In the 1950s, Saskatchewan was home to some of the most important psychedelic research in the world. Saskatchewan-based psychiatrist Humphry Osmond coined the word psychedelic in 1957. We have seen a revival of psychedelic research in Canada as psychedelic drugs could transform how we treat depression and mental illness. A phase III clinical trial of MDMA has begun in Canada, a hallucinogenic drug commonly known as ecstasy, for patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The treatment consists of three monthly, eight-hour sessions under the influence of MDMA, interspersed by nine 90-minute sessions without it. This study is under the guidance of the non-profit Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). In addition, other companies such as MindMed (another Canadian Company) are developing psychedelic drugs.
Speakers
Mark Haden,Executive Director of MAPs (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)
Mark Haden is Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia School of Population and Public Health. He has been published on the issue of drug policy in the Canadian Journal of Public Health, and the International Journal of Drug Policy. Haden was involved in producing the Health Officers Council paper on the regulation of illegal drugs in 2005. He currently provides public education on drugs and drug policy, and is a parent with two children and an active member of the Vancouver outdoor recreation community.
Irie SelKirk is the Co-founder and Director of Rise Wellness Retreat, the world’s first legal psilocybin microdose retreat. She has also co-founded Sansero, a psilocybin and psilocybin-inspired life sciences company and is the CCO for SheCann Cannabis. Irie focusses on psychedelics and natural & plant medicines, she has worked with Emblem Cannabis, GrowWise Health, Fire & Flower, Tokyo Smoke, Van der Pop, and many other cannabis brands over the years. Irie also sits on the advisory board for NICHE and consults with international cannabis stakeholders and psychedelic medicine interest groups. A lifetime of plant medicine experiences combined with her academic studies and a background in wellness and retail has led to over 10 years as an insightful educator, advocate and business leader. Irie believes that thoughtful plant medicine consumption and mindfulness can infuse a sense of purpose and wonder into our modern lives, improving our days and connecting us with ourselves and those around us in a meaningful way. Irie forges valuable relationships, joining people together to create and maintain strategic, synergistic alliances and deal flow. As a serial entrepreneur, caregiver, mother of three and rainmaker, her unique and positive approach to life successfully breaks down walls on stigmatization, while simultaneously connecting with individuals and building strong bridges.
Jacqui Childs is a wife and mother. With the demands of life and her online following into the millions, she was lost in a downward spiral of pharmaceuticals, for anxiety, depression and PTSD. What was supposed to be ” low dose for 2 years” turned into an over 7 years of mood and brain altering addiction. Welbutrin, syprilax, ativan and seroquel completely consumed her life. Against the advice of family, friends and doctors, she quit cold turkey thanks to cannabis and psilocybin. Going low and slow, she journaled her progress and feelings. Jacqui is now over 2 years pharma free and although she isn’t cured of anything, she feels she’s finally really living her best life.
Daniel Carcillo is an ex-NHL player. He is a mental health advocate and he is the founder of Chapter 5 Foundation an organization that helps athletes discover their purpose and transition into life after “the game”. Come to hear his personal story and how psychedelic research is key to his survival.
