MDMA therapy gained a following among psychiatrists in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Some psychiatrists believed that it allowed their patients to achieve unique insights into their mental health problems. It was also during this time that MDMA started becoming more widely available on the street. It gained a foothold as a ‘party drug' under the names Ecstasy and Molly. Then, in 1985, the DEA declared an emergency ban on MDMA, placing it on the list of Schedule I drugs, meaning it had no medical use and a high potential for abuse. Today, guided MDMA therapy is on the verge of being approved by the FDA. This revolution in therapeutic treatment, mostly of PTSD, is largely because of the decades-long effort of one organization: MAPS. (Short for Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies.) Clayton and Greg are joined by Ismael Ali, Director of Policy and Advocacy at MAPS to discuss the science and history of MDMA therapy. 

To learn more and get involved, visit:

MAPS: https://maps.org                                              

MAPS Clinical Trials: https://maps.org/take-action/participate-in-trial/

The War on Drugs is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1.

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