The Bloom #185 Free Edition Lysene, not Lykos

Next to research in clinical populations, the latest psychedelic research papers take a closer look at specific mechanisms and comparisons of similar compounds.

We get a view into the differences between methamphetamine and MDMA, look at MDMA versus MDA (and their prodrugs), and look at fMRI data from a pharmuasca study (DMT + harmine).

I cover lots more in the research recap for September.

Floris - Founder of Blossom

ps My friends at the Microdosing Institute have opened their application for their signature Microdosing Facilitator Program. Applications are open until Oct 31, and if you let them know Blossom sent you, you will get a €100 discount.

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Latest Psychedelic Research

1 Acute effects of MDMA, MDA, lysine-MDMA, and lysine-MDA in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in healthy participants​

This double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial (n=23) compared equimolar doses of MDMA (100mg), MDA (92mg), and their lysine-conjugated prodrugs, finding MDA produced stronger, longer-lasting effects (6.1 vs 4.1 hours) with more psychedelic-like perceptions and adverse effects than MDMA, whilst Lys-MDA successfully delayed onset and peak effects, but Lys-MDMA failed to release MDMA and showed no effects.

2 The empathogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, but not methamphetamine, increases feelings of global trust​

This double-blind placebo-controlled study (study 1: n=15, study 2: n=20) found that MDMA (100mg) significantly increased global trust in community and society after conversation compared to placebo, whilst methamphetamine (20mg) showed no effects on subjective well-being or social connection measures.

3 Meditation, psychedelics, and brain connectivity: A randomized controlled resting-state fMRI study of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and harmine in a meditation retreat​

This secondary analysis of an RCT fMRI study (n=40) of meditation practitioners during a 3-day retreat found that DMT-harmine ('pharmahuasca', 120mg/120mg buccal) increased functional connectivity within the visual network and between visual and attention networks, whilst meditation alone reduced between-network connectivity, with no evidence of prolonged cortical gradient disruption characteristic of acute psychedelic effects, suggesting distinct neural mechanisms for meditation versus psychedelic-augmented meditation.

Related: DMT and harmala alkaloids: an exploratory study of oral Acacia based formulations in healthy volunteers​

More Research

• ​Psilocybin with psychotherapeutic support for treatment-resistant depression: a pilot clinical trial​

New on Blossom

1 Psychedelic Research Recap September​

September 2025 saw clear advances in psychedelic research, especially in anxiety, depression, and addiction treatments. A major trial showed that a single dose of lysergide (MM120) significantly reduced anxiety in generalised anxiety disorder without additional psychotherapy. Another study found that combining psilocybin with mindfulness-based therapy improved depressive symptoms among healthcare workers more than mindfulness alone. Early-stage trials also suggested promising outcomes for psilocybin in treating methamphetamine addiction and for ayahuasca-assisted therapy in alleviating severe grief.

Human lab studies further defined MDMA’s unique effects, showing enhanced feelings of community-level trust not observed with methamphetamine, and demonstrating that its close relative, MDA, produces longer-lasting and stronger subjective experiences. Mechanistic research provided fresh insights by linking brain activity changes directly with subjective experiences under DMT, aligning closely with earlier studies of other psychedelics. However, LSD microdosing trials found minimal evidence for pain relief, highlighting questions about dosing thresholds and tolerance.
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2 Psychedelic Research Links 2025​

A comprehensive overview of all psychedelic research that has come out this year. We cover the research per month and provide a one-sentence summary for each new publication. After the full summary is added, a link to Blossom's review is added to the papers included in our database.
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Spotlight

1 M​icrodosing Facilitator Program (Course)

The Microdosing Facilitator Program by our friends at Microdosing Institute is now open for applications until October 31st.

This 8-month training is designed for those who feel called to guide others with microdosing in a safe, conscious, and effective way. The program combines science, practice, and deep personal development. You’ll also learn directly from masterclass facilitators, including James Fadiman, one of the leading researchers in microdosing, with whom they proudly collaborate.

“Among the more than 50 trainings of divergent qualities which have appeared the last few years in the psychedelic wellness and healing industry, this program is a haven of integrity and professionalism.”
​— Donca Vianu, MD, Portugal – Psychiatrist, psychotherapist & former participant

Special for you: €100 discount on the program fee when you apply via me. Just make sure to select Blossom in the application form under “How did you hear about us?”

Molenvaart 76, Anna Paulowna, NH 1761AL
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