Multidisciplinary Association For Psychedelic Studies Eyes State-Level Legalization After FDA Denial Of MDMA Therapy
The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is pivoting its focus to state-level initiatives following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent denial of MDMA-assisted therapy. As recently reported by Double Blind, MAPS gathered a panel of experts to discuss what comes next after the federal setback. This shift signals a new chapter in MAPS’ advocacy efforts, aiming to legalize psychedelic therapy through state-led ballot measures rather than waiting for federal approval.
Shifting Focus
The press conference followed the FDA and Reagan-Udall Foundation’s public meeting on PTSD, which included discussions on psychedelic therapy. Among the expert panel were well-known figures such as Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score; Michael Mithoefer, a principal investigator in MAPS’ FDA trials; US Army veteran Darron Smith and Dave Rabin, host of The Psychedelic Report podcast. The discussion, moderated by MAPS director of communications Betty Aldworth, shed light on MAPS’ …