Kingston Opens New Psychedelics Research Centre with CAN-BIND Support
September 2024 —
Kingston, Ontario, is now home to Canada’s first psychedelic research centre. The groundbreaking facility, located at Providence Care Hospital and affiliated with Queen’s University, officially opened its doors in August, marking a new era in psychedelic research and therapy. The centre will investigate the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, including psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine.
Known for their profound psychological effects and historical use in Indigenous cultures for healing and spiritual purposes, these substances are now being explored by Canadian researchers for their potential to address mental health issues, chronic pain, and palliative care.
In addition to conducting research studies, the centre will host public workshops and train healthcare professionals. These initiatives will aim to combat the stigma associated with psychedelics and to promote informed, compassionate use in medical settings.
Psychedelics are emerging as a therapeutic tool for a number of indications, with the strong potential to help people on their journey to wellness and recovery.
— Dr. Claudio Soares, Centre for Psychedelics Health & Research Director
The centre has received strong support from both CAN-BIND and the Ontario Brain Institute. Dr. Claudio Soares, CAN-BIND Partnerships Lead and Co-Lead of our Digital Health Platform, has been appointed as the centre’s new director. He highlighted that Providence Care will lead psychedelic research in Ontario and Canada and expressed confidence that the centre will help guide the healthcare system in making informed decisions about the safety and effectiveness of psychedelics.
CAN-BIND Director, Dr. Benicio Frey, also emphasized the need for rigorous research and well-designed clinical trials to advance psychedelic health. The partnership between CAN-BIND and the centre will aim to generate valuable data that will shape the future of psychedelic therapy and improve patient outcomes across Canada and beyond.
…we are delighted to partner with Providence Care and its new centre as we establish a national clinical trial platform dedicated to psychedelics research.
— Dr. Benicio Frey, CAN-BIND Director
As the research centre begins its work, it will focus on developing the resources and infrastructure necessary for meaningful trials. Initial research at the centre will explore various approaches to psychedelic therapy, investigating its effectiveness both as a standalone treatment and in combination with psychotherapy.
This dual approach will aim to address ongoing conversations within the scientific community about the most effective way to use these substances for therapeutic purposes. With these goals in mind, the centre’s work is expected to benefit both Kingston and the broader field of psychedelic healthcare.
To learn more, visit: www.providencecare.ca/research/psychedelics-health-and-research