Science

Psychedelic mushrooms existed millions of years before humans, largest-ever study reveals

January 13, 2024By

Dentinger and his team found that psilocybin-making in Psilocybe sprung up in evolutionary history around 65 million years ago. To put that in perspective, the earliest human species appeared on the scene roughly 2 million years ago, with modern Homo sapiens evolving 300,000 years ago. Original Article (Vice):Psychedelic mushrooms existed millions of years before humans, largest-ever study revealsArtwork Fair…

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Politics

…magic mushrooms, coca leaf from B.C. drug activist

January 9, 2024By

In an interview… Dana Larsen confirmed he sent the packages, saying he wanted to show all 87 B.C. elected officials MLA’s [Members of the Legislative Assembly] that they aren’t something to be afraid of. “I think that access to these kinds of natural plant medicines is part of the solution to the prohibition death crisis…

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Politics

Oregon psilocybin advocates reflect on [legally binding definition of not being therapy] program’s first year

January 9, 2024By

This year [2023], Oregon became the first state to introduce psilocybin… and… been learning as they go. Since the first facility in Oregon opened to the public this May, 600… [to upwards of 700 adults] have participated in the program. Original Article (Oregon Public Broadcasting & Oregon Live & Seattle Times):Oregon psilocybin advocates reflect on…

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Anthropology

New bipartisan Washington bill would legalize psilocybin… for veterans and first responders

January 9, 2024By

The new limited measure would require nonprofits to use psychedelics facilitators licensed “by the state of Oregon… …or another state with with a state facilitator license and licensure requirements that meet or exceed the Oregon state requirements with regard to required training, background checks, and licensing examination.” Original Article (Marijuana Moment):New bipartisan Washington bill would…

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Anthropology

Connecticut lawmakers weigh another bill to decriminalize small amounts of psilocybin

January 9, 2024By

Connecticut lawmakers are considering another push to decriminalize psilocybin – a psychedelic substance often called magic mushrooms – after a similar bill stalled late in last year’s legislative process amid skepticism from Gov. Ned Lamont. Julia Bergman, a spokesperson for the governor, said Monday [1/8/24] that it was too soon to speculate whether Lamont would…

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Modern Culture

…to an altered state

January 9, 2024By

The demand for psychedelics as tools for healing has exploded in recent years, fueled by promising clinical studies, loosening drug laws and a growing number of celebrities who have come out as psychonauts… “…psychedelics… what the microscope is for biology and medicine or what the telescope is for astronomy,” wrote Stanislav Grof, M.D., PhD. Original…

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Anthropology

…embracing change

January 9, 2024By

Confronted with financial barriers, alongside the fact treatment centers don’t implement practices from other therapies or shamanistic traditions, others have found a way to utilize psychedelic healing… like psilocybin… here in Eugene. When exploring psychedelic therapy, James Hin realized treatment centers were not accessible to a diverse clientele and saw value in creating a space…

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Spirituality

California judge rules against feds in psychedelic tea case

January 9, 2024By

U.S. Magistrate Judge Stanley A. Boone disagreed with Merrick Garland on all counts. “The court finds plaintiffs have sufficiently alleged a genuine threat of imminent prosecution … and this supports the conclusion that plaintiffs have demonstrated standing,” the judge states. “The court finds plaintiffs have sufficiently alleged a genuine threat of imminent prosecution … and…

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Biography/Memoir

Psychedelics are going mainstream. Investing in them hasn’t

January 7, 2024By

…from a financial perspective, the inconsistency of psychedelic experiences and the fact that they require hands-on psychological therapy make for a difficult investment pitch. Treatment is typically administered in a specialized facility under supervision by psychiatric professionals, which is costlier and harder to scale up than simply providing medicine. The industry’s market performance reflects such…

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Medicine/Healing

Psychedelic biotech MAPS PBC rebrands to Lykos following FDA filing, scores $100M financing

January 5, 2024By

MAPS PBC [Public Benefit Corporation) has rebranded to Lykos Therapeutics [a for-profit public benefit corporation (“PBC”)], (“Lykos”), the greek word for wolf.  MAPS PBC spun out of its parent organization MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)… clinical development effort of MDMA-assisted therapy [midomafetamine capsules used in combination with psychological intervention], which includes talk therapy, and…

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