In the mid-1980s, America was deeply entrenched in its War on Drugs. The media was saturated with sensationalized headlines about the dangers of drug use and trade. One such article, titled “The Losing War Against ‘Designer Drugs’,” was featured in the June 24th, 1985 issue of Business Week. The article discussed the cat-and-mouse game of designer drugs in the 1980s, where, as one drug became illegal, underground chemists began working on variants just a few molecules apart. The article also propagated the now-debunked myth that MDMA caused holes in the brains of research rats.
This article holds particular significance as it was the catalyst that inspired the creation of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Rick Doblin, a young visionary at the time, responded to the article with a letter to the editor, correcting the misstatements and fear-mongering tactics within it. Using the name “Orphan Pharmaceuticals,” Rick spoke of his new organization raising $10,000,000 to “do the FDA research to justify its use as a medicine.” This marked the origin story for MAPS and set the blueprint which we and others in the drug policy and research world still follow today.
Fast forward to today, and the War on Drugs continues, albeit with a different face. The article from 1985 reads: “Fentanyl-based drugs have caused at least 91 deaths to date, and they continue to kill at the rate of six overdoses each month.” Now, over 100,000 people die from accidental overdose every year. The problem has worsened, and it’s clear that the current approach is not working.
The history of the War on Drugs is a stark reminder of the dangers of failing to adapt our perceptions and laws when the landscape changes. The problem will continue to worsen and more people will die needlessly until we change our perceptions about psychedelics and the laws that make them illegal.
However, there is hope on the horizon. The FDA has designated MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD a Breakthrough Therapy. MAPS’ Phase 3 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted therapy demonstrated statistically significant improvement in PTSD symptoms after three sessions. MDMA has been administered to approximately 1,700 human subjects with only one serious adverse reaction.
This progress is a testament to the tireless efforts of organizations like MAPS and pioneers like Rick Doblin. It’s a reminder that change is possible when we challenge outdated perceptions and advocate for evidence-based policies. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the path forward lies not in prohibition, but in research, understanding, and compassionate care.
Fast forward to today, and the War on Drugs continues, albeit with a different face. The article from 1985 reads: “Fentanyl-based drugs have caused at least 91 deaths to date, and they continue to kill at the rate of six overdoses each month.” Now, over 100,000 people die from accidental overdoses every year. The problem has worsened, and it’s clear that the current approach is not working.
The history of the War on Drugs serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of failing to adapt our perceptions and laws when the landscape changes. The problem will continue to worsen, and more people will die needlessly until we change our perceptions about psychedelics and the laws that make them illegal.
Despite the current legal status of psychedelics, it’s important to remember that many of these substances, including MDMA and psilocybin, were initially used for therapeutic purposes. For instance, MDMA was synthesized in 1912 and was used in psychotherapy in the 1970s, before its popularity as a party drug led to its classification as a Schedule I substance. Today, organizations like MAPS are conducting scientific studies to explore the therapeutic potential of these substances, particularly for conditions like PTSD. As we continue to learn more about these substances, it’s crucial that we approach them with an open mind, recognizing their potential benefits as well as their risks.”
The Losing War Against ‘Designer Drugs‘, MAPS Bulletin: Volume XXXIII Number 2 • 2023
Exaggerating MDMA’s Risks to Justify A Prohibitionist Policy by Rick Doblin, Ph.D., January 16, 2004
Ecstasy and absolution, By Christina Couch at The Verge on January 9, 2020