An overwhelming 82% of Canadians support psilocybin-assisted therapy for people suffering from a terminal condition. They say the government should set up a regulatory framework to allow that, according to a new poll, reports Marijuana Moment.
The Canadian Psychedelic Association (CPA) commissioned the survey. The survey will strengthen legislative proposals that CPA drafted for lawmakers, the group said.
More than three out of every four respondents — 78 percent — would support the government legalizing and regulating therapeutic psilocybin treatment.
Psilocybin should be used in treating PTSD, 69% of respondents in the new poll agreed.
Almost two out of three — 64 percent — believe the psychedelic should be available under Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) rules.
Support Among Lawmakers, Too
CPA said the next step will be bringing its Memorandum of Regulatory Approval (MORA) to Parliament. Previous conversations with lawmakers indicated that there’s support for the effort to allow psilocybin-assisted therapy for certain patients.
Dr Pamela Kryskow, a psychedelics researcher, said the poll’s “a green light for Health Canada to proceed with the regulations.”
“The proof is in the research and patient improvement,” she said. Dr Kryskow said she’s seen “positive clinical evidence that shows that psilocybin-assisted therapy works tremendously well.”
Kryskow said the mushroom-based psychedelic is useful for addressing many mental health challenges where other options are ineffective. The healthcare practitioners are ready, the patients deserve this, and we’re ready to provide this medical service to Canadians.”
Exemptions Granted For Psilocybin Therapy
Minister of Health Patty Hajdu granted requests by some patients in end-of-life care to use the drug for psychotherapy last year, and the official later said that Canada will allow certain health care professionals to possess and consume psilocybin mushrooms in order to better treat those patients.
Although not legal in Canada, TheraPsil in Victoria, B.C., has successfully gained these exemptions to treat anxiety and depression, reports The Record. The company also obtained exceptions for terminal cancer patients, to help them face their mortality.
