David ConnellThis week’s Psychedelic news roundup covers a surprising policy shift at the United Nations. Other news includes new psychedelic studies, increased pressure from Veteran groups to legalize MDMA-assisted therapy, and more.
UN Health Expert Advocates for Shift From War on Drugs to Harm Reduction and Human Rights
As reported by Marijuana Moment, Tlaleng Mofokeng, the United Nations special rapporteur on the right to health, calls on member nations to move away from punitive drug policies and toward a more humane approach that prioritizes harm reduction and human rights. In a recent report, Mofokeng criticizes the criminalization of drug use and suggests alternative regulatory frameworks based on scientific evidence and equity considerations.
Key recommendations from the report include:
The report emphasizes that current drug policies often exacerbate human rights violations, including the overuse of incarceration and the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. It also highlights the importance of non-coercive services and support, such as housing and healthcare, which should not be contingent upon individuals ceasing drug use.
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Global funding for harm reduction is described as inadequate, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with a noted 95% funding gap. Mofokeng urges increased support for community-led harm reduction initiatives and stresses the need for international drug control to improve access to essential medicines.
Amnesty International has supported the UN’s call, advocating for a global shift towards drug policy reform that is grounded in harm reduction and human rights. The organization also released its report advocating for the legalization and regulation of all drugs to better uphold human rights.
This push for reform comes as various international and national bodies reconsider their approaches to drug policy, recognizing the failures of the global war on drugs and its devastating impact on society and the environment.(1)
Urgent Call to Reevaluate FDA’s Approach on MDMA-Assisted Therapy Amid Alleged Bias and Misinformation
Heroic Heart’s Project released a statement calling for a reconsideration of the FDA Advisory Committee’s recent decision against approving MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT), a treatment showing substantial promise in treating PTSD. Despite years of positive clinical trials and widespread support, including an FDA “Breakthrough Therapy” designation, the Committee’s June 2024 meeting diverged into criticisms not directly relevant to the therapy’s efficacy or safety, such as the diversity of trial participants and unrelated drug use concerns.
Key Points Raised:
Critics of the FDA’s decision are advocating for a reevaluation based on the overwhelming clinical support for MDMA-assisted therapy and its potential to improve the lives of those struggling with PTSD significantly.(3)
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Urgent Warning Issued for High-Strength MDMA Pills at UK Festivals
As detailed by the BBC, a recent surge in super-strength MDMA pills at UK festivals has prompted warnings from the drug testing charity The Loop. The Bristol-based organization discovered pills containing up to “double doses” of MDMA, posing significant overdose risks, particularly amid the current heatwave. This comes from findings at Manchester’s Parklife festival and other local testing, revealing the highest potency of MDMA recorded since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Key Details:
The organization stresses the importance of not assuming one pill equals one dose, educating especially younger users on the dangers of high-dosage MDMA consumption during festival season.
By following these tips and staying informed, festival-goers have the potential to significantly reduce their risk of harm and enjoy their experiences more safely.(5)
Older Adults Report Benefits from Psychedelic Use: Fewer Depressive Symptoms and Higher Cognitive Performance
Recent findings published in the journal Southern Gerontological Society spotlight the potential benefits of psychedelic use among older adults. Researchers Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya and Kaeleigh Fearn, from Utah State University and the University of South Florida, respectively, delved into how substances like LSD and other hallucinogens impact cognitive functions and mental health in this demographic.
Study Insights:
Despite the promising outcomes, the study underscores that most psychedelic use among participants was recreational, highlighting the necessity for more controlled research to understand optimal forms, frequencies, and dosages for therapeutic benefits. The research calls for the decriminalization of psychedelic studies to foster further understanding of their potential to enhance late-life cognitive functions and overall mental health.(6)
University of Colorado Launches Psychedelic Research Center in Denver
As detailed by Westword, the University of Colorado Denver has officially established a Psychedelic Research Center, significantly advancing the study of psychedelic substances and their implications. Located in downtown Denver on the Auraria campus, the center aims to explore a broad range of impacts stemming from psychedelic use, particularly in light of Colorado’s recent legislative changes regarding magic mushrooms and other psychedelics.
Key Developments and Goals:
Educational and Legislative Impact:
Furthermore, the center will focus on enhancing life quality, particularly for marginalized and underserved groups. CU Denver believes establishing the new research center will place it at the forefront of a significant shift toward exploring alternative mental health treatments.(7)
Sources
1. Adlin, B. (2024, June 24). Top United Nations Health Official Calls On Countries To Replace War On Drugs With “Alternative Regulatory Approaches.” Marijuana Moment. https://www.marijuanamoment.net/top-united-nations-health-official-calls-on-countries-to-replace-war-on-drugs-with-alternative-regulatory-approaches/
2. Mitchell, J. M., Ot’alora G. , M., van der Kolk, B., Shannon, S., Bogenschutz, M., Gelfand, Y., Paleos, C., Nicholas, C. R., Quevedo, S., Balliett, B., Hamilton, S., Mithoefer, M., Kleiman, S., Parker-Guilbert, K., Tzarfaty, K., Harrison, C., de Boer, A., Doblin, R., & Yazar-Klosinski, B. (2023). MDMA-assisted Therapy for Moderate to Severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 Trial. Nature Medicine, 29(29), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02565-4
3. Exposing ICER’s Anti-Veteran Campaign Against MDMA-Assisted Therapy. (n.d.). Heroic Hearts Project. Retrieved June 26, 2024, from https://heroicheartsproject.org/exposing-icers-anti-veteran-campaign-against-mdma-assisted-therapy/
4. Festival drug testing: Warning over “double dose” ecstasy pills. (2024, June 25). BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cprrqlnd87do.amp
5. Baggott, M. J., Garrison, K. J., Coyle, J. R., Galloway, G. P., Barnes, A. J., Huestis, M. A., & Mendelson, J. E. (2016). MDMA Impairs Response to Water Intake in Healthy Volunteers. Advances in Pharmacological Sciences, 2016, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/2175896
6. Fearn, K., & Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya. (2024). Is Use of Psychedelic Drugs a Risk or Protective Factor for Late-Life Cognitive Decline? Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, 10. https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214241250108
7. Mitchell, T. (n.d.). CU Opens Psychedelic Research Center in Downtown Denver. Westword. Retrieved June 26, 2024, from https://www.westword.com/marijuana/university-colorado-launches-psychedelic-research-center-21132583
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.
Ross Dillon 
