A research study on magic mushrooms in Canada revealed that nearly 80% of respondents believe that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, should be medically accessible for patients experiencing severe distress. Additionally, about two-thirds of the Canadian participants in the study concurred that psilocybin should be legal for those who require it.
Not only did the participants advocate for increased accessibility to psilocybin, but a significant 84.8 percent also believed that the costs of such treatments should be borne by the public health system. A large proportion of Canadians view psilocybin as a feasible solution, especially for addressing end-of-life distress.
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Key Findings:
- Inhabitants of Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia view psilocybin as a legitimate medical option for mitigating end-of-life existential distress.
- Magic mushrooms are deemed safe for managing existential distress.
- Participants in two double-blind trials recorded immediate and lasting benefits, with effects enduring six months or more.
Understanding Existential Distress
Existential distress, akin to existential suffering, spiritual distress, and demoralization, arises when individuals grapple with their mortality. This could result in feelings of helplessness, isolation, anxiety, and a loss of purpose and meaning. This form of distress is particularly prevalent among patients with life-threatening conditions, potentially leading to thoughts of hastening death or contemplating suicide.
Primarily, individuals confronting terminal illnesses or substantial life changes are the ones who frequently experience this type of distress. It significantly impacts their mental health and overall life quality.
Existential therapy aims to alleviate issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, apathy, despair, identity confusion, and feelings of purposelessness and existential fear. However, it may require multiple sessions and may not prove beneficial for everyone.
The uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of such therapy is a key factor driving many individuals to seek alternative treatments.
The Stance of Health Canada on Psilocybin as a Therapeutic Option
Preliminary clinical trials over the past two decades have highlighted the potential advantages of psychedelic substances for treating complex mental disorders. Particularly, psilocybin has been demonstrated to provide fast and long-lasting relief from existential distress in end-of-life patients.
Recognizing the potential efficacy of these proposed hallucinogenic mushrooms, especially when conventional treatments are inadequate, Health Canada modified the Special Access Program in 2022. This modification permits healthcare professionals to request controlled substances for their patients.
Canadians’ Support for Access to Psilocybin
A study published in the Palliative Care Journal investigates societal views on psilocybin-assisted therapy for end-of-life care. The study’s data comprises:
| Methodology | Input from 2,800 Canadians from Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, 19% of whom had previously consumed psilocybin (15% in Québec, 26% in British Columbia). |
| Findings | 79.3% deem psilocybin-assisted therapy a legitimate medical option for treating end-of-life existential distress. 63.3% opine that 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 the oversight of Health Canada. |
The outcomes align with surveys from Canada, England, and Australia. The researchers underscore the uniqueness of their study as it focuses on the use of psychoactive substances for treating existential distress in end-of-life situations.
Reasons for Canadians’ Support of Psilocybin Usage
More and more Canadians are accepting the use of psilocybin for treatment, largely influenced by the findings from esteemed research institutions. An additional factor is the perceived safety of psilocybin mushrooms for easing existential distress. In various studies, subjects have not reported severe adverse health effects, such as multi-organ failure.
| 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 sustained The benefits of this therapy can be felt for up to six months or more. The primary factor attributed to its effectiveness are mystical experiences that foster a sense of unity and deep emotional understanding. |
| Study at New York University | A group of 29 patients were randomly selected to either receive psilocybin or the active placebo, niacin. | The results were in line with those found in the Johns Hopkins study. Participants who received psilocybin reported psychological relief and a renewed outlook on life and death. |
| BMC Palliative Care Study | A total of nineteen participants were interviewed, including 7 doctors, 4 nurses, 4 chaplains, 3 social workers, and a psychologist. The objective of the study was to gain insights into how palliative care professionals perceive existential distress and their views on psychedelic therapy as a potential solution. | As per the feedback from palliative care professionals, psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) demonstrates potential in alleviating existential distress. |
Patient Experiences
Scientific research isn’t the only evidence supporting the effectiveness of psilocybin. Several patient narratives highlight its potential in improving mental wellbeing and overall quality of life.
Journey of Yokoi
Mio Yokoi, a terminal stage 4 pancreatic cancer patient, shares her transformative experience during assisted therapy. She visualizes herself on a raft, surrounded by nature and accompanied by whimsical creatures. This imagery brought forth a profound sense of the interconnectedness of the universe and provided her with immense peace and affirmation.
Despite receiving conventional mental health support, Yokoi still experienced severe anxiety and distress following her diagnosis. Psilocybin therapy enabled her to reconnect with her body and provided a tangible feeling of love and support, significantly improving her mental and emotional health.
Story of Chrissy
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 when the study took place and identified herself as an atheist. She was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder during her screening.
Chrissy reported significant decreases 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 reality and purpose to her beliefs.
Brenda’s Personal Journey
Throughout her therapy, Brenda had two experiences of near-death occurrences. After these sessions, she no longer feared death, instead perceiving it as a beautiful aspect of the circle of life. She credited the study for initiating her healing process from childhood trauma. Her clinical data reflected this remarkable change.
There was a noted decrease in her anxiety and fear of death, accompanied by an increase in her spirituality.
Availability of Magic Mushroom Products in Canada
At present, psilocybin capsules and other products for mitigating existential anxiety or other mental health problems may have limited accessibility. Nonetheless, reliable online dispensaries can serve as a good source for these products when needed.
| Attribute | Brazilian Psilocybe Cubensis | Cambodian Psilocybe Cubensis | Melmac Psilocybe Cubensis |
| Origin | Native to Brazil and some surrounding South American countries. | Discovered in Cambodia, near the Angkor Wat Temple. | Linked to Penis Envy mushrooms, which rose to fame in the 1970s. |
| Potency | Moderately potent; suitable for first-timers. | Also moderately potent; perfect for beginners. | Extremely potent; advised for people with intermediate to advanced experience. |
| Effects | Causes a mental buzz, slight disorientation, enhanced color perception, euphoria, spiritual experiences, increased creativity, and improved focus. | Triggers an energizing and long-lasting high, minor visual changes, enhanced creativity, euphoria, a smooth physical high, fractal images, and feelings of happiness. | Induces profound shamanic experiences, vision quests, intense mystical experiences, increased creativity, focus, social awareness, and mood enhancement. |
Mitigate End-of-life Anxiety with Psilocybin Products
Existential or end-of-life distress can exert considerable pressure on many patients nearing the end of their lives. Conventional treatments for this distress may not always be effective, leading to an increase in Canadian support for more accessible magic mushrooms within public healthcare. This growing public interest could
We urge regulatory authorities to regard magic mushrooms as a potential therapeutic option. Obtain your psychedelics and shroom delivery from Shroomland Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should patients expect from Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?
The outcomes of Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) can differ significantly among patients, and adhering to specific procedures and careful preparation are crucial for a positive result. Comprehensive screening and mental readiness should precede substance intake.
- Preparation before the Session: Patients undergo a thorough evaluation. The therapist discusses the patient’s goals and expectations to set the session’s intentions. The therapist then explains the potential effects and what to expect during the session.
- The Session: Patients receive a controlled dose of the substance in a tranquil and distraction-free environment to promote relaxation and self-exploration. During this period, the therapist offers ongoing support and guidance.
- Post-Session Integration Therapy: This therapy helps patients make sense of and process their experiences. Follow-up sessions provide continuous support and counselling to reinforce the insights and changes achieved during therapy.
How does psilocybin affect the brains of distressed patients?
Psilocybin interacts with the brain by binding to serotonin receptors, predominantly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction can lead to alterations in perception, mood, and cognition, causing significant shifts in consciousness, emotional discoveries, and new perspectives.
Is psilocybin therapy available to everyone?
Psilocybin therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Patients with certain mental health disorders or existential distress undergo a comprehensive screening to rule out those with a history of psychosis.
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