There are nearly 200 clinical trials, some happening in New York City, that are studying the therapeutic potential of psychedelics

It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Vanessa Velez and Danny Panzella. The Ditmas Park couple started dating again a few years ago and very quickly they felt tension. Vanessa was helping Danny raise his son, now 9 years old.

“I would take my wine, go off to my room,” said Vanessa, “And just stay to myself.”

“We were suffering from PTSD from our previous relationships,” said Danny.  “We brought that into our relationship.”

Vanessa was struggling with infertility and felt she had trouble getting through to Danny.

“It made it really difficult for me to talk to Danny. He didn’t understand what I was feeling.”

The two had been trying traditional couples’ therapy for months but they had yet to make progress. And then a friend suggested they try MDMA, a psychedelic drug more commonly known as ecstasy or molly.

“I was definitely scared, I was afraid,” said Vanessa. “All those things your parents instill like don’t do drugs, something can happen to you.”Kronman is the founder of Plant Parenthood, a community and online resource for parents interested in psychedelic therapy. It may not remain at the fringe for long, there are nearly 200 clinical trials, some happening in New York City, that are studying the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.

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