The MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023 conference in Denver was the largest psychedelic gathering in history, bringing together hundreds of experts and enthusiasts to share their latest insights. MAPS (the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) is a nonprofit organization dating back to 1986 when founder Rick Doblin attempted to stop the DEA from classifying MDMA as a Schedule I substance. Although his efforts failed, MAPS continued its psychedelic research and advocacy for the past 35 years. 

MAPS’ fourth Psychedelic Science conference featured more than 300 speakers from various backgrounds, like NFL MVP Aaron Rogers and renowned journalist Michael Pollan. The movement’s top scientists, lawmakers, doctors, and professionals joined for three days of panels, experiential workshops, and exhibitions focused on the latest developments in psychedelic science. 

Here are some of the exciting findings revealed at MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023.

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1. Mushroom strains contain varying active ingredient levels, guiding research into their unique effects & therapeutic profiles.

Study 

“Mapping the Metabolomes of Psychedelic Medicines”

Purpose & Methods 

Tryptomics researchers wanted to compare different Psilocybe cubensis strains’ alkaloid content, so they extracted samples from over 200 hydrated varieties. The team quantified concentrations of nucleosides, amino acids, tryptamines, and beta-carbolines using high-performance liquid chromatography equipment. 

Summary of Findings 

• Psilocin and psilocybin, the primary active ingredients in psilocybin mushrooms that cause psychedelic effects, accounted for the largest concentration of alkaloids (6.7 mg/g out of 7.16 mg/g total). 
• Other alkaloids varied dynamically between strains, indicating scientists could use the findings to inform research on strain type.
• Levels of adenosine, a natural body chemical related to sleep and the immune system, correlated negatively with psilocin/psilocybin content and positively with other tryptamine content (the general class of psychedelic alkaloids that psilocin and psilocybin belong to). Researchers say this relationship affirms adenosine’s importance as a metabolic regulator. 

Analysis 

Testing magic mushrooms and their concentrations of secondary compounds can help scientists better understand different mushroom strains and develop protocols for extraction, dosing research, and cultivation practices.

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2. Psilocybin could support traditional behavioral therapy to treat depression

Study

Psilocybin-Assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: Treatment Development Study - A Study by UCLA Health

Purpose and Methods

Early clinical trials suggest that psilocybin has antidepressant effects and could work better than traditional medications when combined with therapy. This study on psilocybin-assisted therapy began in June 2023 and has an estimated completion date in December 2025. 

In a single-group, a fixed-dose trial, 30 adult participants with active depressive symptoms will undergo 12 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with psilocybin administered orally in two doses. Participants will receive a 10 mg dose following the third session and a 25 mg dose following the sixth session. They will be in active treatment for the first four months (receiving psilocybin and CBT) and then observed for an additional three months after they stop CBT.

Expected Findings

• Researchers expect psilocybin treatment to work synergistically with CBT for patients with depression.
• Researchers also expect psilocybin's effects on thoughts, motivation, and personality to boost the thought and behavioral changes intended by CBT. 

Analysis 

This concentrated study will help researchers determine where psilocybin officially stands as a depression therapy and how they can best integrate traditional behavioral therapy with the psilocybin experience for the best results.

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3. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy alleviates multiple dimensions of psychological stress in cancer patients

Study

Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy Provides Multidimensional Psychiatric Improvements in Patients with Cancer

Purpose and Methods

NYU Langone Health researchers conducted two trials using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-based crossover design to analyze how psilocybin-assisted therapy affected cancer patients’ psychiatric symptoms. The team assigned 80 patients to two random dosing sequences about 5-6 weeks apart. Patients received either a high psilocybin dose first and a control second or vice versa. They had psychotherapy sessions that preceded and followed each dosing and a final patient follow-up about six months after the second dosing. 

Summary of Findings 

• Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) alleviates multiple dimensions of psychological stress in cancer patients, helping with anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, obsession-compulsion, and somatization (the expression of mental phenomena as physical symptoms). 
• Psilocybin was safe to administer under medical conditions, causing no phobia, paranoia, or psychosis. 
• Unlike FDA-approved medications, psilocybin displayed transient side effects and minimal drug interactions. It appeared to reduce psychological distress after one session when paired with therapy. 

Analysis 

The study adds to evidence dating back as early as the 1950s that psilocybin therapy is a promising means of improving patients’ emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being with life-threatening cancer. 

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4. Psilocybin combined with therapy can help heavy drinkers better cope with stress and prevent relapses.

Study

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Alters Personal Values in Participants with Alcohol Use Disorder

Purpose and Methods

NYU Langone researchers examined possible psilocybin-induced alterations to values from a parent clinical trial in participants with alcohol use disorder. Ninety-three participants with alcohol use disorder randomly received either two doses of psilocybin or an antihistamine placebo. Researchers used this as a parent trial and conducted a Schwartz Value Survey (SVS) with patients. This survey assessed personal values at the study’s baseline and conclusion across four domains: conservation, self-transcendence, self-enhancement, and openness to change. 

Summary of Findings 

• In a parent clinical trial, two psilocybin doses reduced heavy drinking by an average of 83% when combined with psychotherapy.
• All four domains in the corresponding SVS survey (conservation, self-transcendence, self-enhancement, and openness to change) changed between the study’s baseline and conclusion. 
• Participants reported that the psilocybin treatment helped them process emotions related to painful past events and promoted self-compassion, self-awareness, and feelings of interconnectedness. 

Analysis 

The findings strongly suggest that psilocybin therapy is a promising means of treating alcohol use disorder, a complex disease notoriously difficult to manage. Psilocybin treatment prompted meaningful and enduring improvements in psychological processes that may help individuals with AUD cope with difficult emotions and stress, helping them to develop adaptive coping responses and prevent relapses.

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5. People with mental health challenges are likelier to experiment with psychedelics than the rest of the population.

Study 

Examining US National Trends in Adult Mental Illness and Psychedelic Use

Purpose & Methods

Alabama at Birmingham researchers wanted to explore the relationship between mental illness and psychedelic use. To do this, they utilized a binary logistic regression model, a statistics technique that predicts the relationship between a set of independent variables and a binary dependent variable. They also used secondary data from National Survey on Drug Use and Health to examine trends between cases of mental illness in the past year and cases of psychedelic drug use to see if they corresponded. Survey years spanned 2008 to 2019, analyzing LSD, MDMA, and a DMT/AMT/Foxy group. 

Summary of Findings 

• Across all psychedelic drug types, individuals with mental illness reported in the past year were likelier to use these drugs than those without a reported mental illness.
• LSD and the DMT/AMT/Foxy group showed significant increases in use over time, while MDMA did not. 
• The link between having a mental illness in the past year and using psychedelic drugs remained consistent, with no significant changes over time. 

Analysis

Understanding psychedelic use amongst patients with mental health conditions can prepare clinicians to better treat potential complications arising from those substances. Also, the link between mental illness and psychedelic drugs can lead to further research into why individuals choose specific medicines and how that choice could affect their symptoms. 

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6. Microdosing LSD can improve adult men's creativity, connectedness, energy, and overall wellness.

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Study Name

Microdosed LSD: Dose Day Outcomes From a Home-Administered Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose & Methods 

University of Auckland researchers sought to explore the diverse wellness benefits claims made by avid microdosers worldwide to determine validity. 

In a home-administered, randomized, controlled trial, 40 healthy male volunteers took 14 doses of either LSD or an inactive placebo every three days for six weeks. Researchers took blood samples and issued daily questionnaires asking participants to compare their feelings to a typical day. 

Summary of Findings 

• Microdosing LSD appears relatively safe in healthy adult men, although two people dropped out of the study due to anxiety. 
• Daily questionnaires showed improvements in creativity, connectedness, energy, happiness, irritability, and wellness compared to non-dose days.
• No measure showed a credible change between the baseline and the six-week endpoint. 

Analysis 

Rates of mental health conditions and depression are on the rise, and many of the prescribed medications available have adverse side effects or don’t work for patients. The need for more options is clear, and the mood-enhancing effect of LSD microdosing is a promising alternative.

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Bottom Line

The latest psychedelic research, surveys, and clinical trial findings from MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023 indicate that this movement has lasting power and offers extraordinary hope for the future of mental and physical wellness. 

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