Having long been considered to have ‘no accepted medical use’, psychedelics are finally being recognised as being beneficial for treating a range of mental health disorders.
Ellen Choi, Toronto Metropolitan University and Allen Sabey, Northwestern University
Constrictive social norms and views of masculinity still prevent many men from being vulnerable and seeking help, which is impacting their mental well-being.
Welfare reforms targeted at the sick and disabled won’t boost government coffers. In fact, spending on those who need support and investing in less conditional systems has a real financial return.
With so many people grieving, the notion of doing so in public was seen as tasteless and vulgar. Funerals became smaller, people put on a brave face in public and fewer people wore black.
Substantial economic growth in the psychedelic drugs market has drawn interest from corporations and start-ups. While this may accelerate research, it also sparks concerns about conflicts of interest.
Our society needs to talk more openly about suicide. However, public discussion of suicide carries risks, and it’s crucial that such discussion be informed, sensitive and alert to potential harm.
Alcohol and tobacco use carries significant health risks but they’re legalised – so why not cannabis? Despite the concerns, decriminalising cannabis could have public health benefits.
Professor, Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Child Development, Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary