In a study investigating the use of magic mushrooms in Canada, nearly 80% of the participants expressed their conviction that psilocybin should be medically available for distressed patients. Additionally, about two-thirds of the Canadian participants from the same study concurred that psilocybin should be legally accessible for those who need it.
Beyond advocating for broader accessibility, a considerable 84.8 percent of respondents believe that the public health system should bear the costs of these therapies. Many Canadians view psilocybin as a feasible treatment option, especially for easing end-of-life distress.
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Key Takeaways:
- Residents of Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia perceive psilocybin as a legitimate medical option for managing end-of-life existential distress.
- Magic mushrooms are deemed safe for the treatment of existential distress.
- Participants in two double-blind trials experienced immediate and long-lasting benefits, with effects sustaining for six months or more.
Understanding Existential Distress
Existential distress, akin to existential suffering, spiritual distress, and demoralization, arises when individuals grapple with their mortality. Such distress can trigger feelings of helplessness, isolation, anxiety, and a loss of purpose and meaning. It often impacts patients with life-threatening diseases, potentially leading to a wish to hasten death or contemplate suicide.
Usually, individuals facing terminal illnesses or significant life changes are more likely to experience this type of distress. It greatly impacts their mental health and overall life quality.
Existential therapy aims to help individuals cope with issues like anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, apathy, despair, identity confusion, feelings of purposelessness, and existential fear. It often necessitates multiple sessions and may not prove effective for everyone.
The ambiguity of such therapy’s effectiveness is a key reason why many people opt for alternative treatments.
Health Canada’s Position on Psilocybin as a Therapeutic Option
Over the last two decades, preliminary clinical trials have highlighted the potential advantages of psychedelic substances for treating complex mental disorders. Amongst all, psilocybin has demonstrated a quick and lasting relief from existential distress in patients approaching the end of their lives.
Recognizing the potential efficacy of these proposed hallucinogenic mushrooms, especially when conventional treatments are inadequate, Health Canada updated the Special Access Program in 2022. This revision permits healthcare providers to request controlled substances for their patients.
Canadian Advocacy for Psilocybin Access
A research paper published in the Palliative Care Journal evaluates societal views on psilocybin-assisted therapy for end-of-life care. The data from the study includes:
| Methodology | Engagement from 2,800 Canadians from Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. 19% of them had previously used psilocybin (15% in Québec, 26% in British Columbia). |
| Findings | 79.3% regard psilocybin-assisted therapy as a legitimate medical option for treating end-of-life existential distress. 63.3% think psilocybin should be integrated into medical treatment. 84.8% endorse the offering of this therapy by the public health system. 44.2% believe healthcare practitioners should administer the substance without Health Canada’s supervision. |
The findings are in line with surveys from Canada, England, and Australia. The investigators stressed that their study is distinctive as it focuses on the use of psychoactive substances to manage existential distress in end-of-life situations.
Why Canadians Support the Use of Psilocybin
An increasing number of Canadians are supporting the use of psilocybin in therapy, primarily due to the results from renowned research institutions. Another influential factor is the perceived safety of psilocybin mushrooms for relieving existential distress. Subjects from various studies have not reported severe adverse health effects, such as failure of multiple organs.
| Study | Approach | Outcomes |
| Johns Hopkins Study | 51 patients were administered a high dose of psilocybin and a low dose as an active placebo control | Immediate and enduring The effectiveness of the therapy is largely attributed to profound mystical experiences characterized by emotional insights and a sense of unity, beneficial for up to six months or longer. |
| Trials at New York University | 29 patients were randomly chosen to receive either psilocybin or the active placebo niacin. | The results of this study closely aligned with those of the Johns Hopkins study. Participants who received psilocybin reported an improved outlook on life and death, along with psychological relief. |
| BMC Palliative Care Study | Nineteen participants, including 7 doctors, 4 nurses, 4 chaplains, 3 social workers, and 1 psychologist, were interviewed. The aim of this study was to comprehend the perception of palliative care professionals towards existential distress and their views on psychedelic therapy as a treatment approach. | Palliative care practitioners suggested that psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) could potentially alleviate existential distress. |
Patient Experiences
Scientific research isn’t the only source validating the effectiveness of psilocybin. Numerous patient experiences also highlight its potential to improve mental health and overall quality of life.
Journey of Yokoi
Mio Yokoi, a patient with terminal stage 4 pancreatic cancer, shares a profound experience during her assisted therapy. She envisions herself on a raft, surrounded by nature, and in the company of imaginative creatures. This vision gives her a deep sense of peace and affirmation, helping her understand the universe’s interconnectedness and support.
Even after receiving conventional mental health support, Yokoi continued to suffer from intense anxiety and distress following her diagnosis. Psilocybin therapy, however, helped her rebuild her body connection and provided a tangible sense of love and support, significantly improving her emotional and mental health.
The Story of Chrissy
Chrissy, a woman in her 50s, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to her lungs. She was employed full-time as an administrative supervisor in healthcare when the study was conducted and identified herself as an atheist. During her screening, she was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Chrissy experienced significant reductions in her levels of anxiety, depression, fear of death, hopelessness, and demoralization after her therapy. When asked about any changes in her religious or spiritual beliefs since her therapy session, she conveyed that the experiences had imbued her beliefs with meaning and reality.
Brenda’s Journey
Brenda, a lady in her sixties, was diagnosed with stage I colon cancer. She was found to have never consumed hallucinogenic substances during her medical screening and was diagnosed with Chronic Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety as a comorbidity.
In the course of her therapy, Brenda underwent the sensation of dying twice. Following these sessions, she was no longer fearful of death, seeing it as a natural part of life. She attributed her healing journey from childhood trauma to the study. Her transformation was reflected in her data.
Observations include a decrease in anxiety and fear of death, complemented by an increase in spiritual awareness.
Variety of Magic Mushroom Products in Canada
At present, there may be limitations on the accessibility of psilocybin capsules and similar products designed to alleviate existential distress or other mental health problems. Nonetheless, reliable online dispensaries can serve as an excellent source for these products when needed.
| Property | Brazilian Psilocybe Cubensis | Cambodian Psilocybe Cubensis | Melmac Psilocybe Cubensis |
| Origin | Native to Brazil and certain adjacent South American countries. | Discovered in Cambodia, in the vicinity of the Angkor Wat Temple. | Associated with Penis Envy mushrooms, which rose to fame in the 1970s. |
| Potency | Moderately potent; recommended for beginners. | Moderate potency as well; suitable for first-timers. | High potency; advised for individuals with moderate to high experience. |
| Effects | Results in a mental buzz, slight confusion, enhanced color perception, euphoria, spiritual experiences, heightened creativity, and improved concentration. | Induces an energizing and long-lasting high, minor visual changes, boosted creativity, euphoria, a gentle physical high, fractal imagery, and feelings of joy. | Triggers profound shamanic experiences, vision quests, intense mystical experiences, increased creativity, focus, social consciousness, and mood upliftment. |
Easing End-of-life Discomfort with Psilocybin Products
Existential or end-of-life distress can impose a significant burden on many individuals as they approach the end of their lives. Traditional methods to alleviate this distress can sometimes prove inadequate, leading to a surge in the Canadian support for the inclusion of magic mushrooms in public healthcare. This growing public demand could
We urge regulatory authorities to recognize magic mushrooms as a legitimate treatment option. Get your psychedelics and shroom delivery from Schedule35 Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should patients expect during Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?
The outcome of Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) can greatly differ among patients, hence stringent preparation and following specific steps are crucial for a positive result. Patients must go through a detailed screening and mental readiness prior to consumption of the substance.
- Preparation before the Session: A detailed assessment of patients takes place. The therapist discusses the patient’s goals and expectations to set the tone for the session. They also explain the potential effects and what to expect during the session.
- The Session: Patients receive a regulated dose of the substance in a serene, distraction-free environment to promote relaxation and self-exploration. The therapist provides constant support and guidance throughout.
- Post-Session Integration Therapy: This therapy helps patients to comprehend and interpret their experiences. Follow-up sessions provide ongoing support and counselling to reinforce the insights and changes achieved during therapy.
What effect does psilocybin have on the brains of distressed patients?
Psilocybin interacts with the brain by binding to serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction can alter perception, mood, and cognition, facilitating significant shifts in consciousness, emotional breakthroughs, and new outlooks.
Is psilocybin therapy available to everyone?
Psilocybin therapy is not suitable for everyone. Patients suffering from certain mental health conditions or existential distress are thoroughly screened to exclude those with a history of psychosis.
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