Denying Pete Pearson psilocybin is not a systemic failure

“Sarnia’s Pete Pearson approved for death in weeks but denied therapy to help him live.” Sarnia Journal, January 5, 2026. This headline certainly got my attention and that obviously was […]

“Sarnia’s Pete Pearson approved for death in weeks but denied therapy to help him live.” Sarnia Journal, January 5, 2026.

This headline certainly got my attention and that obviously was the Journal’s intent. What I object to, however, is that the article claims that denying Mr. Pearson treatment with psilocybin while he was able to be quickly approved for a medically assisted death represents a “systemic failure”.

In my opinion, that is a very misguided conclusion. Psilocybin is a restricted drug in Canada because it can cause very serious adverse effects. Until more research is conducted to decide when and how it can be prescribed safely, Health Canada is obligated to restrict its use. To suggest that psilocybin could prolong Mr. Pearson’s life is also possibly misleading. Its value would more likely be to alleviate feelings of anxiety or panic and induce a sense of peacefulness. That is a worthy goal but not guaranteed and the risk of adverse effects is very real.

It would have been helpful to know if Health Canada has ever approved psilocybin for anyone suffering from terminal pulmonary fibrosis. It is reasonable to assume that a special access exemption has not so far been authorized for that purpose.

Additionally, the fact that Mr. Pearson was “approved for death in weeks” (your headline) could mislead readers to believe that this decision was made too hastily. I highly doubt that it was. Last year a close friend of mine who had suffered for years from pulmonary fibrosis chose a medically assisted death. His application was reviewed by two physicians who concluded that his request met all the strict medical and legal criteria.

Patients with terminal pulmonary fibrosis are often fearful that their death will be distressful and possibly agonizing. My friend’s mind was put at ease by the relatively quick approval and he was at peace with his decision. Not long afterwards he chose the date that he wanted to die with peace and dignity and was comforted by his loving family.

Canadians are fortunate to live in a country where we can access Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) should we need it. Canada’s MAID framework and pharmaceutical approval process both exist to balance compassion with safety and evidence-based decision-making. These considerations could have been more fully addressed in the article. Just my opinion.

Allan McKeown