Examining the Perspectives of Key Stakeholders on the Problems, Policies, and Politics Regarding Accessing Psychedelic Interventions to Alleviate End‐of‐Life Distress

End-of-life psychological distress is not adequately addressed by current interventions in Canada. Stakeholders view psychedelic therapies as a potential option, though evidence is limited and evolving, with mixed opinions on safety and appropriateness. Federal regulations provide only limited access amid cautious regulatory changes. Provincial efforts in Alberta and Québec have made progress: Alberta adjusted regulations and insurance coverage, while Québec covered family physician costs for administering psychedelic interventions. Sociopolitical factors, including the judicial process and underground market, may significantly influence policy development. Political barriers remain significant despite partial merging of problem, policy, and politics streams.

Study at a glance

Abstract

ABSTRACT Psychedelic interventions are not publicly available through Canada's healthcare system. Despite growing scientific evidence, public interest, and efforts to expand access to psychedelic therapies for end‐of‐life psychological suffering, Canadian policies remain restrictive. Efforts are underway to expand access, but knowledge gaps exist regarding the policy landscape in Canada. This study examines the barriers and facilitators to accessing therapeutic psychedelic interventions in an end‐of‐life context in Canada. Fifty‐one stakeholders were interviewed, and thematic analysis was supplemented with legal documents and government communications from stakeholders. This multi‐province study found that stakeholders described end‐of‐life distress as insufficiently addressed by current interventions. They discussed psychedelic therapies as a potential option, whereas some noted limited and evolving evidence, and there were heterogeneous views on appropriateness and safety. Current federal regulations provide limited access to psychedelic interventions for end‐of‐life distress, amidst incremental regulatory changes and political caution. Notably, provincial efforts in Alberta and Québec demonstrate progress: Alberta adjusted provincial regulations and third‐party insurance coverage, whereas Québec covered family physician costs for administering and monitoring psychedelic interventions. Sociopolitical factors, notably the judicial process and underground market, may significantly influence policy development in this area. Although the problem, policy, and politics streams have partially merged, political barriers remain significant. Related Articles Bache, I. 2025. “Assisted Dying/Assisted Suicide in the UK: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?” Politics & Policy 53, no. 6: e70090. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.70090 . Bache, I. 2025. “The Multiple Streams Framework and Non‐Politicized Issues: The Case of Assisted Dying/Assisted Suicide.” Politics & Policy 53, no. 1: e70016. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.70016 . Ireni‐Saban. L. 2013. “Give Me Children or Else I Die: The Politics and Policy of Cross‐Border Reproductive Care.” Politics & Policy 41, no. 1: 5–38. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12004 .