What About Any Downside to Psychedelic Treatments for MH?
Like any medication, both FDA-approved or not, psychedelics can have side effects that may not be suitable for everyone. Look at what’s possible.
Psychedelics, over the past several years, have received positive examples of acceptance as medicine in mental health in a number of states, as well as in Canada. As with everything, we need to look at all aspects of these substances regarding their utility as well as any problems that may have been noted or indicated by persons using them.
Because this area is expanding at a quick pace and there are many diverse substances, uses, settings, and demographics involved, it is difficult to assess the hazards of psychedelic usage.
On an individual basis, Canada’s Minister of Health has approved the use of psilocybin to alleviate the pain and suffering of a number of terminally sick individuals. In December 2020, Health Canada announced their plan to expand the Special Access Programme (SAP). According to successful preliminary results, this would allow practitioners to request access to prohibited pharmaceuticals on behalf of patients with critical or life-threatening diseases.
A study with cancer patients also had promising results for psilocybin. In one study, participants with terminal cancer were given a high dose of psilocybin…
