The first encounter between Reverdi Darda, CEO of Cena Life, and Vu Tran, CEO of ATMA Journey, was a serendipitous meeting at the MAPS conference in Denver in 2023. This initial introduction marked the beginning of an inspiring collaboration. The conference was a powerful catalyst, sparking discussions about the potential to merge their insights and propel the industry forward through a unified approach.

Upon returning to Alberta—Reverdi to Edmonton and Vu to Calgary—the dialogue continued, focusing on a joint venture centred around Canada’s Special Access Program (SAP). They passionately deliberated on how to enhance access to psychedelics through this program, addressing critical challenges such as the need for secure and compliant delivery settings for MDMA and psilocybin therapy. Recognizing that existing environments were often informal spaces such as people’s basements, they envisioned establishing clinics that met Alberta’s recently put out (2022) psychedelic-assisted therapy guidelines. This initiative aimed to foster confidence among doctors and physicians in prescribing SAP therapies to their patients.

Driven by a shared vision of accessibility, Reverdi and Vu saw the necessity of laying the groundwork for regular psychedelic therapy, extending beyond SAP. They realized that building the required infrastructure now, would ensure its readiness by the time MDMA and psilocybin gained legal status. This foresight and commitment to creating a safe, accessible, and regulated environment for psychedelic therapy underscore the foundation of ATMA CENA’s mission.