Alison Myrden’s Inhumane treatment:Canada’s Role in Undermining PsychedelicHealing

Alison Myrden is preparing to challenge the constitutionality of s. 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (the “CDSA”). A pioneering cannabis and psychedelics activist, Ms. Myrden has endured mistreatment for using substances the government still criminalizes. She now seeks to turn that harm into change.

A Night to Remember

On May 17, 2025, Alison and her partner, Gary Lynch, celebrated their 37th anniversary at The Slye Fox in Burlington, Ontario — a pub they’ve frequented for decades.

Alison lives with Bilateral Trigeminal Neuralgia (BTN), Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) and Cluster Headaches. BTN causes unbearable, chronic facial pain, while PPMS brings fatigue and other debilitating symptoms. Over the years, she has tried countless medications and therapies. Psilocybin remains the only treatment that reliably eases her pain.

Because of her neurological conditions, Alison requires consistent relief and doses psilocybin as needed—just as she would any prescribed pain medication. The temporary nature of relief means ongoing use is necessary. No one in this position should have to hide their treatment out of fear of criminalization.

That night in May, Alison was quietly using psilocybin medicinally when staff discovered her dosing. She was asked to leave, police were called, and she was issued tickets for “prohibited activity on premises” and “failing to leave when directed.” This happened solely because s. 4(1) of the CDSA criminalizes possession of psilocybin.

Why Section 4(1) is Unconstitutional

Section 4(1) deprives Canadians of safe, regulated access to psilocybin. While Alison uses psilocybin for physical pain, many others seek it for wellness, spirituality and connectivity. They are not eligible for access under the Food and Drug Regulations’ Special Access Program (SAP). Many of these Canadians will access psilocybin at ceremonies and retreats. Mental Healthcare practitioners could make psychedelic use safer, but under the CDSA, their presence at ceremonies and retreats would constitute “aiding possession.” This is a criminal offence. Although it is unlikely they would be charged, professionals’ risk serious sanctions from their regulatory colleges – like losing their licences to practice. The law not only stigmatizes patients but also blocks harm reduction activities from taking place. This undermines public safety without justification and as such breaches s. 7 of the Charter.

Moving Forward

Alison’s case is about more than one woman’s mistreatment. It is about creating safe spaces for Canadians who use psychedelics to heal and the removal of barriers for professionals who want to support them. This is no statement on the skill and knowledge of a lot of guides and shamans who already do amazing work in harm reduction. Rather, it is a statement on the expertise that mental healthcare professionals can also contribute to the space, and right now cannot do so without risking their livelihoods.

How You can Support Alison

We are inviting mental healthcare professionals with an interest in psychedelic policy reform to join this initiative. Your voice is vital in demonstrating the urgent need for safe and legal access to psilocybin. If you are willing to contribute your time to this cause, please reach out to Alison’s legal team, before October 30^th, 2025 for details:

·       Paul Lewin – paullewin@lewinsagara.ca

·       Jannyl Molina – co-create@jannylvmolina.com

All that is needed from you is to provide a sworn statement as evidence, addressing the following:

·       Your awareness that many Canadians are currently using psychedelics in unregulated settings.

·       Your view that the presence of a mental healthcare practitioner would make these experiences safer.

·       The reality that healthcare practitioners are reluctant to attend such settings because of potential repercussions from their regulatory colleges for assisting in what is considered “illegal use.”

With your input, we can build a strong case. Regardless of the outcome, this effort will generate momentum and help push psychedelic policy reform forward. As a token of our gratitude, we would be pleased to prepare and submit a s. 56 application to Health Canada on your behalf, seeking an exemption from s. 4(1) of the CDSA. If granted, the s.56 exemption would allow your attendance at psychedelic ceremonies or retreats legally. If you are not a mental health professional, but still want to support this initiative, please feel free to share it in your networks. We are truly appreciative of all your help!

Our aim is to use this case as a foundation for lasting change—so that healthcare professionals can safely and confidently do what they do best.