Canada's Ongoing Struggle For Access To Natural Psilocybin As A Therapeutic Nabs Business Support

Ontario-based Red Light Holland Corp. TRUFF has committed to becoming an aligned supporter and advocate with the non-profit TheraPsil.

The two entities are engaged in advancing a charter challenge relating to the prohibition of psilocybin under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

The claim is that the prohibition of psilocybin under the CDSA constitutes a violation of Section 7 of Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms, that is, patients’ right of life, liberty and security.

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Red Light Holland will offer financial support of up to CA$10,000.

Red Light Holland CEO Todd Shapiro says the company is proud to partner and provide financial support to TheraPsil in trying to change the laws to provide all Canadian adults who need it with legal access to psilocybin. 

“We are grateful to be working with such a beautiful organization, who have led the way in Canada to achieve exemptions and special access to magic mushrooms for their patients, helping many in need," Shapiro stated. "I mean, we've always stated we are the People's company wanting to make a difference for positive change — and we believe this is just another example of that. If successful, Red Light has the opportunity to be a part of leaving a legacy when it comes to giving back and helping those in need — and that makes all of us so proud!"

TheraPsil CEO Spencer Hawkswell detailed that TheraPsil and the delegation are in Ottawa this week to advocate for compassionate access to psilocybin.

The organization has been encouraging the government to work with patients, healthcare professionals and industry on medical regulations for the past three years, with “fruitless” results so far according to Hawkswell.

“We want to work with the government to find a solution to the cruel treatment of palliative Canadians who are seeking medical access to psilocybin to treat their end-of-life distress and mental illness,” he said. “Many seek psilocybin as a treatment for their anxiety, depression, and pain. Some see it as an alternative to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), while others find it helps with the process. If we have the right to die, we should have the right to try psilocybin.”

TheraPsil’s CEO believes this constitutional challenge might be “the only way to enshrine the rights of Canadians and ensure access,” and says that Red Light Holland’s matching donation and support will help keep the plaintiffs and lawyers “well-funded and on track” to ensure change comes swiftly, something lawyer and head of the lawsuit’s legal counsel lawyer Lewin agrees with.

Photo: Benzinga edit with photo by Indypendenz and Dmytro Tyshchenko on Shutterstock.