Press release - Psychedelic supervisors could reduce harm, enable benefits of drugs

Tuesday, October 4, 2016 | | 1 comments

 

 

 

Press release – Oct 4, 2016 – For immediate release

Psychedelic supervisors could reduce harm, enable benefits of drugs

 

Researchers suggest having trained supervisors administer psychedelic drugs could reduce the potential harms of psychedelics while creating opportunities for benefits. In the wake of progressive drug policy changes in several countries, a recent paper has proposed a model for the regulation of psychedelics such as psilocybin mushrooms and LSD based on public health principles. “Generally, psychedelics have low toxicity and dependency risk, and most of the harms associated with them are a result of unsupervised use or adulterated substances obtained through the unregulated illicit market” said lead author and MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) Canada Chair, Mark Haden. Scientists in a number of countries, including Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, have renewed research into psychedelic drugs, and are finding that—if used carefully and safely under supervision—they are very promising as both therapeutic and spiritual tools.

 

The paper proposes the creation of a new profession of “psychedelic supervisor” and a professional college to oversee and regulate their practices. Individuals who want to use a psychedelic for either therapeutic, spiritual or recreational purposes would have to attend a training program and receive a certification, which would allow them to self-supervise or supervise friends. Advanced training would also available for those who would like to develop a professional level of skill and, for example, offer psychedelic psychotherapy. Psychedelic supervisors would be responsible for managing the safety of the participants for 8-10 hours after the psychedelic has been taken. They would be responsible for, screening, consent agreements, managing dosage, prevention of driving or other machinery operation, managing interactions between participants, and intervening appropriately if a participant needs support.

 

In this proposed model, youth could access a psychedelic experience in a similar way that youth access other health services, they would need either parental approval or if they are mature they could access this experience independently from a trained, licenced, adult supervisor.

 

The supply of psychedelics would be controlled by a Psychoactive Substance Commission (PSC), which would sell psychedelics to certified or licenced supervisors in a generic, non-commercial approach with plain packaging an no branding or advertising.  As political leaders and the general public increasingly understand the failures of prohibition, and the tremendous social and economic costs of its enforcement, this new paper helps to articulate a vision of an alternative means of regulating psychedelic medicines based on research and evidence.

 

Reference: Haden, M., B. Emerson, and K.W. Tupper, A Public Health Based Vision for the Management and Regulation of Psychedelics. Journal Of Psychoactive Drugs, 2016. 48(4): p. 243–252.

Contact information:

Mark Haden

Adjunct Professor University of British Columbia School of Population and Public Health and Chair of the Board of MAPS Canada (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)

Email: mark@markhaden.com or cell 778 873 1424