Author: Matthew Perrone/AP

The FDA declined to approve MDMA as a therapy for PTSD, dealing a blow to the potential use of mind-altering substances for mental health treatment. Drugmaker Lykos Therapeutics was notified of the decision, citing the need for additional late-stage studies that could take years and cost millions. This setback was anticipated after a panel of government advisors voted against the drug’s use in June due to safety and efficacy concerns. If approved, MDMA would have been the first illegal psychedelic to become a federally approved medicine, opening the door for other hallucinogenic drugs. Despite the disappointment, advocates for psychedelic therapy…