According to a New York Post article, if the FDA approves the use of MDMA for PTSD treatment, MAPS plans to establish a patient-assistance fund to provide MDMA access to those in need, with Cohen’s $5 million contributing to the fund. However, if the FDA denies MDMA’s mainstream application, the donation will still support MAPS’ broader work as a grant. The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation has positioned itself as a significant funder of psychedelic research, having previously donated approximately $19 million to projects related to hallucinogenic drugs, including a previous $5 million grant to MAPS.(3)
Toms Shoes’ Founder Pledges $100 million for Psychedelic Research
Blake Mycoskie, the founder of Toms Shoes, announced in an interview with MarketWatch that he has committed a record-breaking $100 million donation to support psychedelic research and access. Mycoskie’s personal encounter with psychedelic therapy made him a believer in the transformative potential of these substances, inspiring him to fund research, academic institutions, and nonprofits aiming to enhance patient access to psychedelic treatments. This substantial contribution, amounting to approximately a quarter of Mycoskie’s net worth, is regarded as the most generous donation ever made to the psychedelics field and reflects his strong belief in the importance of proper funding and urgency in advancing these initiatives.(4)
Colorado Governor Shows Support For Psychedelic Drug Crime Pardons
Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced his intention to issue pardons for all criminal convictions related to psychedelic drugs, including “magic mushrooms” at the 2023 Psychedelic Science Conference in Denver this week. The governor’s support for pardons demonstrates his full embrace of the state’s legalization of psychedelics, despite narrow ballot measure passage and federal opposition. Axios noted in an article that Governor Polis called on the state Legislature to grant him the authority to grant mass pardons for prior psychedelic convictions, similar to the pardons he issued for marijuana possession, allowing individuals to have their records expunged and remove barriers to future employment opportunities.(5)
In addition to pardons, Governor Polis expressed his desire for insurance companies, including federal Medicare and Medicaid, to cover the cost of treatments involving psychedelics. He noted that individuals suffering from conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD can receive coverage for expensive prescription drugs, but are unable to access coverage for treatments at healing centers that address underlying causes. The recent ballot measure in Colorado decriminalized the possession, cultivation, and sharing of psychedelics and hallucinogens for individuals aged 21 and older, signaling a significant step towards broader acceptance of these substances.(5)
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Over 60% of Americans Support Psychedelic Therapy Legalization
A recent poll conducted by the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics (BCSP) reveals that over 60% of Americans support legalizing psychedelics for therapeutic purposes. The Berkeley Psychedelics Survey, which polled 1,500 registered voters in the United States, found that nearly half of those surveyed are in favor of removing criminal penalties for personal psychedelic use, and over three-quarters believe that scientists should have easier access to these substances for research purposes. According to GreenState, the results of the survey will be released on July 12, and they align with similar findings from earlier polls that indicate a growing acceptance of psychedelic therapy in the United States.(6)
This shift in public opinion reflects the potential for psychedelic medicine to address mental health concerns in the United States. As America grapples with these challenges, the survey underscores the importance of understanding and addressing public sentiments, enabling researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to respond effectively. The poll results arrived just ahead of the Psychedelic Science 2023 conference in Denver, where a preview of the survey was presented during the event’s opening day.(6)
FDA Releases First Guidance on Psychedelic Drug Clinical Trials
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a draft guidance document for researchers studying the potential therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs in treating medical conditions, such as psychiatric or substance use disorders. The guidance provides important considerations for the design of clinical trials involving psychedelic drugs, reflecting the growing interest in these substances’ potential benefits for conditions including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The document refers to both “classic psychedelics” like psilocybin and LSD that affect the brain’s serotonin system, and “entactogens” or “empathogens” such as MDMA, and underscores the unique challenges in clinical study design due to their psychoactive effects and potential misuse.(7)
The guidance delineates considerations throughout the drug development process, including trial conduct, data collection, patient safety, and new drug application requirements, and emphasizes the need for compliance with applicable Drug Enforcement Administration regulatory requirements for Schedule I controlled substances. It maintains the same standard for establishing the effectiveness of psychedelic drugs as for all other drugs, yet highlights the unique factors to be considered in clinical trial design. The FDA is inviting public comments on this draft guidance within a 60-day period.(7)
This material is not intended as a replacement or substitute for any legal or medical advice. Always consult a medical professional about your health needs. Psychedelics are widely illegal in the United States, and readers should always be informed about local, state, and federal regulations regarding psychedelics or other drugs.
David Connell