MDMA Facts

-Generic name: midomafetamine

-Chemical name: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

-Compound type: Synthetic

-Discovered: 1912

-Prohibited: 1985

-Anticipated FDA approval: 2023

-Mechanism of action: induces release of serotonin and oxytocin; attenuates fear, increases empathy

-Expected reactions in therapeutic setting: transient increase in blood pressure and heart rate, muscle tightness, decreased appetite, nausea, sweating, feeling cold, pupil dilation, and restlessness

MDMA for PTSD Facts (Updated December 2021)

-Therapists trained in the MAPS protocol: ~1200

-People treated in MAPS-sponsored MDMA studies: ~200

-People with symptom improvement: 88%

-People with loss of PTSD diagnosis: 67%

-Long-term prognosis: Continued reduction of symptoms

-Years to cost-savings:< Five

-Quality-of-life-years returned: >Five

Marijuana Facts

-Generic name: Cannabis Sativa

-Chemical name: 6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentylbenzo[c]chromen-1-ol

-Compound type: Plant

-Earliest use: ~2700 BC

-Prohibited: 1970

-Conditions under investigation: Chronic pain, PTSD, insomnia, epilepsy

-Mechanism of action: Activates CB1 (alters mood and cognition) and CB2 receptors (regulate immune responses and anti-inflammatory effects)

-Expected reactions in therapeutic setting: Increased heart rate, impaired short-term memory, impaired movement, euphoria, relaxation, and altered states of mind.

LSD Facts

-Generic name: Lysergic acid diethylamide

-Chemical name: 9,10-didehydro-N,N-diethyl-6-methylergoline-8β-carboxamide

-Compound type: Synthetic

-Discovered: Developed in 1938, psychoactive properties were discovered in 1943

-Prohibited: 1968

-Conditions under investigation: Pain,  ADHD, depression, end of life anxiety

-Mechanism of action: LSD binds to some serotonin and dopamine receptors, resulting in intense feelings of euphoria, increased sense of connectedness to others and the world, and improvements in mood that can last up to a few weeks/months after ingestion.

-Expected reactions in therapeutic setting: Pupil dilation, reduced appetite, dry mouth, profuse sweating, wakefulness, temporary visual distortions, and increase in body temperature and heart rate.

Ibogaine Facts

-Generic name: 12-Methoxyibogamine

-Chemical name: (1R,15R,17S,18S)-17-ethyl-7-methoxy-3,13-diazapentacyclo[13.3.1.02,10.04,9.013,18]nonadeca-2(10),4(9),5,7-tetraene

-Compound type: Chemical substance originating in plants; can be synthesized

-Discovered: Scientifically discovered in 1885; synthesized 1901

-Prohibited: 1970

-Conditions under investigation:  Alcohol and opioid use disorder, traumatic brain injury

-Mechanism of action: Ibogaine mostly interacts with the sigma-2 receptor, moderately with opioid receptors, and moderate-low with serotonin receptors. 

-Expected reactions in therapeutic setting: Dry mouth, difficulty coordinating muscle movement (ataxia), nausea, decreased body temperature, increased introspection, irregular heartbeat, irregular breathing, vomiting, visual distortions, and heightened arousal and vigilance.

Ayahuasca Facts

-Generic name: Ayahuasca (containing Dimethyltryptamine)

-Chemical name: Active chemical is DMT (2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N,N-dimethylethanamine)

-Compound type: Psychotropic brew made from plants

-Earliest use: ~1020

-Discovered: 1851

-Prohibited: Plants used in ayahuasca are not illegal, but DMT became illegal in 1970

-Conditions under investigation: Treatment-resistant depression, substance use disorder

-Expected reactions in therapeutic setting: Increased spiritual connection, nausea, vomiting, motor function impairment, relaxation, increase in body temperature, euphoria, and hallucinations.

Psilocybin Facts

-Generic name: 4-phosphoryloxy-NN-dimethyltryptamine

-Chemical name: 3-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-indol-4-yl dihydrogen phosphate

-Compound type: Chemical substance derived from mushrooms; can be synthesized

-Scientifically Discovered: 1958

-Prohibited: 1970

-Conditions under investigation:  Depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, eating disorders, headaches, OCD

-Mechanism of action: Activates several serotonin receptors; increases feelings of euphoria, visual and mental hallucinations, changes in perception, a distorted sense of time, and perceived spiritual experiences.

-Expected reactions in therapeutic setting: Pupil dilation, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, muscle tightness, lack of coordination, and perceptual distortions.

DMT Facts

-Generic name: N,N-Dimethyltryptamine

-Chemical name: 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N,N-dimethylethanamine

-Compound type: Chemical substance derived from plants; can be synthesized

-Discovered: Synthesized 1931; discovered naturally-occurring in plants in 1946; hallucinogenic properties discovered in 1956

-Prohibited: 1970

-Conditions under investigation: Treatment-resistant depression (5-MeO-DMT), stroke, 

-Mechanism of action: Activates serotonin and dopamine receptors; increases feelings of euphoria and induces hallucinations and mystical experiences. 

-Expected reactions in therapeutic setting: Elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and pupil diameter; hallucinations, euphoria, and bodily dissociation.

Mescaline Facts

-Generic name: Mescaline

-Chemical name: 2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine

-Compound type: Chemical derived from cacti

-Discovered: 1896

-Prohibited: 1970

-Conditions under investigation: Depression, anxiety, substance use disorder

-Mechanism of action: Binds to and activates serotonin receptors

-Expected reactions in therapeutic setting: Euphoria, pupil dilation, synesthesia, increased heart rate, hallucinations, agitation, weakness, and increased sweating