In a study investigating the use of magic mushrooms in Canada, nearly 80% of respondents expressed their opinion that psilocybin should be medically accessible for patients in distress. Moreover, about two-thirds of the Canadian respondents from the same study concurred that psilocybin should be legally obtainable for those in need.
Beyond just making the substance more accessible, a notable 84.8 percent of respondents are of the view that the public health system should bear the costs of such treatments. A majority of Canadians perceive psilocybin as a credible alternative, especially for the treatment of end-of-life distress.
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Key Takeaways:
- Residents of Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia view 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 reported immediate and lasting benefits, with effects persisting six months or even longer.
Understanding Existential Distress
Existential distress, closely related to existential suffering, spiritual distress, and demoralization, arises when individuals face their mortality. Patients may experience feelings of helplessness, isolation, anxiety, and a loss of meaning and purpose. This type of distress primarily affects patients with life-threatening illnesses, potentially leading to thoughts of hastening death or contemplating suicide.
Typically, individuals grappling with terminal illnesses or significant life changes are the ones most likely to experience this type of distress. It significantly impacts their mental health and overall quality of life.
Existential therapy aims to tackle issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, apathy, despair, identity confusion, and feelings of purposelessness and existential fear. It may require multiple sessions and may not be beneficial for everyone.
The uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of such therapy is a primary reason why many individuals seek alternative treatments.
Health Canada’s Stance on Psilocybin for Treatment
In the last two decades, preliminary clinical trials have highlighted the potential advantages of psychedelic substances in addressing complex mental disorders. Specifically, psilocybin has demonstrated swift and enduring relief of 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 revised the Special Access Program in 2022. This revision enables healthcare professionals to procure controlled substances for their patients.
Canadian Support for Access to Psilocybin
A research paper published in the Palliative Care Journal investigates societal views on psilocybin-assisted therapy for end-of-life care. The data from this study includes:
| Approach | Engagement from 2,800 Canadians from Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. 19% of these participants have had prior experience with psilocybin (15% in Québec, 26% in British Columbia). |
| Conclusions | 79.3% regard psilocybin-assisted therapy as a legitimate medical choice for treating end-of-life existential distress. 63.3% advocate for the integration of psilocybin into medical treatment. 84.8% back the public health system’s provision of this therapy. 44.2% believe healthcare professionals should administer the substance independent of Health Canada’s supervision. |
These outcomes align with surveys from Canada, England, and Australia. The researchers underscored the uniqueness of their study, focusing on the utilization of psychoactive substances to alleviate existential distress in end-of-life situations.
Reasons for Canadian Endorsement of Psilocybin Usage
An increasing number of Canadians are advocating the use of psilocybin for treatment, primarily driven by findings from esteemed research institutions. Another influential factor is the perceived safety of psilocybin mushrooms in relieving existential distress. Participants across various studies have not reported severe adverse health effects, such as multi-organ failure.
| Research | Method | Results |
| Johns Hopkins Study | Administered a high dose of psilocybin and a low dose as an active placebo control to 51 patients | Rapid and sustained Benefits of this therapy can last up to six months or even longer. The effectiveness of the treatment is largely due to the mystical experiences it induces, which often involve a sense of unity and profound emotional insights. |
| New York University Study | 29 patients were randomly selected to receive either psilocybin or the active placebo niacin | The results of this study were in line with the Johns Hopkins study. Participants who received psilocybin reported psychological relief and gained improved perspectives on life and death. |
| Study by BMC Palliative Care | 19 participants, including 7 doctors, 4 practicing nurses, 4 chaplains, 3 social workers, and a psychologist, were interviewed. The study aimed to understand how professionals in palliative care perceive existential distress and their views on psychedelic therapy as a potential treatment. | According to these palliative care professionals, psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) demonstrates potential in reducing existential distress. |
Patient Experiences
In addition to scientific studies, numerous patient narratives also attest to the effectiveness of psilocybin in enhancing mental wellness and improving overall quality of life.
Yokoi’s Experience
Mio Yokoi, diagnosed with terminal stage 4 pancreatic cancer, shares a transformative experience during her assisted therapy. She envisions herself on a raft, surrounded by nature, and in the company of mythical creatures. This vision fosters in her a profound realization of the universe’s interconnectedness and support, providing her with a sense of immense peace and validation.
Despite having access to conventional mental health support, Yokoi continued to suffer from severe anxiety and distress post her diagnosis. Psilocybin therapy assisted her in reconnecting with her body, offering a tangible sense of love and support. This significantly improved her emotional and mental health.
Chrissy’s Narrative
Chrissy, a woman in her 50s, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to her lungs. She worked full-time as an administrative supervisor in healthcare when she participated in the study and identified herself as an atheist. She was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder during her screening.
Chrissy experienced notable declines in her levels of anxiety, depression, fear of death, hopelessness, and demoralization. When asked if her religious or spiritual beliefs had changed since her therapy session, she stated that the experiences had brought a sense of authenticity and purpose to her beliefs.
Brenda’s Journey
During her therapy sessions, Brenda had two experiences that made her feel as though she was dying. However, these experiences led her to no longer fear death, instead viewing it as a natural part of the cycle of life. She credited the study for initiating her healing journey from childhood trauma. The data from her sessions reflected this profound change.
Notable outcomes included reduced anxiety and fear of death along with an increased sense of spirituality.
Availability of Magic Mushroom Products in Canada
In Canada, access to psilocybin capsules and other products meant to manage existential distress or other mental health conditions may be limited. However, reliable online dispensaries serve as valuable resources for obtaining these products when needed.
| Feature | Brazilian Psilocybe Cubensis | Cambodian Psilocybe Cubensis | Melmac Psilocybe Cubensis |
| Origin | Native to Brazil and some adjacent South American countries. | Discovered in Cambodia, around the Angkor Wat Temple. | Associated with Penis Envy mushrooms, which rose to prominence in the 1970s. |
| Potency | Moderate potency, suitable for beginners. | Moderate potency as well, ideal for novices. | Highly potent, advised for those with intermediate to advanced experience. |
| Effects | Produces a mental buzz, slight disorientation, enhanced color perception, euphoria, spiritual experiences, increased creativity, and improved concentration. | Induces an energizing and enduring high, minor visual changes, increased creativity, euphoria, a gentle physical high, fractal images, and feelings of joy. | Provokes profound shamanic experiences, vision quests, intense mystical experiences, increased creativity, focus, social awareness, and mood improvement. |
Addressing End-of-life Anxiety with Psilocybin Products
Existential or end-of-life anxiety can weigh heavily on patients nearing the end of their lives. Traditional treatments may not always be effective in addressing this distress, leading to a growing push in Canada for broader access to magic mushrooms within the public healthcare system. This surge in public interest could
We urge regulatory authorities to recognize magic mushrooms as a potential treatment option. Purchase your psychedelics and avail of mushroom delivery from Shroom Dudes Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should patients expect during Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?
Patient experiences with Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy (PAT) can significantly vary, and it’s crucial to follow specific steps and precautions to ensure a positive outcome. Patients must go through comprehensive screening and mental readiness before ingesting the substance.
- Preparation prior to the Session: Patients are subjected to an extensive evaluation. The therapist talks about the patient’s goals and expectations to set the session’s objectives. The therapist also informs the patient about the therapy’s effects and what to expect during the session.
- The Session: In a calm, distraction-free environment, patients receive a controlled dose of the substance to promote relaxation and introspection. The therapist offers steady support and guidance throughout this process.
- Post-Session Integration Therapy: This therapy helps patients comprehend and digest their experiences. Further sessions provide ongoing support and counselling to reinforce the insights and changes achieved during the therapy.
What effect does psilocybin have on the brains of distressed patients?
It interacts with the brain by attaching itself to serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction can cause alterations in perception, mood, and cognition, leading to significant consciousness shifts, emotional insights, and novel perspectives.
Is psilocybin therapy available to everyone?
Psilocybin therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Patients with certain mental health concerns or existential distress are thoroughly screened to exclude those with a history of psychosis.
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