In a study centered on the use of magic mushrooms in Canada, close to 80% of the participants expressed their view that psilocybin, a compound found in these mushrooms, should be medically available for patients experiencing distress. Additionally, approximately two-thirds of the Canadian respondents in the same study concurred that psilocybin should be legally obtainable for those who need it.
Beyond ensuring wider availability of the substance, a notable 84.8 percent of the participants opined that the expenses of such treatments should be covered by the public health system. A majority of Canadians recognize psilocybin as a plausible alternative, especially for the treatment of end-of-life distress.
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Primary Findings:
- Inhabitants of Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia perceive psilocybin as a legitimate medical alternative for managing end-of-life existential distress.
- Magic mushrooms are deemed safe for the treatment of existential distress.
- Immediate and long-lasting benefits were reported by participants in two double-blind trials, with effects persisting for six months or even more.
Comprehending Existential Distress
Existential distress, akin to existential suffering, spiritual distress, and demoralization, arises when individuals are faced with their mortality. This can lead to feelings of helplessness, isolation, anxiety, and a loss of meaning and purpose. It especially impacts patients with life-threatening conditions, possibly resulting in a wish to hasten death or thoughts of suicide.
Individuals dealing with terminal illnesses or significant life changes are often subject to this kind of distress. It severely impacts their mental health and overall life quality.
Existential therapy aims to resolve issues like anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, apathy, despair, identity confusion, feelings of purposelessness, and existential fear. However, it might require multiple sessions and may not work for everyone.
Many individuals seek alternative treatments due to the uncertain effectiveness of traditional therapy.
Health Canada’s Perspective on Psilocybin as a Therapeutic Solution
In the last two decades, preliminary clinical trials have highlighted the potential advantages of psychedelic substances in addressing complex mental disorders. Psilocybin, in particular, has demonstrated rapid and lasting relief from existential distress in patients facing end-of-life situations.
Recognizing the potential efficacy of these proposed hallucinogenic mushrooms, especially when conventional treatments are ineffective, Health Canada modified the Special Access Program in 2022. This change permits healthcare professionals to request controlled substances for their patients.
Canadian Support for Access to Psilocybin
A paper published in the Palliative Care Journal explores societal views on psilocybin-assisted therapy for end-of-life care. The study’s data encompasses:
| Methodology | Inputs 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 delivery of this therapy by the public health system. 44.2% believe healthcare professionals should administer the substance without Health Canada’s supervision. |
The findings align with surveys from Canada, England, and Australia. The researchers underscored the uniqueness of their study as it focuses on the use of psychoactive substances for addressing existential distress in end-of-life situations.
Reasons for Canadian Advocacy of Psilocybin Utilization
An increasing number of Canadians are supporting the application of psilocybin for treatment, mainly due to conclusions from esteemed research institutions. Another factor is the perceived safety of psilocybin mushrooms in easing existential distress. Participants across different studies have not reported severe adverse health effects, such as multi-organ failure.
| 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 persistent Benefits from this therapy can last up to six months or even longer. The effectiveness of this therapy is majorly credited to mystical experiences that offer a profound sense of unity and deep emotional realizations. |
| New York University Experiment | 29 patients were randomly chosen to receive either psilocybin or the active placebo niacin. | The results of this study were similar to those of the Johns Hopkins study. Participants who received psilocybin reported psychological relief and enhanced views on life and death. |
| BMC Palliative Care | Nineteen participants, including 7 doctors, 4 active nurses, 4 chaplains, 3 social workers, and a psychologist, were interviewed. The study aimed to understand how palliative care professionals view existential distress and their perception of psychedelic therapy as a treatment option. | Palliative care practitioners believe that psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) has potential in reducing existential distress. |
Patient Experiences
Scientific research isn’t the only evidence supporting the effectiveness of psilocybin. Several patient stories highlight its potential to improve mental wellbeing and overall quality of life.
Yokoi’s Experience
Mio Yokoi, a patient with terminal stage 4 pancreatic cancer, shares a transformative experience during her assisted therapy. She visualizes being on a raft, surrounded by nature, and joined by imaginative creatures. This vision imparts a profound sense of unity with the universe and support, providing her with immense peace and affirmation.
Despite accessing traditional mental health resources, Yokoi continued to struggle with severe anxiety and distress following her diagnosis. Psilocybin therapy helped her reconnect with her body and provided a tangible feeling of love and support, significantly improving her emotional and mental health.
Chrissy’s Journey
Chrissy, a woman in her 50s, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to her lungs. She was working full-time as an administrative supervisor in healthcare during the study and identified herself as an atheist. She was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder during her screening.
Chrissy reported a significant decrease in her anxiety, depression, fear of death, hopelessness, and demoralization levels post-therapy. When asked if her religious or spiritual beliefs had changed since her therapy session, she stated that the experiences had brought depth and reality to her beliefs.
Brenda’s Journey
Brenda, a woman in her mid-sixties, received a diagnosis of stage I colon cancer. The screening process revealed that she had no prior exposure to hallucinogens and she fulfilled the criteria for Chronic Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety.
Throughout her therapeutic sessions, Brenda reported experiencing death twice. These experiences removed any fear of death she previously held, enabling her to view it as a natural part of life’s journey. She attributed her healing from childhood trauma to this study, a sentiment strongly reflected in her data. A noticeable decrease in anxiety and death-related fear, coupled with an increased sense of spirituality, was recorded.
Availability of Magic Mushroom Products in Canada
At present, access to psilocybin capsules and related products designed to alleviate existential distress and other mental health conditions may be limited. However, reliable online dispensaries can serve as a valuable resource for obtaining these products when necessary.
| Product Feature | Brazilian Psilocybe Cubensis | Cambodian Psilocybe Cubensis | Melmac Psilocybe Cubensis |
| Origin | Native to Brazil and adjacent South American countries. | Discovered in Cambodia, near the Angkor Wat Temple. | Descendant of the Penis Envy mushrooms, which rose to fame in the 1970s. |
| Potency | Moderately potent; fitting for beginners. | Also moderately potent; suitable for first-timers. | Extremely potent; best suited for those with moderate to extensive experience. |
| Effects | Triggers a mental buzz, mild confusion, heightened color perception, euphoria, spiritual encounters, increased creativity, and better focus. | Induces a long-lasting and invigorating high, slight visual modifications, enhanced creativity, euphoria, a gentle physical high, fractal visuals, and feelings of joy. | Produces profound shamanic journeys, vision quests, intense mystical experiences, enhanced creativity, focus, social awareness, and mood improvements. |
Psilocybin Products: Aiding in End-of-life Discomfort Management
Existential distress or the anxiety related to end-of-life can place a heavy burden on many patients nearing the end of their lives. Conventional treatments often fail to provide the necessary relief, which has led to an increase in Canadian advocacy for the inclusion of magic mushrooms in public healthcare. This growing public interest could
We urge regulatory authorities to recognize the potential of magic mushrooms as a legitimate treatment option. Get your psychedelics and mushroom delivery from Psychedelic Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should patients expect during Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?
The experience of Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) can greatly differ between patients. Proper preparation and following the necessary steps are crucial for a successful outcome. Patients must go through comprehensive screening and mental readiness before taking the substance.
- Pre-Session Preparation: Patients are thoroughly evaluated. The therapist discusses the patient’s goals and expectations to set the intentions for the session. The therapist educates the patient about the process and what to expect.
- The Therapy Session: Patients receive a regulated dose of the substance in a calm, distraction-free environment that promotes relaxation and self-reflection. The therapist provides ongoing support and direction throughout this time.
- Post-Session Integration Therapy: This therapy helps the patient interpret and process their experiences. Follow-up sessions provide continued support and counselling to solidify the insights and changes gained during therapy.
How does psilocybin affect the brains of patients in distress?
It bonds with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction can induce changes in perception, mood, and thought, leading to significant shifts in consciousness, emotional breakthroughs, and new outlooks.
Is psilocybin therapy available to everyone?
Psilocybin therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Patients with certain mental health conditions or severe distress undergo extensive screening to exclude those with a history of psychosis.
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