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Exploring Access to Psychedelics Among Canadian Veterans: Pathways, Barriers, and Perceptions
Luis E Contreras1,2,3, Georgia O Elliott1,2,3, Francesco Kment4
1Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Psychedelic Medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.)
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Canadian veterans seeking psychedelic therapy for mental health often use underground routes due to limited legal access and clinician knowledge. Improving education and legal pathways is crucial for safe engagement with these investigational treatments.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Research
- Pharmacology
- Sociology
Background:
- Psychedelic-assisted therapies are emerging as potential treatments for mental health conditions.
- Canadian veterans show significant interest in psychedelics for therapeutic benefits.
- Limited legal access to psychedelics in Canada prompts exploration of alternative pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how Canadian military veterans learn about and access psychedelics for mental health treatment.
- To identify information sources and access methods used by veterans.
- To understand barriers veterans face in accessing psychedelic therapies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective survey design.
- Collaboration with Heroic Hearts Canada.
- Data collected from 30 veterans on mental health history, prior treatments, information sources, and access methods.
Main Results:
- Most veterans accessed psychedelics through underground options (self-directed or guided), with few using legal pathways.
- Veterans primarily obtained information from peers and media, not healthcare providers.
- Barriers included stigma and healthcare providers' lack of knowledge regarding psychedelic treatments.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps exist in access and education for psychedelic therapies among veterans.
- Improved clinician training, policy reform, and safer legal pathways are needed.
- Addressing these barriers supports informed engagement and harm reduction for veterans seeking alternative mental health treatments.
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