Psychedelics have come a long way since the 1970s at which time they faced a negative backlash as a result of the “war on drugs” in the United States, and corresponding restrictions in countries such as Canada. With a growing body of research, shifting demographics and a general openness to evaluate non-conventional ways to deal with existing challenges, the public has become more receptive to psychedelics for medical and therapeutic purposes.
It is anticipated that access to drugs and treatments that incorporate psychedelics may increase through the recent Amendments to the SAP as well as s. 56 Exemptions continuing to be granted by the Minister of Health. However, neither of these routes for access should be viewed as decriminalizing psychedelics. Despite the developments potentially increasing access to psychedelics for certain eligible patients, it is important to note that psychedelics and activities related to it remain heavily regulated. Accordingly, actors within the psychedelics space must remain aware of the legal complexities surrounding the industry.