In June 2021, Global News looked at the growing push for psychedelic-assisted therapy in Canada, from patients to clinics and investors.
Patients and exemptions
The article follows a cancer patient from British Columbia who, with help from the non-profit TheraPsil, received legal permission from Health Canada to use psilocybin. At that point, Health Canada had approved exemptions for 36 people with end-of-life distress and allowed 27 organisations to work with psilocybin.
Research and business
Universities such as Johns Hopkins, NYU and the University of British Columbia were studying psychedelics for PTSD, depression, anxiety and chronic pain. At the same time, companies were preparing clinics and research programmes, and a dispensary owner described customers as “desperate to heal”.
The cautions
Health Canada warns of side effects such as a higher heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety and flashbacks. Doctors in the article stress that clinical treatment combines a carefully chosen dose with intensive psychological support, which is very different from self-medication.
Source: Global News: ‘People are desperate to heal’: The push for psychedelic-assisted therapy in Canada (12 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.
