Psilocybin researcher aims to cut through the hype, deliver real data
There’s a growing base of evidence that psychedelic substances like psilocybin may have a positive effect when combined with psychotherapy for the treatment of a range of substance use and mental health disorders. With dedicated federal funding, Canada has positioned itself as a pioneer on the subject’s exploration.
Dr. Leah Mayo believes this kind of government support adds accountability to the science: when researchers seek funding through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), they’re subject to a particularly rigorous peer review process.
The University of Calgary Parker Research Chair in Psychedelics leads one of three ongoing clinical trials on the therapeutic efficacy of psilocybin when combined with psychotherapy. Supported by CIHR’s Psilocybin-assisted Psychotherapy operating grant, they’re among the first Canadian psilocybin research projects to be conducted with federal support.
"Globally, very few psychedelic clinical trials are supported by federal funding," said Dr. Mayo.
"The CIHR call presented a unique opportunity. It required us to go through an extensive review process, but I think that's a huge step forward for the quality of the science."
Pharmacology and psychotherapy: Leveraging the combination
The project from Dr. Mayo and her University of Calgary team focuses on alcohol use disorder (AUD). They’re examining psilocybin’s effect on motivational enhancement therapy (MET), a therapeutic approach with a proven track record in treating AUD.
“We’re taking something that we know is modestly effective in treating alcohol use disorder, and seeing if we can make it better.”
In collaboration with University of Calgary addiction researcher Dr. David Hodgins, a psychotherapy training manual has been developed founded in the principles of MET. It will serve as a guide for the therapists conducting the structured therapy sessions held before and after participants are treated with psilocybin.
The project represents a natural progression in Dr. Mayo’s career, much of which has been devoted to how drugs affect behaviour. She’s explored the effects of a range of substances like cannabinoids, alcohol, and stimulants, both in animal models and humans.
“I’m interested in understanding pharmacology and psychotherapy in combination, seeing if it leads to better outcomes. The hope with this type of research is a condensed intervention period with sustained effects, so people aren’t required to continuously be on medication for months or years afterwards.”
Exercising caution around hype
With consideration for psilocybin’s potential benefits, Dr. Mayo is approaching strong public perception with caution. She noted her insights were omitted from a recent media opportunity because she wouldn’t say with confidence that psychedelics are safer than certain established antidepressants.
“As a scientist who tries to really stick to the data, it can frustrate people if you don't agree with them that this is the next big thing that's going to cure everything. There’s plenty we just don’t know yet,” she explained.
“And I get it, people are frustrated. People have gone through many, many treatments, and they really want hope. But as scientists, we have to temper our hope with reality.”
Clinical trials: A critical mechanism for building evidence
Regardless of outcome, it’s clear to Dr. Mayo that clinical trials are crucial for ensuring Canadians are well informed on the impacts of substances they’re most curious about.
“If we're going to be recommending ‘this is how you can get better,’ we need to be able to say it with some evidence behind us. We need clear, concrete ways for people to reduce harms around these substances and therefore, we need the structured spaces and support that clinical trials provide.”
Dr. Mayo’s team is currently in the recruitment phase of their project. The final cohort of 128 AUD-diagnosed individuals will then be assigned therapists, with treatments expected to be conducted into 2026. Subsequent compilation, analysis and dissemination of the results is expected to take place soon after.
For future updates, more information on the psilocybin clinical trials and other substance use research supported by the CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction, visit the Research in Substance Use initiative webpage.
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