Psychedelic drug therapies hold great promise, need more research funding: scientists
** FOR RELEASE FRIDAY, APRIL 23 **In this April 13, 2010 photo, A gram of psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms, is seen on a scale at New York University in New York.
AP Photo/Seth WenigOTTAWA – Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor is being urged to support broad research for the use of psychedelic drugs for medical treatments.
Canadian researchers say psychedelic therapies have shown clear scientific promise for treating mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress, end-of-life anxiety and addiction.
Mark Haden, an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia, says there is a “psychedelic renaissance” underway in the research community, adding it is pressing for Ottawa to look at funding science into alternative therapies for patients.
READ MORE: ‘Party drug’ MDMA touted as breakthrough therapy for PTSD patients
Haden and other researchers support a House of Commons petition, sponsored by Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, calling for the minister to explore multi-year funding on psychedelic research projects at hospitals and universities.
Erskine-Smith says it is important to explore treatments that could help Canadians suffering from mental health issues.
WATCH: Could LSD, magic mushrooms curb domestic violence? Research finds ‘calming’ effect
A spokesperson for Petitpas Taylor says the Canadian Institutes of Health Research previously authorized a clinical trial involving MDMA – a psychedelic substance commonly known as ecstasy.
© 2017 The Canadian Press
Editor's Picks

What we learned from Alek Minassian's Incel-linked Facebook page - and what we'd like to know

Farah Nasser: 'This changes everything' — residents react to Toronto van attack

In the wake of the Toronto van attack, good deeds surge. You can help too

Toronto van attack: Police officer commended for refusal to shoot suspect

Returning ISIS members pose potential chemical weapons risk to Canada: internal government documents

How Chinese gangs are laundering drug money through Vancouver real estate

Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.