Exploring Access to Psychedelics Among Canadian Veterans: Pathways, Barriers, and Perceptions

Most Canadian military veterans seeking psychedelics for mental health treatment turn to underground sources rather than legal pathways, according to a survey of 30 veterans. Only 20% accessed psychedelics legally, while 64% pursued self-directed experiences and 44% had guided experiences within Canada. Veterans relied primarily on peers (73.3%) and media (53.3%) for information, with only 10% consulting health care providers. Among those who avoided discussing psychedelics with providers, 64% cited concerns about stigma, while 69% who did consult found providers lacked knowledge about psychedelic treatments. These gaps in access and education highlight the need for improved clinician training and policy reform.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction:Psychedelic-assisted therapies have recently gained attention as potential novel treatments for various mental health conditions. In Canada, there has been particular interest from the veteran communities regarding the potential therapeutic impact of psychedelics. However, legal access remains limited in Canada, leading some veterans to explore alternative pathways. Here, we aimed to explore how Canadian military veterans learn about and access psychedelics for mental health treatment. Methods:Using a retrospective survey-based design in collaboration with the registered Canadian charity, Heroic Hearts Canada, we collected data from 30 veterans on their mental health history, prior treatments, information sources, and methods of access. Results:Our findings indicate that while some veterans accessed psychedelics through legal pathways (20%, N = 5), most sought them through underground options, including self-directed (64%, N = 16) and guided experiences within (44%, N = 11) and outside (20%, N = 5) Canada. Veterans primarily relied on peers (73.3%, N = 22) and media (53.3%, N = 16) for information rather than health care providers (10%, N = 3). Those who avoided discussions with their health care providers cited concerns about stigma (64%, N = 9/14), while those who did consult health care providers often found them to lack knowledge on psychedelic treatments (69%, N = 11). Conclusions:These findings highlight gaps in access and education surrounding psychedelic therapies for veterans. While interest in these therapies is growing, it is important to note that clinical use of psychedelics for mental health conditions remains investigational. We propose that addressing these barriers through improved clinician training and education, policy reform, and development of safer legal pathways may support more informed and cautious engagement with these treatments and is essential to ensuring informed and effective care for those seeking alternative mental health treatments, such as psychedelics. Moreover, these efforts will contribute to broader harm reduction strategies by equipping clinicians with the knowledge and tools to support individuals who may continue to access these substances outside legal frameworks.