Episode 48: Inside Psychedelic Public Education at MAPS Canada with Dr. Rielle Capler

In this episode of the MAPS Canada Podcast, host Warren Jane speaks with MAPS Canada’s Executive Director Dr. Rielle Capler about the role of public education in the rapidly evolving field of psychedelics. Dr. Capler outlines how MAPS Canada is working to make complex research, policy developments, and therapeutic frameworks more accessible to a wide range of audiences. From research presentations and webinars to podcasts and online courses, the conversation explores how different educational formats are designed to meet people where they are. The discussion also highlights the importance of community engagement, psychedelic safety and risk reduction, and diverse perspectives in shaping a responsible approach to psychedelic education, offering insight into how informed public discourse can support the future of the field. Working with partners in government, business, and the community, MAPS Canada is committed to advancing psychedelic medicine by supporting scientific, multidisciplinary research; advocating for drug policy reform; offering public education; and supporting equitable access to legal and regulated psychedelic medicine in Canada. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) was formed in the US in 1986, in response to the US Drug Enforcement Agency’s classification of MDMA as Schedule 1 substance, and has been developing medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics since then. MAPS Canada was founded as a sister organization to MAPS in 2011, and is a registered Canadian non-profit organization. Based in Vancouver and with hundreds of volunteers from across Canada, MAPS Canada is moving forward to become the leading Canadian source of information, resources and advocacy regarding psychedelic medicine and related clinical research, education, and public policy. Learn More at https://mapscanada.org/about/ MAPS Canada is entirely funded by public donation and your support really makes a difference. Find out about all the ways you can support MAPS Canada’s mission by visiting our donation link https://mapscanada.org/donate/