Psychedelic Medicine
What is Psychedelic Medicine?
The word psychedelic means "mind (or soul) manifesting."
For thousands of years, plant medicines with psychedelic properties have been honored as sacred tools for healing and transformation. Guided by shamans and wisdom keepers — who embodied both healer and spirit guide — these medicines helped people connect to their deeper selves and the world around them.
In the 1950s, groundbreaking research began uncovering the therapeutic potential of psychedelics to treat conditions like depression, addiction, and trauma. Sadly, misinformation and fear led to restrictive laws, silencing this promising work and criminalizing those seeking healing.
But the wisdom of these medicines never disappeared. Indigenous traditions carried the knowledge forward, safeguarding the practices that are now inspiring a new era of healing — a psychedelic renaissance.
In 2000, Johns Hopkins University reignited research on psychedelics, opening the door to modern scientific validation. Studies now show profound benefits for addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.
Psychedelic medicines have the power to expand perception, awaken self-awareness, and unlock deep healing. With the right preparation, support, and integration, they can open the door to transformative experiences — including mystical states of unity and interconnectedness.
These medicines are not a quick fix; they are powerful catalysts for change. When approached with respect and intention, they can help us break free from limiting beliefs, rewire old patterns, and rediscover our truest, most whole selves.
The path to healing begins within — and psychedelics can help light the way.
How can I access psychedelic medicine?
The Special Access Program (SAP) by Health Canada
The Special Access Program (sometimes referred to as the SAP) is Health Canada’s preferred pathway, outside of clinical trials, for patients in medical need to access legal psilocybin or MDMA assisted psychotherapy and psilocybin for medical purposes. Currently, these medicines are only available to clients with refractory major depressive disorder, and palliation/end of life.
As of January 5th, 2022, prescribers (MDs and Nurse Practitioners) can now request psilocybin products from Health Canada approved manufacturers, on behalf of their patients with a life-threatening or serious illness through the SAP.
Please connect with us for more information for eligibility and application.
For questions on accessing psychedelic medicine at Holos, our therapeutic care pathways and pricing, please connect with us for a free discovery call.
What is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) is a unique therapeutic method used to address a variety of mental health conditions.
It involves the use of ketamine, a schedule III medication with psychoactive properties. Ketamine has long been used safely as an anesthetic and analgesic agent. At lower doses, it has been used effectively for the treatment of depression, post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, addiction, and some forms of anxiety. Ketamine assisted therapy is also being explored for existential distress and depression at end of life/palliative care.
Why choose Ketamine Assisted Therapy?
The SAP process is a pathway only accessible to client’s with specific medical conditions, and applications through Health Canada may not be approved.
While working to support the decriminalization of these potentially life and health changing medicines, we can utilize and work with the currently accessible, safe, and research proven medicine Ketamine.