In June 2021, the University of Calgary announced a research chair dedicated to psychedelic medicine, funded by a $3 million donation from Calgary trader Jim Parker.
Why the donation
Parker became interested after a family member received ketamine therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and, in his words, had remarkable results after years of struggling.
What will be studied
The chair focuses on substances such as psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine for mental illnesses that respond poorly to existing treatment, such as PTSD and addiction. Psychiatrist Dr. Valerie Taylor oversaw the search for the researcher to lead it.
Part of a wider trend
Universities and hospitals in many countries are setting up similar research programmes. This research is done in clinical settings with screening, supervision and therapy, and the results do not automatically apply to use at home.
Source: Global News: Psychedelic drugs for treatment of mental illness the focus of University of Calgary research chair (9 June 2021). Summarised in our own words.
This article is for general information only and is not medical or legal advice. Laws differ by country and change over time; check the rules where you live.
