Stigma against psychedelics could fade with decriminalization in B.C., experts say

published on August 20, 2022 by Fakiha Baig in Toronto Star

Decriminalization of some hard drugs in British Columbia could help reduce stigma around psychedelic substances that have medicinal value, but have been caught up in the war on drugs, experts say.

“The war on drugs is one of the main drivers of the overdose epidemic and it also may be one of the reasons why we’re not using the best treatment for mental health — psychedelics,” said Zach Walsh, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia and a scientist with the B.C. Centre on Substance Use.

“In the ‘70s, international prohibitions against any number of drugs — including psychedelics, but also harder drugs — began. Since then, they’ve all been grouped together.”

But Walsh said psychedelics, opioids and stimulants should be treated differently…