Why it matters:
The Canada Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs released a report calling for the immediate launch and funding of large-scale research on psychedelic-assisted therapy for treating mental disorders and other conditions affecting Canadian veterans. The report highlights the high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans and the urgent need for effective treatments to improve their mental health and reduce the risk of suicide.
What they are saying:
The report emphasizes that the government has a moral obligation to explore all potential treatment options for veterans, even if the results may vary. It criticizes the Department of National Defence for its “wait-and-see” approach and calls for a new course of action to prioritize veterans’ well-being. The report also highlights the lack of sufficient research on the efficacy and safety of substances like psilocybin and MDMA for treating veterans.
The big picture:
The subcommittee recommends a research program funded by various government entities and organizations. This program would ensure access to treatment with scientific support for veterans most likely to benefit from psychedelic-assisted therapy. The report acknowledges the evolving nature of research in this field and argues against waiting for results from other countries. It emphasizes the government’s duty to support veterans who defended the country at any cost.
What to watch:
It will be important to monitor how the government responds to the subcommittee’s report and whether it takes the recommended actions to launch and fund a large-scale research program on psychedelic-assisted therapy. Additionally, tracking the progress of the ongoing clinical trials mentioned in the report, particularly the ones focused on MDMA and psilocybin, will provide insights into the potential effectiveness of these substances for treating PTSD in veterans.
My take:
The report highlights the pressing need to address the mental health struggles faced by Canadian veterans, particularly those with PTSD. While psychedelic-assisted therapy is still an emerging field, the potential benefits shown in studies conducted in the US, along with the promising results from MAPS’s Phase 3 Trial for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, indicate that further research is warranted. Implementing the recommendations in the report could help improve the quality of life for veterans and provide them with alternative treatment options beyond what is currently available.
