Rick Doblin is a well-known American psychedelic researcher, activist, and founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Born on November 30, 1953, in Boston, Massachusetts, he received a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from New College of Florida, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.
Doblin became interested in psychedelics in the 1970s, and began advocating for their medicinal use in the 1980s. In 1986, he founded MAPS, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting scientific research on the therapeutic uses of psychedelics and marijuana. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to promote psychedelic research and help bring these substances back into the mainstream.
Under Doblin's leadership, MAPS has conducted a number of groundbreaking studies on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, including MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety and depression. MAPS has also played a key role in legalizing psychedelic-assisted therapies in several jurisdictions, including Oregon and Washington D.C.
Doblin has been recognized for his contributions to the field of psychedelic research, and has received numerous awards and honors, including the Alexander Shulgin Award for the Advancement of Psychedelic Science, and the Earthrise Award for Visionary Leadership.
In addition to his work with MAPS, Doblin is also a frequent speaker and writer on the subject of psychedelic research and therapy. He has published numerous articles and book chapters, and has given talks at conferences and events around the world.
Overall, Rick Doblin has been a key figure in the movement to bring psychedelics back into mainstream medicine and society, and his work has helped pave the way for a new era of psychedelic research and therapy.