Rick Doblin

Rick Doblin
Doblin, 2014
Born	(1953-11-30) November 30, 1953 Chicago, Illinois, US
Alma mater	New College of Florida (BSc, 1987) Harvard University (PhD, 2001)
Occupation	Founder and Executive Director, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)
Known for	Psychedelic therapy, MAPS
Scientific career
Fields	Psychology, Public policy, Political science
Thesis	Regulation of the medical use of psychedelics and marijuana  (2000)
Doctoral advisor	Frederic M. Scherer

Richard Elliot Doblin (born November 30, 1953) is an American psychedelic drug advocate who is the founder and president of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS).

Early life and education

Rick Doblin grew up in Skokie, Illinois as the oldest of four children in a Jewish family. He first enrolled in Florida's New College (now New College of Florida) in 1971, but dropped out after one semester, later re-enrolling and completing a bachelor's in psychology. Doblin later went on to get his doctorate in public policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, graduating in 2001. Doblin's PhD thesis is titled Regulation of the Medical Use of Psychedelics and Marijuana, and was published in June 2000.

Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies

Doblin established MAPS in 1986 to research MDMA and other psychedelics through legal clinical trials. MAPS pursued a lengthy FDA approval process, hoping mainstream acceptance of MDMA therapy could positively impact access to other treatments. Over decades, MAPS collaborated with scientists, raised funds through philanthropic means, and worked to change public perceptions of psychedelics.

In January 2023, Doblin quietly transitioned from executive director of MAPS to president of the organization. Kris Lotlikar replaced Doblin as executive director.

Controversy

Research Sexual Assault Allegation

As director of MAPS, Doblin has given comment on the publicized serious allegations of sexual assault by MAPS-employed therapists engaging in a clinical trial trialing psychedelic MDMA as therapy for survivors of sexual assault. Four years after Meaghan Buisson submitted a formal complaint to MAPS regarding the series of incidents, Doblin defended the organization failing to review all videos of the sessions, stating "This unethical sexual misconduct happened after the therapy was over … So that made us think that we didn't need to review the video."

Ethical Violations in Clinical Trials

In 2015, during a MAPS-sponsored Phase 2 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in British Columbia, Canada, participant Meaghan Buisson reported experiencing unethical conduct by her therapists, Dr. Richard Yensen and Dr. Donna Dryer. While under the influence of MDMA, Buisson was videotaped in prolonged physical contact with Yensen, including being held, spooned, and kissed during and after sessions. After the trial, she was drawn into what she later described as a manipulative and emotionally abusive sexual relationship with Yensen, despite her vulnerable psychological state and prior history of sexual trauma.

Although Buisson submitted a formal complaint to MAPS in 2018 and provided extensive documentation, including video evidence from trial sessions, the organization did not fully review all materials until years later. Doblin later justified this inaction by stating: "This unethical sexual misconduct happened after the therapy was over… So that made us think that we didn’t need to review the video."

In 2019, MAPS publicly acknowledged that ethical boundaries had been violated and formally severed ties with both therapists. The case drew widespread condemnation from mental health professionals and triggered new protocols within the organization, including the introduction of stricter consent and oversight procedures. Nevertheless, many critics argued that MAPS’ delayed response reflected broader institutional failings, including a lack of trauma-informed practices, inadequate therapist supervision, and the prioritization of organizational reputation over participant safety.

FDA Advisory Panel Rejection

On June 4, 2024, an independent advisory panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted against recommending approval of MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The panel reviewed evidence from two Phase 3 clinical trials submitted by Lykos Therapeutics, the MAPS-affiliated company conducting the studies. While some panel members acknowledged the potential promise of MDMA therapy, the majority expressed concerns about data reliability, insufficient safety protocols, and the lack of long-term follow-up data.

Specific criticisms included the unblinded nature of the trials, reliance on therapists trained internally by MAPS, and the absence of diverse participant samples. The panel also noted a significant placebo effect and questioned whether the results could be generalized beyond the controlled study setting. Several members emphasized the need for independent replication of findings before MDMA could be considered for approval.

During the open public hearing portion of the meeting, over 30 speakers shared comments. Several speakers, including scientists, bioethicists, and trauma survivors, voiced concerns about the influence of MAPS and Rick Doblin on the trial process. Brian Pace, a lecturer in plant pathology at Ohio State University and critic of the commercial psychedelic industry, warned against the rush to approve MDMA therapy and highlighted Doblin’s long-standing vision of psychedelics as a tool for global peace. Others questioned whether Doblin’s idealistic framing could overshadow important safety and ethical concerns.

The FDA ultimately followed the advisory panel’s recommendation, delaying further consideration of MDMA therapy pending more rigorous, independently verified research. The rejection marked a significant setback for Lykos Therapeutics and the broader psychedelic-assisted therapy movement.

Conflicts of Interest and Organizational Criticism

Rick Doblin has faced sustained scrutiny over his overlapping roles as founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), executive leader of its for-profit arm Lykos Therapeutics, and vocal public advocate for the legalization and widespread use of psychedelics. Critics argue that these roles blur the line between research objectivity and ideological advocacy, raising serious questions about transparency, governance, and financial accountability within the psychedelic field.

A central concern involves MAPS’ dual mission as both a research sponsor and policy advocacy group. While MAPS has helped legitimize psychedelic science, some observers—including clinicians and bioethicists—have noted that its internal therapist training programs, self-developed trial protocols, and promotional materials may lead to conflicts of interest. These critiques intensified as Lykos Therapeutics (formerly MAPS Public Benefit Corporation) pursued FDA approval of MDMA-assisted therapy, which could result in substantial financial gain for affiliated stakeholders.

These issues were brought into sharper focus at the Psychedelic Science 2023 conference in Denver, Colorado, organized by MAPS and Lykos. More than 300 speakers—including academic researchers, clinicians, and investors—were asked to disclose conflicts of interest, including consulting relationships, equity holdings, intellectual property claims, or ties to private clinics. Among those disclosing such interests were high-profile figures in psychedelic science, including:

- **Robin Carhart-Harris** (University of California, San Francisco) - **Bia Labate** (Chacruna Institute) - **Charles Raison** (University of Arizona) - **Matthew Johnson** (Johns Hopkins University) - **Tim Ferriss** (author and investor) - **Doblin himself**, due to his leadership role in both MAPS and Lykos

These disclosures were initially available through the conference’s mobile app via the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM), but were later removed. The nonprofit watchdog group Psymposia archived the full list, arguing that transparency is essential for evaluating the credibility and independence of scientific claims.

In response to growing public criticism, Doblin has acknowledged the tension between advocacy and science but has defended MAPS’ practices as necessary for advancing the field. However, institutions like the Petrie-Flom Center at Harvard Law School have hosted dedicated forums addressing conflicts of interest in psychedelic research, with several speakers pointing to MAPS as a case study of blurred boundaries between commercial ambition and public health ethics.

Retraction of Research Papers

In August 2024, the journal *Psychopharmacology* formally retracted three research papers authored by MAPS-affiliated scientists on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. The retractions followed mounting concerns about the integrity of clinical trial oversight, incomplete reporting of adverse events, and ethical violations involving therapists in MAPS-sponsored studies. The studies in question had played a central role in advocating for FDA approval and public support of MDMA therapy.

According to the publisher’s retraction notice, key disclosures were omitted from the original submissions, including the failure to report known misconduct by trial therapists and the lack of independent safety monitoring. The decision to retract the studies came after months of internal review, as well as public pressure following investigative reports and the FDA advisory panel's rejection of the therapy.

The retracted studies included prominent data cited in MAPS’ submissions to the FDA and had been previously featured in presentations at major conferences. The fallout from the retractions prompted deeper scrutiny of research practices in the field, particularly regarding potential bias in trials sponsored and overseen by advocacy organizations. The episode also intensified calls for greater external oversight of psychedelic research and for stricter disclosure requirements in future peer-reviewed publications.

Although MAPS responded by reaffirming its commitment to transparency and participant safety, critics argued that the retractions signaled deeper structural issues, including insufficient separation between clinical research and organizational self-interest. Some former MAPS collaborators distanced themselves from the organization, while others called for new ethical frameworks to prevent future breakdowns in scientific accountability.

Organizational Changes and Layoffs

In the wake of the FDA advisory panel’s rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy and the subsequent retractions of key research articles, Lykos Therapeutics (formerly MAPS Public Benefit Corporation) underwent significant structural changes. In August 2024, the company announced it was laying off approximately 75% of its workforce, affecting roughly 100 employees. The layoffs were attributed to shifting regulatory expectations, reduced funding prospects, and the need to restructure operations following the FDA decision.

The company’s board also saw key leadership departures. Rick Doblin, who had long served as the public face of MAPS and Lykos, formally resigned from his board position in September 2024. In a public letter, Doblin stated that he intended to focus on broader psychedelic policy advocacy and education, though critics noted that the timing of his departure coincided with the organization's most significant regulatory and reputational challenges to date.

Internally, the layoffs and leadership turnover were accompanied by concerns over organizational morale, transparency, and direction. Former employees and anonymous staff members described a culture of uncertainty, with some expressing frustration over what they characterized as a top-down decision-making structure that lacked responsiveness to internal warnings about ethics, scalability, and regulatory preparedness.

The restructuring raised broader questions about the sustainability of the for-profit psychedelic biotech model and whether idealistic visions of mass healing through psychedelics could coexist with investor-driven business models. The Lykos layoffs marked one of the most visible signs that the early optimism surrounding the psychedelic renaissance was colliding with complex scientific, ethical, and regulatory realities.

Advocacy for Psychedelics as Secular Spiritual Tools and Conduit to World Peace

Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), has long advocated for the potential of psychedelics to serve as tools for secular spirituality. Doblin envisions psychedelics, particularly MDMA and psilocybin, as agents for profound mystical experiences that could offer a substitute for traditional religious practices. He has suggested that such experiences could lead to what he calls a "spiritualized humanity," where global peace and interconnectedness are achieved through shared psychedelic experiences.

Brian Pace, a lecturer in plant pathology at Ohio State University, criticized Mr. Doblin’s public comments, including a belief that legalizing and regulating them would bring about world peace.

This view has generated both support and controversy. Proponents argue that psychedelics offer an alternative path to spiritual awakening and social cohesion, particularly in a secular, post-religious world. However, critics contend that Doblin's framing of psychedelics as a tool for spiritual enlightenment may compromise the objectivity required in psychedelic research. These critics suggest that such advocacy could blur the lines between scientific inquiry and personal ideology, thus introducing biases that may influence clinical research and public policy.

The discussion became more contentious during the 2024 FDA advisory panel hearing, where several public commentators raised concerns about cult-like dynamics within MAPS. One critic, Brian Pace, a lecturer at Ohio State University, publicly criticized Doblin's vision of using psychedelics to bring about world peace, describing it as part of a "therapy cult." Some researchers and advocates within the psychedelic community also worry that the close alignment of MAPS with both research and advocacy could compromise scientific integrity by promoting a specific worldview under the guise of objective therapeutic development.

These concerns highlight the ongoing debates in the psychedelic field over the role of spirituality in therapy, the ethical risks of charismatic leadership, and the potential for conflicts of interest between commercial interests and research integrity.

Ongoing Debates in Psychedelic Therapy

The controversies surrounding Rick Doblin, MAPS, and Lykos Therapeutics have sparked broader debates within the psychedelic community and among medical ethicists, researchers, and public health advocates. While many still view psychedelic-assisted therapy as a promising innovation in mental health care, recent events have exposed deep tensions regarding how the field should be developed, regulated, and governed.

One key debate centers on the appropriate balance between scientific rigor and activist enthusiasm. Critics have argued that the field has moved too quickly toward commercialization and medical approval without sufficient long-term safety data or independent replication of findings. The close alignment of major psychedelic organizations with both venture capital and policy advocacy has led to calls for greater separation between research entities and lobbying or promotional efforts.

Concerns have also emerged about the cultural and ethical frameworks used to guide psychedelic research and practice. Some scholars and Indigenous leaders have criticized the dominance of Western biomedical models, arguing that they erase or co-opt longstanding spiritual and communal uses of psychedelics. Others have emphasized the risks of overhyping psychedelics as a “miracle cure,” cautioning that this narrative may undermine patient safety and set unrealistic expectations.

At the same time, supporters of psychedelic therapy stress that recent controversies should not overshadow the potential therapeutic value of these substances when administered under appropriate conditions. Many call for a reorientation toward slower, more transparent, and community-driven development models—emphasizing harm reduction, diverse leadership, and public accountability as essential principles for the field’s future.

The unfolding debate suggests that the future of psychedelic medicine will depend not only on clinical trial results, but also on how researchers, practitioners, companies, and communities navigate the ethical and institutional challenges that accompany rapid growth and mainstream acceptance.

See also

• Psychedelia – Film about the history of psychedelic drugs
• Lykos Therapeutics
• Matthew J. Baggott

References

• The MAPS Staff
• Erowid character vaults
• Miliard, Mike: This is your brain on drugs: Rick Doblin thinks pot, ecstasy, and other psychedelics could unlock the human mind — and he wants to bring them to Harvard, the FDA, and a doctor's office near you, The Boston Phoenix, Oct. 8–14, 2004.
• New York Times:https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/04/health/fda-mdma-therapy-ptsd.html
• Bleyer, Jennifer (October 8, 2013). "Can Ecstasy, Primarily Known as a Club Drug, Help People Suffering From Trauma?". Tablet.
• Cox, Billy (14 August 2008). "Had a nice trip. Wish you could, too". Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2 November 2012.

External links

• Rick Doblin, Ph.D: Founder & Executive Director of MAPS - Tripsitter