Psychedelics and the Canadian Legal Landscape: Where Do We Go From Here?
Why is legal access to psychedelics in Canada so difficult despite its proven benefits? This presentation will explore the complexities of psychedelic therapy in Canada, the current legal landscape, and potential pathways to making psychedelic therapy more accessible. We’ll examine how TheraPsil, a grassroots nonprofit, is advocating for “medical assistance in living” through psychedelic therapy and the critical role of professional training in a trusted ecosystem for psychedelic healthcare.
SPEAKER: John Gilchrist is the Communications Manager at TheraPsil, a grassroots non-profit organization working to legalize psychedelic therapy in Canada. An ardent supporter of drug policy reform, John believes the growing acceptance of psychedelics and psychedelic therapy marks a paradigm shift in the treatment of mental health. He has played an integral role in TheraPsil’s advocacy work, contributing to national and international campaigns, media coverage and has led key lobbying initiatives in Ottawa to advance psychedelic therapy legalization. John was aware of the healing powers of psilocybin and other psychedelics before joining TheraPsil but was truly blown away by a personal story from a patient in 2021. Since then, he has been dedicated to supporting the legalization of psychedelic therapy and changing public perception towards it.