A study exploring the role of magic mushrooms in Canada revealed that nearly 80% of respondents advocate for the availability of psilocybin as a medical treatment for distressed patients. Moreover, about two-thirds of the Canadian respondents from the study expressed their agreement on legalizing psilocybin for those who require it.
Beyond just increasing accessibility, a substantial 84.8 percent of respondents are of the view that the public health system should bear the cost of such therapies. A significant number of Canadians consider psilocybin a feasible solution, especially in treating end-of-life distress.
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Key Takeaways:
- Residents of Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia view psilocybin as a valid medical option for managing end-of-life existential distress.
- Magic mushrooms are perceived as a safe remedy for existential distress.
- Participants in two double-blind trials indicated immediate and lasting benefits, with effects enduring six months or more.
Understanding Existential Distress
Existential distress, sometimes likened to existential suffering, spiritual distress, and demoralization, arises when individuals face their mortality. Patients may experience feelings of despair, isolation, anxiety, and a loss of purpose and meaning. This type of distress is particularly prevalent among patients with life-threatening illnesses, potentially leading them to hasten death or contemplate suicide.
Typically, individuals grappling with terminal illnesses or major life changes are most likely to experience this kind of distress. It severely impacts their mental health and overall life quality.
Existential therapy aims to tackle issues like anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, indifference, despair, confusion about identity, and feelings of purposelessness and existential fear. It may demand multiple sessions and might not be successful for everyone.
The uncertainty of the therapy’s effectiveness is a key reason why many individuals seek alternative treatments.
The Stance of Health Canada on the Use of Psilocybin for Treatment
In the last two decades, early clinical trials have highlighted the potential advantages of psychedelic substances in addressing complex mental disorders. Psilocybin has demonstrated its ability to rapidly and persistently reduce existential anxiety in patients approaching the end of their lives.
Recognizing the possible efficacy of these proposed hallucinogenic mushrooms, especially when conventional treatments fail, Health Canada revised the Special Access Program in 2022. This revision enables healthcare providers to apply for controlled substances on behalf of their patients.
Canadian Support for Access to Psilocybin
A research published in the Palliative Care Journal evaluates societal views on psilocybin-assisted treatment for end-of-life care. The data from the study includes:
| Methodology | Engagement of 2,800 Canadians from Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, 19% of whom had prior experience with psilocybin (15% in Québec, 26% in British Columbia). |
| Findings | 79.3% deem psilocybin-assisted therapy a legitimate medical choice for treating end-of-life existential anxiety. 63.3% are of the opinion that psilocybin should be included in medical treatment. 84.8% are in favor of this therapy being provided by the public health system. 44.2% believe that healthcare professionals should be able to administer the substance without the supervision of Health Canada. |
The outcomes align with surveys conducted in Canada, England, and Australia. The investigators highlighted that their research is distinctive, as it focuses on the use of psychoactive substances for the relief of existential anxiety in end-of-life situations.
Why Canadians Support the Use of Psilocybin
An increasing number of Canadians are welcoming the application of psilocybin for treatment, largely driven by evidence from reputable research institutions. Another influencing factor is the perceived safety of psilocybin mushrooms in easing existential anxiety. No severe adverse health effects, such as multi-organ failure, have been reported by subjects across various studies.
| Study | Approach | Outcomes |
| Johns Hopkins Study | 51 patients received a high dose of psilocybin and a low dose as an active placebo control | Immediate and prolonged The effectiveness of the treatment is largely due to mystical experiences which typically involve a sense of unity and deep emotional revelations, providing potential benefits that can last for up to six months or longer. |
| New York University Trial | 29 participants were randomly selected to receive either psilocybin or an active placebo known as niacin | The results of this trial were consistent with those of the Johns Hopkins study. Participants who took psilocybin reported psychological relief and a renewed outlook on life and death. |
| BMC Palliative Care | 19 participants, including 7 doctors, 4 active nurses, 4 chaplains, 3 social workers, and a psychologist, were interviewed. The aim of this study was to explore the opinions of palliative care professionals on existential distress and their views on psychedelic therapy as a potential treatment. | Palliative care practitioners found that psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) could potentially alleviate existential distress. |
Patient Experiences
In addition to scientific studies, patient narratives also provide compelling evidence to support the effectiveness of psilocybin in improving mental health and overall quality of life.
The Journey of Yokoi
Mio Yokoi, a patient diagnosed with terminal stage 4 pancreatic cancer, shares her transformative experience during her therapy. She describes being on a raft, surrounded by nature and whimsical creatures. This vision imbued in her a profound understanding of the universe’s interconnectivity and support, granting her deep peace and validation.
Despite receiving standard mental health support, Yokoi’s anxiety and distress persisted following her diagnosis. However, psilocybin therapy allowed her to reconnect with her body and experience a tangible sense of love and support, significantly improving her emotional and mental wellbeing.
The Story of Chrissy
Chrissy, a woman in her 50s, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to her lungs. At the time of the study, she was working full-time as an administrative supervisor in healthcare and self-identified as an atheist. She was also diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder during her screening.
Chrissy reported significant decreases in her anxiety, depression, fear of death, hopelessness, and demoralization levels after the therapy. When asked if her therapy session had affected her religious or spiritual beliefs, she indicated that the experiences had added substance and authenticity to her beliefs.
Brenda’s Journey
During her therapy sessions, Brenda went through the experience of death twice. She came out of the sessions without any fear of death, seeing it as a beautiful part of the cycle of life. She attributed her journey of healing from childhood trauma to the study. Her data reflected this profound transformation.
She exhibited decreased anxiety and fear of death, and increased spirituality.
Available Magic Mushroom Products in Canada
At present, the access to psilocybin capsules and other products designed to manage existential distress or other mental health disorders may be limited. Nevertheless, reliable online dispensaries can be an excellent source for these products when necessary.
| Characteristic | Brazilian Psilocybe Cubensis | Cambodian Psilocybe Cubensis | Melmac Psilocybe Cubensis |
| Origin | Natively found in Brazil and some nearby South American nations. | Discovered in Cambodia, near the Angkor Wat Temple. | Related to the Penis Envy mushrooms, which became popular in the 1970s. |
| Potency | Moderately potent; well-suited for beginners. | Also moderately potent; great for those just starting out. | Highly potent; best for those with moderate to extensive experience. |
| Effects | Causes a mental buzz, slight disorientation, enhanced color perception, euphoria, spiritual experiences, increased creativity, and improved focus. | Induces an energizing, long-lasting high, slight visual changes, enhanced creativity, euphoria, a gentle physical high, fractal images, and feelings of happiness. | Leads to profound shamanic experiences, vision quests, intense mystical experiences, increased creativity, focus, social awareness, and mood improvement. |
Using Psilocybin Products to Ease End-of-life Discomfort
Existential or end-of-life distress can place a heavy burden on many patients nearing the end of their lives. Conventional treatments for such distress may not always be effective, which has led to a surge in Canadian support for more accessible magic mushrooms within public healthcare. This growing public interest could
We urge regulatory authorities to consider the potential of magic mushrooms as a promising treatment option. Obtain your psychedelics and mushroom delivery from Organic Shroom Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should patients expect when participating in Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?
Experiences of Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) can greatly differ among patients, and meticulous preparation and adherence to certain procedures are vital for securing a positive outcome. Patients must undergo comprehensive screening and mental readiness prior to substance ingestion.
- Preparation before the Session: Patients receive a complete assessment. The therapist and patient discuss the patient’s goals and expectations to set the intentions for the session. The therapist briefs the patient on the process’s impact and what they might expect during the session.
- The Session: The substance is administered at a controlled dosage to patients during the session, which occurs in a comfortable, undisturbed environment to promote relaxation and introspection. The therapist provides ongoing support and guidance throughout this process.
- Post-Session Integration Therapy: This therapy helps patients in comprehending and assimilating their experiences. Subsequent sessions provide continuous support and counselling to reinforce the insights and changes accomplished during therapy.
How does psilocybin affect the brains of distressed patients?
Psilocybin interfaces with the brain by binding to serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction can result in alterations in perception, mood, and cognition, leading to considerable shifts in consciousness, emotional breakthroughs, and novel viewpoints.
Is psilocybin therapy available to everyone?
Psilocybin therapy isn’t appropriate for everyone. Patients with specific mental health problems or existential distress are thoroughly screened to exclude those with a history of psychosis.
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