Canadian Advocate’s Fight for Medical Heroin Inspires Change

In a significant chapter of Canadian medical history, the advocacy of Dr. Ken Walker, known to many as W. Gifford-Jones, MD, played a pivotal role in the legalization of medical heroin for patients suffering from severe chronic pain and terminal illness. His efforts are highlighted in a new book, Strange Trips, by Professor Lucas Richert, a historian of pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This book examines the cultural, scientific, and regulatory landscape of drugs, with a particular emphasis on the debates surrounding medical heroin during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Walker became a vocal advocate for the legalization of medical heroin after witnessing the suffering of cancer patients, including close friends. During this period, Canada denied access to heroin for pain management, while it was already being used effectively in the UK. Walker argued that the denial was not based on scientific evidence but rather on “political, not medical, decisions.” He passionately campaigned for change, compelling Canadians to confront the question of whether terminally ill patients should be denied effective relief due to the stigma surrounding heroin.

His campaign was vigorous and multifaceted. Walker collected over 30,000 signatures on a petition and received 20,000 letters of support, which he presented to then Health Minister Monique Bégin in Ottawa. His advocacy extended beyond Canada, as he traveled to the UK to engage with healthcare professionals and patients. Notably, officials from Scotland Yard dismissed critics’ claims that medical heroin would increase crime, highlighting the more pressing issues they faced.

As political progress stalled, Walker’s determination intensified. He placed full-page advertisements in newspapers, including one with the provocative headline: “Will the real hypocrites please stand up.” While this approach did not endear him to established medical circles or policymakers, it effectively raised public awareness and support for his cause. Editorials in major publications such as the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail began to endorse his position, citing the successful use of heroin by cancer patients in Britain without social disruption.

By the mid-1980s, the momentum shifted. The Canadian Medical Association eventually supported the legalization of medical heroin after uncovering the historical pressures that led Canada to ban the drug, largely influenced by the United States. Dr. William Ghent, a prominent figure within the CMA, remarked, “We followed the US like sheep, and now, like sheep, we’ve got their manure to deal with.” This acknowledgment of past mistakes laid the groundwork for legislative change.

By the end of the 1980s, the Canadian government approved new trials, leading to the eventual legalization of heroin for patients experiencing severe pain and terminal illness. While this marked a significant turning point in Canada’s drug policy, it did not settle the broader conversations in palliative care. Critics argue that the focus should extend beyond drug legalization to encompass comprehensive approaches to patient care.

Today, the debate surrounding drug policy continues, as researchers explore the potential of psychedelics, such as psilocybin, in alleviating end-of-life distress. Yet, similar barriers of politics, stigma, and delays persist. The lessons from Walker’s advocacy serve as a reminder of the challenges that remain in negotiating compassionate drug policies.

Richert’s book not only commemorates Walker’s contributions but also highlights the ongoing struggle to redefine the relationship between medicine and society. For those interested in a deeper exploration of this topic, a synopsis of Richert’s chapter is available in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

This article serves to inform readers about historical and contemporary issues in health policy. For further comments or inquiries, readers can reach out via email at [email protected] or follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones.