Rua Bioscience announced its support for a clinical study that harnesses the potential of psilocybin-containing mushrooms to treat methamphetamine addiction. This pioneering research, rooted in an indigenous community and guided by mtauranga Mori, has reached a significant milestone. Over the past week, the first cohort of marae-based participants engaged in preparatory and experiential sessions with mushroom extract containing a specific dose of psilocybin at Rangiwaho Marae, near Gisborne.
This marks an important step in Phase I of the trial. Learnings from this first phase will guide the next steps, focusing on the intervention’s safety, acceptability, feasibility, and alignment with tikanga and mtauranga Mori. Collaborative Effort Rooted in Tikanga Mori: The study, named T Wairua (standing with strength and spiritual connectedness), represents a collaboration among Rangiwaho Marae, Rua Bioscience, and other research and health organizations.
The initiative blends local Mori knowledge with cutting-edge scientific research to explore the therapeutic potential of indigenous Psilocybe fungi (taonga). Tu Wairua is undertaking cultivation trials of taonga varieties with the support from Rua Bioscience and Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research and the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) is providing analytical support. The psilocybin used in this trial was supplied by Canadian company Optimi Health.
Marae-based kaitieki (guides) have been trained in collaboration with kaupapa Mori and psychedelic therapy trainers to provide culturally informed support for participants throughout the trial. Phase I of the study received full approval earlier 2025 from both the Health & Disability Ethics Committees (HDEC) and the Standing Committee on Therapeutic Trials (SCOTT). The research team is currently fundraising for Phase II of the clinical trial, which will expand upon these early findings.