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By Josh Hall

Drugs

Alberta improving quality standards for those accessing psychedelics

Oct 6, 2022 | 3:21 PM

The province is introducing new quality standards which will ensure Albertans accessing psychedelic-assisted therapy receive high-quality care overseen by mental health professionals.

An emerging field, the province notes, psychedelic-assisted therapy has shown promise in treating a range of mental health conditions, including PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.

However, because the drugs have mind-altering properties, the province says patients have heightened vulnerability during treatment and therefore face a higher risk of mental and physical harm.

“In order to fully realize the potential of this emerging field, we must have high standards of care in place to protect Albertans accessing care and ensure the legitimacy of the therapy,” says Mike Ellis, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “These new quality standards create a strong foundation for the safe and effective use of psychedelic-assisted therapy in Alberta as this field advances.”

The province goes on to say that in developing Alberta’s regulatory framework for psychedelic drug treatment, the province consulted with experts in psychedelic-assisted therapy, regulatory colleges and professional associations, as well as Alberta Health Services.

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In fact, the changes make Alberta the first province to ensure proper safeguards and expert medical oversight in this area.

The new standards are established through an amendment to the Mental Health Services Protection Regulation.

With certain exceptions, the amendment requires that:

o Clinics providing psychedelic drug treatment must be licensed under the Mental Health Services Protection Act and appoint a psychiatrist to serve as medical director.

o Only a psychiatrist, or an appropriately trained physician in consultation with a psychiatrist, can prescribe psychedelic drugs used in treatment.

o Patients undergoing psychedelic drug treatments that induce an altered state of consciousness must be monitored by qualified health professionals for the duration of their treatment session.

“Alberta is the first province to identify and understand that psychedelics are the future area of treatment for so many Canadians struggling with mental health,” says Dr. Robert Tanguay, co-chair, Alberta Pain Strategy and co-lead, Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Program, Alberta Health Services.

“There is an opportunity for Alberta to be a leader in this field, and this begins by recognizing the need to protect anyone undergoing these treatments. It’s incredible to see Alberta leading the way in psychedelic-assisted therapy by making sure Albertans are protected and working on improving access to care.”

Psychedelic drugs include psilocybin (magic mushrooms), MDMA (ecstasy), LSD, mescaline, DMT and ketamine.