When World Psychedelics Day 6•20 (WPD) was launched on June 20, 2021, a bold vision took root in Canada.  More than just a day of recognition, WPD is a global initiative dedicated to sharing scientific discoveries and Indigenous wisdom about psychedelics around their safe and therapeutic potential.

The inaugural World Psychedelics Day was a resounding success, drawing over 2,500 participants from more than 50 countries. We began a tradition of uniting researchers, therapists, policymakers, educators, neuroscientists, Indigenous plant keepers, and the public to discuss how psychedelics are transforming mental health treatment. Each year since, engagement has grown, with immersive 3D online platforms and in-person events expanding the conversation.

Now, in 2025, World Psychedelics Day is poised for its biggest stage yet. In collaboration with Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS USA, WPD will have a major presence at Psychedelic Science 2025, a five-day international conference in Denver, Colorado with over 12,000 attendees. Fittingly, this landmark event concludes on June 20th, World Psychedelics Day and is slated to feature our international panel about harm reduction in the psychedelic field.

The next milestone for WPD 6•20 is launching a campaign to secure United Nations recognition for World Psychedelics Day. This not only highlights the groundbreaking research taking place worldwide but also helps to dismantle lingering drug-war stigma, encouraging safe, responsible, and legal use of psychedelics. With the UN’s endorsement, science-driven mental health policies will gain momentum, fostering a more open, evidence-based global dialogue on their beneficial uses and potential harms.

In 2023, a poll by TheraPsil revealed that 80% of Canadians now support the legalization of psilocybin mushrooms for medical uses, a sharp rise from 66% in 2021. The Canadian government has taken notice, investing nearly $3 million into psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy research. Meanwhile, organizations such as the Canadian Pharmacists Association and the Canadian Public Health Association have acknowledged the growing therapeutic potential of psychedelics, signaling a shift in mainstream acceptance.

Between 2001 and 2024, more than 400 clinical trials on psychedelics have taken place in 32 countries. Canada stands at the forefront, with leading research institutions and private companies pioneering treatments for PTSD, depression, and other mental health conditions. Universities such as the University of Toronto and McGill in Montreal are spearheading major studies, while Canadian biotech firms develop groundbreaking therapies, attracting international investment and positioning Canada as a global hub for psychedelic research.

Beyond health benefits, the psychedelic sector is an economic powerhouse in the making. The Canadian Psychedelic Businesses Association (PsyCan), founded in 2022, represents a fast-growing industry spanning research, development, clinical operations, and drug manufacturing. Globally, the market is projected to reach $13.9 billion CAD, and Canada is poised to be a major player. (WHEN?)

This industry is fuelling job creation, innovation, and investment, particularly in biotech and mental health services. Progressive policies from Health Canada are driving research and development, which in turn supports healthcare savings, medical tourism, and international collaborations. Recognising World Psychedelics Day would not only cement Canada’s leadership in this space but also generate significant economic and societal benefits.

Canada has long been a trailblazer in progressive public health policy, from cannabis legalisation to harm reduction strategies. Now, we have an opportunity to lead once again by advocating for World Psychedelics Day to be recognised by the United Nations.

We invite you to champion this initiative within the Canadian government and through diplomatic channels. Your leadership can rally other nations, amplify the voices of researchers and medical professionals, and help shape policies that prioritise mental health and well-being.

ABOUT US

This project has been led by visionary minds: Mark Achbar, a groundbreaking documentary filmmaker; Shannon Smadella, an entrepreneur and philanthropist; Kim Haxton, an Indigenous knowledge keeper and leader in reconciliation; and Sarah Butterfield, a skilled designer, writer, and researcher. Together, they have built a platform and a day for media attention, paving the way for a new era in mental health and wellness.

Let’s work together to make this vision a reality. 

You can do this by endorsing our project here, together this can become a global petition for UN recognition of our day, 6•20.