From Senate Reports to countless scientific studies, progress in the acceptance and accessibility of psychedelic medicines paints a hopeful future for the well-being of all Canadians  

Vancouver, BC, and Toronto, ON – June 18, 2024 – The Psychedelic Association of Canada (PAC), a leading voice and educational resource for opening access to psychedelic medicines for all Canadians, is celebrating World Psychedelics Day on June 20. It is highlighting the years important strides and advancements towards broader acceptance and legal accessibility of these highly effective medicines in Canada.

With increasing public support and ground-breaking research advances, Canada is on the path towards joining other visionary jurisdictions such as Australia and Thailand, as well as states like Utah and Colorado, in legalizing access to these treatments. The landscape is evolving quickly, and based on recent data, Canadians are clearly poised and ready for change:

• 73 per cent of Canadians believe that doctors should have the ability to prescribe psilocybin like any other antidepressant (Political Intelligence, 2024).
• 78 per cent of Canadians back psilocybin access for patients with a palliative diagnosis, reflecting a strong compassionate stance (Nanos, 2021).
• 54 per cent support amendments to regulations to make psilocybin medically available – a number that rises to 66 per cent as people learn more about ongoing research and existing barriers (YouGov, 2022).

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Year in Review: Top Five Advancements in Canada’s Growing Acceptance of Psychedelics

1. Government Action and Policy Development:

The ground-breaking "The Time is Now: Granting Equitable Access to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies" report by the Senate of Canada’s Veterans Affairs Committee has identified an urgent need to move forward with psychedelic medicines.

It recommends the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Health, Veterans Affairs Canada and the National Institute of Health Research fund immediate, targeted studies to verify the effectiveness of psychedelic medicines in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among veterans – an area of urgent need where these medicines have already demonstrated significant improvements over current therapies.

2. Academic Innovations and Education Programs:

Across the country, Canada’s leading educational institutions are quickly responding to the growing psychedelic sector.

Over 120 healthcare professionals have trained in Canada’s first Post Graduate Certificate in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy at Vancouver Island University and the University of Ottawa just launched an M.A. degree in Psychedelics and Consciousness Studies, beginning this fall.

These pioneering programs are part of a broader academic movement and are joined by the University of Toronto, Queen's University, University of Calgary, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia. which are all actively engaged in furthering psychedelic research.‍

3. Local Progress and Decriminalization Efforts:

MDMA has been decriminalized across British Columbia.

Toronto Public Health has released the "Our Health, Our City" report, which includes recommendations from PAC's consultations. This report advocates for funding research into the microdosing and long-term health impacts of medical and recreational use of psychedelic medicines such as LSD, MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin.  

4. Legal Challenges and Advocacy:

Several major Charter of Rights challenges aim to reshape the legal landscape concerning use of psilocybin, the active ingredient in psychedelic ‘magic’ mushrooms.

Of note, Cory Patrick Brewer's case in British Columbia could set key precedents in recognizing and protecting First Nations' rights and cultural practices.

Concurrently, Samer Akila has challenged the constitutionality of psilocybin laws in Ontario, arguing they are contrary to freedom of thought under section 2(b) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

And just last month, the Federal Court overturned Health Canada's denial of Jody Lance's request for psilocybin access for cluster headaches, deeming it unreasonable and unjustified despite concerns about safety and alternative treatments.

5. Breaking Ground in Canada’s Healthcare System:

This past April, Alberta Blue Cross expanded its coverage to include psychedelic-assisted therapy, marking a significant step forward for Canada.

Simultaneously, the government of Alberta has introduced regulations to oversee Psychedelic Clinics, supervised by licensed psychiatrists.

Psilocybin is available to Canadians with Treatment Resistant Depression or End of Life Depression or Anxiety and MDMA is available to Canadians with PTSD - with successful applications to the Special Access Program.

“The past year has seen many positive developments in opening access to psychedelic medicines for all Canadians," said Jay Katz, Executive Director of the Psychedelic Association of Canada. "The PAC has disseminated well-received and compelling, science-based information to lawmakers, educators, regulators and the Canadian public. We applaud the wise leaders who have understood the opportunity to transform mental health care in Canada through legal psychedelic medicines. They recognise that these effective medicines were criminalized as part of the War on Drugs last century for political reasons, despite a multitude of studies attesting to their effectiveness and despite the objections of many in the scientific and medical communities.”

As the Psychedelic Association of Canada highlights these significant milestones over the past year, PAC also extends an invitation to those fascinated by the scientific, therapeutic, and policy potential of psychedelic medicine to amplify a collective voice that influences lawmakers in Ottawa and provincial capitals.

An annual contribution of just $100 provides access to exclusive events, a vibrant community, valuable networking and educational opportunities. PAC asks Canadians to support and help move forward its vital work to make these medicines accessible to all. Its supporters find its community an ideal platform to contribute to a future where the well-being of all interested Canadians is enhanced by psychedelic medicines.

The PAC is also hosting a free virtual event hosted in honour of World Psychedelics Day on June 20, 2024. Join PAC board members, staff, and special guest Dennis McKenna for an engaging talk and interactive Q&A.

Learn More & Get Tickets

Media Contact:

Sarah Van Lange
Psychedelic Association of Canada
sarah@psychedelicassociation.net