$RVV $RVVTF - Psilocybin ($$$$$)
Executive Summary
In a recent poll, commissioned by TheraPsil, from Pollara Strategic Insights, 56% of Canadians showed top-of-mind approval for legalizing psilocybin therapy for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Interestingly, in early November, Oregon legalized the first state-wide psilocybin therapy program, with 55.68% voting yes. This insight also comes during a time when new research from Johns Hopkins University, indicates that “psilocybin-assisted therapy was efficacious in producing large, rapid, and sustained antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder.” In addition, TheraPsil recently announced that Minister Patty Hajdu also approved the first non-palliative Canadian access to psilocybin therapy by way of a section 56 exemption. The message is clear: The Canadian public is ready to advance psilocybin therapy as a treatment option beyond end-of-life issues for those suffering from other mental health conditions such as treatment-resistant depression. As Canada continues to struggle with a mental health crisis, TheraPsil urges Minister Hajdu to consider changes to the Canadian Drugs & Substances Act which would legalize psilocybin therapy through a doctor-as-gatekeeper model, to ensure that psilocybin therapy is made available for all Canadians in medical need.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Psilocybin Therapy in Canada?
Canadians are ready to accept psilocybin therapy, not only for those with a terminal illness but also for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression.
It is not too much of a leap to suggest that the public would potentially also be receptive to psilocybin therapy for other mental health conditions, although another survey would certainly be needed to verify. Canadians need other options for their mental health, and psilocybin therapy shows great promise.
As more Canadians contact TheraPsil for support, it is clear more resources are needed to support the potentially thousands of individuals who could benefit from psilocybin therapy. Therapists across the country need to be trained in this unique modality, including experiential learning using psilocybin themselves. A legal Canada-wide psilocybin therapy program needs to exist.
TheraPsil urges Minister Hajdu to consider changes to the Canadian Drugs & Substances Act which would legalize psilocybin therapy through a doctor-as-gatekeeper model, to ensure psilocybin therapy is made available for all Canadians in medical need.
Until then, we will continue to help Canadians access psilocybin therapy through section 56 exemptions, and we will continue our advocacy work to ensure more Canadians in medical need can access this option.