QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
Use of Psychedelics in Therapy
March 21, 2024
Thank you, minister, for being here today.
In light of the expanding research indicating the potential therapeutic advantages of psychedelics in addressing mental health disorders, including among veterans, particularly in cases where conventional treatments have fallen short, I’m keen to understand the government’s position and initiatives concerning the integration of psychedelics into therapeutic practice.
Thank you for the question.
What we do know is that, when it comes to addressing mental health and mental illness, especially with complex cases of PTSD, which can be debilitating and long term for many who suffer from it, there is a need to address how we can best serve them in the process of healing from trauma.
There have been clinical trials on the use of psychedelics. Early evidence has been promising. However, I am a proponent of driving forward based on evidence and data. We are contemplating expanding clinical trials under strict supervision to ensure that those who have not been successful with other forms of treatment, particularly when it comes to PTSD and acute depression, are able to access clinical trials for consideration.
We know it is top of mind for many Canadians. We want to ensure that we are driven by science, evidence and by clinical trials that will best support those who need help.
Should future trials actually prove that this would be a useful therapeutic armamentarium, is your department willing to expedite the approval process while maintaining rigorous safety and efficacy standards?
Thank you.
Senator, to be candid, I do not deal in hypothetical situations; I deal in facts and evidence. We will move cautiously and carefully through a responsible stewardship of expanding clinical trials based on the current evidence that we have, while also gauging demand and ensuring that we have a sufficient number of physicians and psychiatrists who can responsibly steer these clinical trials.
