MAPS works towards a post-prohibition world by advancing research, changing policies, and shaping culture. 

Since our founding in 1986, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has been the leading organization building the movement to foster evidence-based approaches to psychedelics and the people who use them. When used safely and responsibly, psychedelics have the potential to promote personal growth and well-being and treat various mental health conditions. Three pillars guide our efforts: advancing research, changing policies, and shaping culture. 

[Advancing Research](https://maps.org/advancing-research/)

MAPS spent decades developing MDMA-assisted therapy for the clinical utilization of psychedelic-assisted therapies. With the road paved for the next generation of research and drug development, MAPS now stewards the research landscape we helped cultivate.

We are dedicated to fostering new research directions that prioritize public benefit, supporting international researchers and pilot programs, and ensuring the accessibility and culturally appropriate integration of psychedelics as a tool for individual and community wellness. We center research that contributes to knowledge in the public domain.

[Changing Policy](https://maps.org/changing-policy/)

The cultivation, use, and trade of psychoactive substances — including psychedelics — has been a consistent aspect of human history, but prohibition, criminalization, and militarization — and their inherent oppression — have led to drastic consequences. The ongoing, global War on Drugs has been justified by bad science, racism, and fear for too long: it has led to mass incarceration; erosion of civil liberties; ecological damage; economic waste; and the public health polycrisis of adulteration, poisoning, and overdose. Many of these harmful effects have disproportionately impacted the most historically exploited and oppressed communities. Consequently, we believe societies worldwide have an obligation to account for and repair those harms, to the extent possible. 

MAPS envisions a post-prohibition future based on Consciousness, not Criminalization.

[Shaping Culture](https://maps.org/shaping-culture/)

For psychedelics to be most safely integrated into society, we need to be honest about the implications. MAPS recognizes the importance of a comprehensive understanding of their risks and potential benefits, teaching people how to navigate altered states of consciousness and how policies impact individuals and communities. 

We create cutting-edge education for professionals and the public, provide expert support for the psychedelic and drug policy movement, and convene people who share our vision—all to lay the groundwork and create the guardrails necessary for responsible social transformation. 

As psychedelics become more mainstream and an increasing number of people seek to use them for healing and personal growth, we are more dedicated than ever to making resources available for people and communities to safely and responsibly integrate psychedelics into medical, legal, and spiritual contexts.

MAPS

Author of 5 #1 NYT/WSJ bestsellers, investor (FB, Uber, Twitter, 50+ more), host of The Tim Ferriss Show podcast (500M+ downloads)

Help make MDMA an approved medicine for PTSD. Historically, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been notoriously difficult to treat and cure, but MDMA-assisted psychotherapy holds incredible promise. In trials with 107 participants, 56% no longer qualified for PTSD. At the 12-month follow-up, 67% no longer had PTSD. Most subjects received just 2–3 sessions. All participants had chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD and had suffered from PTSD for an average of 17.8 years.

This is addressing the root causes of PTSD and not simply masking symptoms, as many maintenance drugs do. It’s actual processing instead of numbing.

On August 16, 2017, the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to MDMA for the treatment of PTSD, and there is a clear path for making MDMA a legal medicine for millions of people who are suffering.

This is the final stretch. MAPS has until September 10 to raise $10 million in order to unlock a $10 million challenge pledge. This, combined with $10 million already committed, will complete the $30 million Capstone Campaign. This will provide the funds needed to complete the studies required for FDA approval, and bring this much-needed treatment to patients.

Learn more by listening to the 6/12 episode of The Tim Ferriss Show, which features an interview with MAPS Founder and Executive Director, Rick Doblin, Ph.D: https://tim.blog/2020/06/11/rick-doblin/

Every dollar matters, so if the spirit moves you, please consider giving what you can.