Women’s Biology and Representation at MAPS Conferences
Women’s Biology and Representation at MAPS Psychedelic Science Conference 2023
The MAPS Psychedelic Science Conference 2023 brought together over 12,000 attendees, nearly 400 speakers, and seven stages of presentations across five days. It was a landmark gathering for psychedelic research and advocacy.
But one pressing question emerged: Where were the women?
Despite the celebration of progress in psychedelic science, there was a clear absence of discussions focused on women’s health, female biology, and the interactions between psychedelics and the female body.
Why Women’s Biology Matters in Psychedelic Research
The emerging field of psychedelics holds enormous promise, yet research into the effects of these substances on women remains limited.
Women’s biology has historically been understudied, leading to major gaps in our knowledge, including:
Female-specific receptors and pathways
Dosing guidelines tailored for women
Safety considerations unique to women
Efficacy of treatment for female patients
Closing these gaps is critical to fully unlock the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for women.
The Hormonal Cycle: An Overlooked Factor
The hormonal cycle profoundly affects mood, perception, and possibly the nature of psychedelic experiences. Recognizing this influence should be a starting point in research and therapeutic design.
Before even exploring psychedelic-assisted therapy for female-specific disorders, we must understand:
How hormonal phases alter set and setting
Whether timing in the cycle changes therapeutic outcomes
The potential benefits for conditions unique to women
MAPS’ Role and Responsibility
As a leading organization, MAPS has a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to lead inclusive research in this new era of mental health treatments.
It is concerning that, in introducing new pharmacological therapies like MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, there remains little visible emphasis on women’s needs. PTSD can present differently in women, and early evidence suggests gender differences in response to MDMA. Ignoring these distinctions risks repeating historical oversights in medicine.
A Glimpse of Hope
While the conference lacked a strong official focus on women’s issues, grassroots communities of women were present—making themselves heard and advocating for change. These voices are essential to:
Direct research toward women’s use of psychedelics
Push for equitable representation in clinical trials
Create dedicated platforms for women’s perspectives in psychedelic science
Looking Ahead
By the next conference, we hope to see a dedicated stage for women’s biology and representation in psychedelic research—one that reflects the importance of this field and the communities driving it forward.
Authors
Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley & Dr. Zahira Z. Cohen — Founders of Hystelica
Melissa Whippo, LCSW — Founder of Deva Collective