Diamond Therapeutics, a drug development company focused on low-dose psychedelic-derived therapies for use in the treatment of mental health, announced that it received approval from Health Canada to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of repeat low-doses of psilocybin for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.

According to Health Canada's clinical trials database, this is the first study to treat patients suffering from generalized anxiety disorder with psychedelics. Here’s more: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/diamond-therapeutics-announces-health-canada-approval-of-phase-2-clinical-trial-with-low-dose-psilocybin-826936598.html‍

Small Pharma, a biotech company focused on short-duration psychedelic-assisted therapies for mental health conditions, announced that its intravenous DMT (SPL026) with supportive therapy for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder met the primary endpoint in its Phase IIa clinical trial, demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically relevant reduction in depressive symptoms at two weeks post-dose, as compared to placebo. Further analysis of key secondary endpoints demonstrated a rapid and durable antidepressant effect for 12 weeks. Check it out: https://psychedelicalpha.com/news/small-pharma-reports-positive-top-line-results-from-phase-iia-trial-of-spl026-in-major-depressive-disorder

‍
A U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs official announced that the agency is keeping a “very close eye” on psychedelics research and policy amid the growing reform movement, and that includes exploring new guidance to ensure that veterans are protected from losing their federal benefits over the use of substances like psilocybin.

Ilse Wiechers, deputy executive director of VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, provided insights into the department’s thinking on psychedelics during a webinar hosted by the RAND Corporation on Thursday. An Oregon regulator and veterans advocate also joined the conversation. Here’s more: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/va-official-talks-need-for-psychedelic-research-and-administrative-guidance-to-protect-veterans-who-use-substances-like-psilocybin/

Did you know that in the Hindu religion, soma, a psychoactive drink consumed in ancient India by priests, is mentioned in the Rigveda and is even considered to be a god? The Rigveda is the earliest of the four Vedas, the most ancient Hindu scriptures, and one of the most important texts of the Hindu tradition. It is a large collection of hymns in praise of the gods, which are chanted in various rituals.