How To Join a Psychedelic Clinical Trial

You could be eligible to participate in a psychedelic research trial. Studies of psychedelics are at various stages, enrolling both healthy volunteers and individuals with specific mental health conditions. We’ve compiled a list here of all the current or planned clinical trials on MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, Cannabis, and more. Regulatory approvals over the last few decades gave way to MDMA and psilocybin pilot studies and clinical trials, while research around the world is exponentially growing. New investigations for the therapeutic use of psychedelics, as well as inquiries into how the brain works and what constitutes consciousness are appearing all the time.

It seems we’ve reached a new frontier where many academic scientists and investigators in private psychiatric practices are able to pursue research on psychedelics without facing opposition based on stigma or antiquated information about safety concerns. While this may still not yet be the case for many Universities, the forerunners in this field will pave the way for others by contributing evidence-based findings to the body of knowledge. Since we have better technologically advanced tools and more rigorous study designs than ever before, all research in current day is extremely valuable.

Background: How does a clinical trial work?

Clinical trials collect data to evaluate safety and efficacy of drugs under investigation in research. Drugs must pass through a sequence of phases or stages to become approved and available to patients. A new substance is first thoroughly tested in human cells and/or animals to gain initial information about safety and toxicity. If enough research exists in scientific journals, sometimes an already known drug like some psychedelics, can go through less animal testing or wait till later in the process to complete. After review, FDA can grant approval to test the drug in a small number of healthy individuals (phase 1). The next phase of testing involves giving a drug to people who have a disease or condition (phase 2) to evaluate safety and effectiveness to reduce symptoms. If the drug appears safe and signals the potential to be a useful treatment, then a much larger number of people are tested in phase 3 trials at multiple study sites. For the FDA to approve a new drug for a specific condition or disease, two phase 3 trials must show significant benefit that outweighs the risks or negative side effects of taking the drug. After the drug is approved and sold in the consumer market, research continues in phase 4 known as post marketing surveillance trials. Phase 4 trials collect data on long-term effectiveness and safety, costs associated with treatment compared to other drugs in the market, and safety and effectiveness of the new drug versus other available treatment options.

Directories searched for trials: clinicaltrials.gov; clinicaltrialsregister.eu; ensaiosclinicos.gov.br

Following is a list of current or planned clinical trials with psychedelics (as of December 2018) in healthy individuals and in people with a specific medical condition. We searched clinical trial registries for USA, EU, and Brazil. While we’ve attempted to make this list comprehensive, new trials are emerging often and our online search may not have revealed all. We plan to periodically update this list. If you know of clinical trials not listed here, please email us at info@psychedelic.support

Jump Ahead To:

MDMA

A Multi-Site Phase 3 Study of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD

Open-Label Multi-Site Study of Safety and Effects of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment of PTSD

Study of Safety and Effects of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment of PTSD

Sponsor: MAPS

Population: PTSD

Location: Global

Background: The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is recruiting participants with chronic PTSD for Phase 2/3 trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy at 15 study sites in the USA, Canada, and Israel. Follow the clinical trials record below to find the study site contact information.

Enrollment: Enrolling now

More Info: Open-label Clinical Trials record (US); Open-label Clinical Trials record (Canada); Phase 3 Clinical Trials record (contact sites directly, phone numbers/emails in clinicaltrials.gov record).

Learn more about safety and effectiveness from clinical research in the MDMA Investigator Brochure (2017)

Evaluation of MDMA on Startle Response

Sponsor: MAPS

Population: Healthy Volunteers

Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Enrollment: Enrolling Now

More Info: Clinical Trial record

MDMA in Subjects With Moderate Hepatic Impairment and Subjects With Normal Hepatic Function

Sponsor: MAPS

Population: Healthy Volunteers/Hepatic Impaired Volunteers

Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA

Enrollment: Not Yet Recruiting

More Info: Clinical Trial record

Open-Label Proof of Concept Feasibility Study to Explore the Safety, Tolerability and Potential Role of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Detoxified Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder

Sponsor: Imperial College London

Population: Alcohol Use Disorders

Location: UK

Enrollment: Enrolling Now

How To Join a Psychedelic Clinical Trial

Background: How does a clinical trial work?

MDMA

Psilocybin

LSD

KETAMINE

CANNABIS

IBOGAINE

SALVINORIN A

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