Many people aiming for a full night of fatigue-free fun illegally take MDMA, marketed on the street as ecstasy or Molly. But if a reform group has its way, you could soon get the substance for lawful therapy.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), in fact, is welcoming you to attend or host a "psychedelic dinner" in April to help the cause.

MAPS has sponsored phase two clinical trials investigating the potential benefits of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and is preparing to support large phase three trials.

Phase three trials precede Food and Drug Administration approval of drugs, and the best-case scenario for MAPS is federal legalization of MDMA for narrow medical purposes.



In order to conduct phase three trials, MAPS has initiated the purchase of 1 kilogram of pharmaceutical-grade MDMA for $400,000 – inspiring the psychedelic dinner fundraising push. It's not possible to browse darknet markets for a possibly cheaper deal because the drug must be both pure and certified.

MAPS spokesman Brad Burge says the purchase was necessary because MDMA must have a Current Good Manufacturing Practice certification for phase three trials. The MDMA that's been used for phase two trials was created in 1985 and lacks the certification.

The new supply is being prepared by Shasun Pharma Solutions overseas. MAPS will need a special import permit from the Drug Enforcement Administration, but already has the legal clearance to store its existing supply. Each research facility must have its own Schedule I DEA license.

In addition to raising funds, Burge says the dinners aim to reduce stigma about using psychedelic drugs, with MDMA not currently legal for medical use in any country.



"We encourage mushroom tea so long as it's the legal variety," Burge says, humorously noting illegal drug use is not the purpose of the events.

In a Wednesday press release, MAPS said 124 people in 19 countries had volunteered to host a dinner. So far, only one is publicly listed: the group's April 17 anniversary dinner in Oakland, California.



MAPS intends to meet with the FDA later this year about steps toward phase three trials. The group aspires to make MDMA treatment legal within the next five years, with a planned total investment of about $20 million.