Lunch Symposium - Debate: Should Psychedelics be Available in Canada Without a Prescription?
Presenting Author(s): Dr. Brendan Leier, Dr. Robert Tanguay
Date and time: 24 Mar 2023 from 11:20 to 12:50
Location: Wildrose Salon A/B
Learning Objectives
- Have a greater understanding of arguments favouring supervised, prescription-only access to psychedelics in clinical treatment settings;
- Have a greater understanding of arguments favouring the opening up of psychedelics for non-prescription access in our community; and
- Have an opportunity to test their own preconceptions and views around this issue, in conversation with their peers.
Abstract
Recently there has been a surge in interest in the use of psychedelics in the treatment of mental illness, and in their use by the community at large. What are the pros and cons of using psychedelics? What are the pros and cons of requiring a prescription for their legal use? How closely should psychedelics' use be controlled? That is, why would we move forwards with clinical control and caution, requiring prescriptions and regulated professionals to be involved? Alternatively, what would be the arguments for simply removing restrictions and allowing the population to explore psychedelics?