Supporting equitable access to legal and regulated psychedelic medicine for all Canadians.
ABOUT OUR WORK
Working with partners in government, business, and the community, MAPS Canada is committed to advancing psychedelic medicine by supporting scientific, multidisciplinary research; advocating for drug policy reform; offering public education; and supporting equitable access to legal and regulated psychedelic medicine in Canada.
LATEST AT MAPS CANADA
November 20, 2025
MAPS Canada presents:
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy & Medical Assistance in Dying
Thurs, November 20th 7pm EST / 4pm PST
Join us for a live webinar exploring how psychedelic-assisted therapy can support people who are seeking medical assistance in death. Hear from a panel of individuals with experience and expertise in healthcare, law, research and live-experience about the potential benefits and challenges in providing psychedelic-assisted therapy for people considering MAiD.
Panelists: Dr. Ellen Wiebe Dr. Valorie Masuda Florence Moureau Dr. Houman Farzin Paul Lewin
Host: Kyle Sittek-Lumsden
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the current state of laws, policies and regulations surrounding MAiD in Canada.Learn about the current state of laws, policies and regulations surrounding access to PAT for people experiencing end of life distress.
- Gain an understanding about the history and efficacy of PAT for palliative care and end of life distress.Discover the challenges and barriers that individuals face when applying for legal access to psychedelics while experiencing end of life distress.
- Explore how the requirements for MAiD provide a potential pathway for legal access to PAT
November 13, 2025
MAPS Canada presents:
Variations in Psychedelic Interventions for Psychological Suffering at the End of Life: Insights from a Scoping Review
Thurs, November 13th 7pm EST / 4pm PST
Sarah Kratina, RN, PhD, is a clinician and researcher specializing in mental health, psychedelic interventions and drug policy. She is currently pursuing her MN-NP at the University of Alberta, and completed her BScN at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and her PhD at the University of Toronto in the Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation. Her research interests focus on the therapeutic potential of psychedelic interventions in various populations, including those with addictions, and individuals experiencing end-of-life distress. Clinically, Sarah works in the field of mental health and addictions. Early-stage research on psychedelic interventions for psychological suffering associated with the end of life is highly diverse. Sociocultural factors shape both the methods, interventional approaches used, and the explanations applied to each substance. Ketamine was mainly linked to the biomedical model, unlike other substances. Outcome measures spanned biopsychosocial-spiritual domains. The therapeutic value of challenging experiences remains uncertain. Exploring treatment diversity is essential, but greater standardisation in reporting would enhance the rigor of future research.
Presentation abstract: Early-stage research on psychedelic interventions for psychological suffering associated with the end of life is highly diverse. Sociocultural factors shape both the methods, interventional approaches used, and the explanations applied to each substance. Ketamine was mainly linked to the biomedical model, unlike other substances. Outcome measures spanned biopsychosocial-spiritual domains. The therapeutic value of challenging experiences remains uncertain. Exploring treatment diversity is essential, but greater standardisation in reporting would enhance the rigor of future research.
October 27, 2025
MAPS Canada presents:
Healing Trauma: New Frontiers for Veterans & First Responders
Mon, October 27th 7pm EST / 4pm PST
Veterans and first responders carry invisible wounds long after their service ends. This webinar explores how psychedelic-assisted therapy is emerging as a powerful tool in treating trauma, PTSD, and moral injury among those who have served on the frontlines. Drawing on current research from Heroic Hearts Canada and lived experience, participants will hear directly from researchers, clinicians, experienced veterans and first responders who have explored this path of healing. Together, we’ll examine how psychedelics have restored connection, supported emotional regulation, and provided meaning. Attendees will also gain insight into the neuroscience of trauma and integration practices that support long-term recovery. Whether you’re a clinician, veteran, first responder, anyone interested in innovative mental health approaches – this session offers an evidence-based and compassionate look at a new frontier in mental health care.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological challenges that first responders and veterans face during and after their service.
- Learn how psychedelic-assisted therapy and other alternative approaches are helping first responders and veterans heal from trauma and reconnect with purpose.
- Hear powerful personal stories of transformation and resilience from individuals who have walked the path from service to healing.
- Discover how we can collectively reduce stigma and create safer, more compassionate systems of care for those who dedicate their lives to helping others.
October 30, 2025
MAPS Canada presents:
Psychedelic-assisted group therapy for first responders: A proposal
Thurs, October 30th 7pm EST / 4pm PST
First responders, such as firefighters, often witness traumatic events including death or serious injury. These experiences can lead to depression and post-traumatic stress at rates several times higher than in the general population. A recent Canadian survey found that first responders both report high rates of illicit drug use and generally positive attitudes towards psychedelic-assisted therapy. Few psychedelic trials, however, have focused on this population. In this presentation, we will describe an upcoming trial recently approved by Health Canada. First responders will take part in a 12-week program based on the Gathering Groups protocol, which teaches mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional processing. At week eight, participants will receive psilocybin at an overnight retreat centre and will undergo the experience in a group setting. At two-week and six-month follow-ups, we will measure the effects on depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress compared to a control group. The study will also assess the feasibility and safety of this group protocol. If successful, the results could support a scalable and cost-effective approach to reducing trauma among first responders. Recruitment is planned to begin in 2026.
Dr. Jay Olson is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto. He studies a range of topics across psychology and medicine including psychedelics, placebos, creativity, and smartphone addiction. He did his previous graduate and postdoctoral training at McGill University and Harvard University.
MAPS Canada's School of Psychedelics presents:
Live Q&A for Course 3 - Cannabis and Psychedelics in Canada: Legal Landscape and Policy Pathways
Wed, October 8th 7pm EST / 4pm PST
Course instructors: Nicholas Pope, Alison Myrden & Dr Philippe Lucas PhD
Enjoy the courses and course bundle at 25% off, use code: back2school25.
September 27, 2025
MAPS Canada presents:
Exploring Spiritual Care in Psychedelic Therapy with Sinéad, Dr. Blainey & Reverend Jeffrey
Exploring Spiritual Care in Psychedelic Therapy with Sinéad Sullivan-Paul, Dr. Marc Blainey, Reverend Jeffrey Vidt In this episode of the MAPS Canada Podcast, Osheen Dayal hosts a conversation on integrating spiritual care into psychedelic therapy — honouring Indigenous wisdom, navigating ethics in clinical trials, and redefining spirituality in this evolving field. 🌿
Takeaways:
- Spiritual care is essential in psychedelic therapy.
- Indigenous knowledge must be respected in psychedelic practices.
- Clinical ethics should integrate spiritual exploration.
- Spirituality can be defined in many personal ways. -The Canadian Association for Spiritual Care promotes spiritual competencies.
September 22, 2025
MAPS Canada presents:
Psychedelics & Cross-Cultural Mysticism: Dr. Amod Lele on Philosophy & Self-Transcendence
In this episode, host Osheen sits down with Dr. Amod Sandhya Lele to explore the intersections of psychedelics, mysticism, and comparative philosophy.
Dr. Lele shares his journey into Buddhism and how it shaped his understanding of mystical experiences—highlighting self-transcendence, cultural influences, and the role of psychedelics in exploring mysticism.
Check out the podcast to learn more about cross-cultural philosophy, Buddhist thought, and the future of psychedelic mysticism research.
September 18, 2025
MAPS Canada presents:
Pathways of Integration: Transmuting Psychedelic and Other Exceptional Experiences
Thurs, September 18th 7pm EST / 4pm PST
This presentation shares findings from recent research into how experiencers process psychedelic and other exceptional experiences such as NDEs, kundalini and other spiritual awakenings, and UFO/alien encounters. We’ll look at different processing pathways, effective integration strategies, and questions for further research.
Speaker Bio: Joelle Adams studies the integration and transmutation of psychedelic and other exceptional experiences for improved wellbeing. She is currently completing her PhD in Applied Transpersonal Psychology at the Alef Trust and Liverpool John Moores University in the UK. Joelle completed her BA at Western University in London, Canada and her MA in Professional Practice in Higher Education at Bath Spa University in the UK. She also teaches critical thinking and academic composition at Santa Monica College. Joelle enjoys exploring altered states of consciousness, dancing, black coffee, and sharing life lessons with her teenaged nieces.
MAPS Canada's School of Psychedelics presents:
Live Q&A for Course 1 - Cannabis and Psychedelics in Canada: Conceptualizations and Communities
Tues, September 9th 7pm EST / 4pm PST
Course instructors: Pedram Dara, Kayla Breelove Carter & Dr. Kenneth Tupper
Enjoy the courses and course bundle at 25% off, use code: back2school25.
MAPS Canada's School of Psychedelics presents:
Cannabis and Psychedelics: From Conceptualization to Care in Canada
From shifting laws to evolving therapeutic uses, the line between cannabis and psychedelics is more blurred than ever. This course explores where they align—and where they diverge.
Now open for registration!
Full Course Bundle includes 3 courses:
Course 1: Conceptualizations and Communities
Course 2: Mechanisms of Action, Clinical Research, Therapeutic Applications
Course 3: Legal Landscape and Policy Pathways
February 22, 2025
MAPS Canada Presents:
Cafe Scientifique on Psychedelics and Health Equity
Cafe Scientifique – Psychedelic & Health Equity Dialogue:
MAPS Canada was proud to co-host a CIHR-funded event with over 130 attendees that brought together leading researchers from across Canada including Dr. Erika Dyck, Dr. Monnica Williams, Amy Bartlett and Otis Jasper to explore topics such as:
- Psychedelic diversity: Lessons from the past with Dr. Erika Dyck – Watch now
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A Story of Queerness and Psychedelics with Amy Bartlett- Watch now
- How Indigenous Peoples Keep Their Spirituality Alive Amid Ongoing Injustice with Otis Jasper – Watch now
- Cafe Scientifique on Psychedelics and Health Equity with Dr. Monnica Williams – Watch now
In addition to the graphic report above, we’ve compiled a full report and recording of the event to share what we learned about the gaps, opportunities, and solutions for health equity in the psychedelic space.
January 13, 2025
MAPS Canada presents:
Catching up with Rick Doblin: FDA's MDMA Decision and What's Next for 2025
Join us online for an exclusive event with Rick Doblin, the founder of MAPS, as we discuss the recent FDA decision on MDMA and what the future holds for 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand insights from Rick Doblin himself and learn more about the exciting developments in the world of psychedelic research and therapy. Access recording here.
MAPS Canada's SAP CoP Committee presents:
The Special Access Program Tip Sheet
Our SAP Tip Sheet is now live! Learn how you can access Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) through Health Canada’s SAP program. You can find tips and templates to streamline your application process!
MAPS Canada's School of Psychedelics presents:
Psychedelics in Canada: Past, Present and Future
Experience the full spectrum of psychedelic knowledge with our complete seminar series. These seven insightful courses cover everything from the historical roots to the modern applications of psychedelics.
BALANCING SAFETY AND ACCESS REPORT
Please read our report on Alberta’s Regulations and service standards, and related recommendations.
