A 2015 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology also demonstrated psilocybin’s potential to treat alcohol addiction.

“Research has already demonstrated great promise for psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for certain substance use disorders,” says Numinus chief medical officer, Dr. Evan Wood. “But psilocybin is still illegal in Canada. This compassionate access trial will begin to address the hurdle of public accessibility, while allowing us to evaluate service delivery models and study the impacts of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as an adjunct to standard of care treatments for substance use disorders,” Dr. Wood adds.

The study is being conducted in collaboration with Syreon Corporation, a research organization that operates in 40 countries and has expertise in conducting clinical trials across a broad range of chronic and complex diseases.

“The tides are turning for the regulated use of psilocybin, as witnessed earlier this month in the United States,” says Numinus founder Payton Nyqvest, referencing Oregon’s recent vote to implement a state-wide program for administering psilocybin products.

“By increasing access through a compassionate access trial, we hope to help lead the way to regulation in Canada through our implementation science approach, which will provide critical outcome and safety data to health regulators,” Nyqvest says.

With the assistance of TheraPsil, a B.C.-based non-profit, at least 13 Canadians have received exemptions this year from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act,allowing them to legally access psilocybin therapy.