As the first jurisdiction in Canada to establish these regulations and medical monitoring, the government of Alberta is setting procedures and standards for psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Psilocybin, psilocin, MDMA, LSD, mescaline (peyote), DMT, 5 methoxy DMT, and ketamine are examples of psychedelic substances.
Emerging research suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapy can help people with specific psychiatric diseases, including as PTSD and treatment-resistant depression, the province stated in a news statement on Wednesday.
Mike Ellis, associate minister of mental health and addictions, stated that in order to fully exploit the potential of this developing area, “we must have rigorous standards of care in place to safeguard Albertans obtaining care and verify the legitimacy of the therapy.”
As the area of psychedelic assisted therapy develops, “these new quality criteria offer a strong foundation for the safe and effective use of these drugs in Alberta.”
The province amended the Mental Health Services Protection Regulation this month. The demands take effect on January 16, 2023.
Alberta is the first province to recognise and understand that psychedelics are the future area of treatment for so many Canadians struggling with mental health, according to Dr. Robert Tanguay, co-chair of the Alberta Pain Strategy and co-lead of the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Program with Alberta Health Services. Safeguards and expert medical oversight are required under Alberta’s legislation, including:
“Alberta has a chance to lead the way in this area, and the first step in doing so is to acknowledge the necessity to safeguard anyone receiving these therapies.
In addition to Alberta Health Services, regulatory colleges, professional organisations, and psychedelic-assisted treatment professionals were consulted during the development of the framework in Alberta.
According to David Fascinato, executive director of Heroic Hearts Project Canada, “It is my hope that this announcement inspires other jurisdictions in Canada — and abroad — to follow suit by promoting evidence-based therapeutic approaches that can improve the health and wellness of veterans. It also opens the door to additional communities that will stand to benefit from equitable access to legal, safe, regulated, and affordable psychedelic therapies.”
Psychedelic drug treatment in Alberta has different standards based on the level of risk involved, such as using ketamine versus other psychedelic drugs, if the service includes psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and whether the dosage is likely to create an altered state of consciousness.
Clinical research trials and psychedelics prescribed to treat ailments other than psychiatric disorders, such as pain and cancer, are exempt from the new regulations.
Providers of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy must be members of one of the following regulatory colleges, be either psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, or regulated health professionals qualified to execute the restricted activity of psychosocial intervention.
People in Alberta who are struggling with addiction or mental health issues can get support, advice, and referrals by calling 211 Alberta.
The Calgary chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association offers peer support and counselling. Call 403-297-1402 if you are experiencing stress or anxiety in these uncertain times.
Alberta establishes guidelines for the use of psychedelic drugs in therapy
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