Canadian Psychedelics Startups Form Strategic Partnership Ahead of Potential MDMA Legalization in 2024

NEW YORK — With the Canadian government anticipated to greenlight MDMA-assisted therapy in 2024, two pioneering Alberta-based companies are proactively paving the way for a broader acceptance of psychedelic therapies.

ATMA Journey Centers and Cena Life have publicly disclosed their “strategic partnership”, a union of their resources aimed at connecting an increased number of patients with qualified psychedelic therapy providers. Furthermore, they’re collectively championing for expanded access to diverse therapeutic options like ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA.

Currently, patients in Canada seeking psychedelic treatments legally are required to navigate a specialized access program managed by the federal government. This system grants permissions on an individual basis both to therapy providers and their patients.

The primary objective of the ATMA-Cena alliance is to simplify this process. By instituting consistent standards for psychedelic therapy clinics, they aim to drive industry growth, as revealed in a recent press release.

Cena Life already has a solid footing in the sector, managing two psychedelic therapy clinics located in Edmonton and Calgary, with additional locations in the pipeline for the coming months. Conversely, ATMA stands out for its role in connecting patients to appropriate therapy providers, spearheading psychedelic clinical trials, and broadening the pool of professionals in the psychedelic healthcare niche.

Discussing the future trajectory of psychedelic therapy, Vu Tran, ATMA’s CEO, remarked, “For psychedelic therapy to become widely accessible and legal, it needs to seamlessly integrate into the healthcare system. Cena Life’s in-depth understanding of the Canadian healthcare sphere will undeniably assist in this integration.”

This collaboration between the two companies is timely, considering the forthcoming potential legalization of MDMA-assisted therapy by the Canadian government in 2024. They remain optimistic that this could be the precursor to a more extensive legal acceptance of psychedelics, further invigorating the emerging sector.

Reverdi Darda, CEO of Cena Life, emphasized the potential of their joint venture with ATMA. “By collaborating with ATMA, we bolster our potential to advance our mission exponentially,” stated Darda. “Our combined efforts aim to lay down a nationwide infrastructure of clinics, all abiding by safety norms, regulatory coherence, and a commitment to excellence. Our overarching goal isn’t just to facilitate therapies like psychedelic and ketamine-assisted treatments but to also usher therapists nationwide into this transformative wave.”

Reflecting on past hurdles faced by individuals seeking therapy, Darda added, “In days gone by, many had to covertly seek help. Our primary objective is to provide regulated, standardized care, beginning with Alberta’s standards and eventually encompassing the broader national regulatory evolution.”