In a study examining the use of magic mushrooms in Canada, almost 80% of participants expressed their opinion that psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, should be medically available for individuals who are suffering. In the same study, approximately two-thirds of Canadian participants agreed that psilocybin should be legally accessible to those in need.
Beyond simply making psilocybin more accessible, a considerable 84.8 percent of participants are of the view that the costs of such treatments should be covered by the public health system. The majority of Canadians see psilocybin as a credible treatment option, especially for managing end-of-life distress.
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Key Findings:
- Residents of Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia perceive psilocybin as a legitimate medical solution for dealing with end-of-life existential distress.
- Magic mushrooms are deemed as a safe option for treating existential distress.
- Participants in two double-blind trials reported immediate and long-lasting benefits, with effects persisting for six months or even longer.
Understanding Existential Distress
Existential distress, akin to existential suffering, spiritual distress, and demoralization, arises when individuals face their own mortality. Such patients may encounter feelings of helplessness, isolation, anxiety, and a sense of losing purpose and meaning in life. This type of distress is particularly prevalent in patients with life-threatening illnesses and can potentially lead to thoughts of hastening death or even contemplating suicide.
Generally, individuals grappling with terminal illnesses or significant changes in life are the ones who experience this form of distress most frequently. It significantly impacts their mental health and overall life quality.
Existential therapy aims to address issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, apathy, despair, identity confusion, feelings of purposelessness, and existential fear. This therapy can involve multiple sessions and may not prove effective for everyone.
The uncertain effectiveness of such therapy is a significant reason why many individuals seek alternative treatments.
The Stance of Health Canada on Psilocybin as a Therapeutic Alternative
Within the last couple of decades, preliminary clinical studies have highlighted the potential advantages of psychedelic substances in managing complex mental disorders. In particular, Psilocybin has been demonstrated to provide quick and lasting relief from existential distress in terminally ill patients.
Recognizing the possible efficiency of these proposed hallucinogenic mushrooms, especially when conventional methods are ineffective, Health Canada revised the Special Access Program in 2022. This revision permits healthcare practitioners to procure controlled substances for their patients.
Canadian Support for Access to Psilocybin
A research piece published in the Palliative Care Journal explores societal views on psilocybin-assisted treatment 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% view 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 conducted in Canada, England, and Australia. The researchers underscored that their study is distinctive because it focuses on the use of psychoactive substances for managing existential distress in end-of-life situations.
Why Canadians Support Psilocybin Use
An increasing number of Canadians are endorsing the use of psilocybin for treatment, primarily due to insights from esteemed research institutions. Another influential factor is the perceived safety of psilocybin mushrooms for easing existential distress. There have been no severe health consequences reported across different studies, 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 enduring The effectiveness of this therapy is credited mainly to the mystical experiences it induces, which often involve a sense of oneness and deep emotional understanding. These effects can last for up to six months or even longer. |
| New York University Trial | 29 patients were allocated randomly to either receive psilocybin or the active placebo, niacin. | The results of this study echoed the findings of the Johns Hopkins study. Those who received psilocybin reported psychological relief and a more positive outlook on life and death. |
| BMC Palliative Care | The study aimed to examine how palliative care professionals perceive existential distress and their views on psychedelic therapy as a treatment option. The study involved interviews with nineteen participants, including 7 doctors, 4 active nurses, 4 chaplains, 3 social workers, and a psychologist. | The palliative care practitioners expressed that psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) could be a promising solution to alleviate existential distress. |
Patient Experiences
Beyond scientific studies, numerous patient stories also support the effectiveness of psilocybin in enhancing mental well-being and overall quality of life.
The Journey of Yokoi
Mio Yokoi, a patient with terminal stage 4 pancreatic cancer, shares a transformative experience during her assisted therapy. She visualizes herself on a raft, surrounded by nature, in the company of whimsical creatures. This vision provides her with a profound sense of the universe’s interconnectedness and support, bringing her immense peace and validation.
Despite getting conventional mental health support, Yokoi continued to struggle with severe anxiety and distress following her diagnosis. Psilocybin therapy allowed her to reconnect with her body, and provided a tangible feeling of love and support. This therapy significantly improved her emotional and mental health.
The Story of Chrissy
Chrissy, a woman in her fifties, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to her lungs. During the study, she was working full-time as an administrative supervisor in healthcare and identified herself as an atheist. She was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder during her screening.
Chrissy experienced significant reductions in her anxiety levels, depression, fear of death, hopelessness, and feelings of demoralization after the therapy. When asked about any changes in her religious or spiritual beliefs since her therapy session, she shared that the experience brought more depth and reality to her beliefs.
Brenda’s Journey
Brenda, a woman in her mid-sixties, was diagnosed with stage I colon cancer. During her health assessment, it was revealed that she never had any experience with hallucinogens, and she exhibited symptoms of Chronic Adjustment Disorder with associated Anxiety.
In the course of her therapy, Brenda experienced two near-death experiences. These experiences led her to view death as a natural and beautiful part of existence, no longer something to fear. She attributed her healing journey from childhood trauma to her participation in the study. Her data reflected this profound change. A significant decrease in her anxiety and fear of death, along with an increase in her spirituality, were observed.
Availability of Magic Mushroom Products in Canada
At the moment, access to psilocybin capsules and similar products for the treatment of existential distress or other mental health problems may be limited. However, reliable online dispensaries can serve as a convenient source for these products when they are needed.
| Feature | Brazilian Psilocybe Cubensis | Cambodian Psilocybe Cubensis | Melmac Psilocybe Cubensis |
| Origin | Native to Brazil and certain adjacent South American countries. | Discovered in Cambodia, near the Angkor Wat Temple. | Derived from Penis Envy mushrooms, which became popular in the 1970s. |
| Strength | Moderately potent, making it suitable for beginners. | Similarly moderate in potency and ideal for those starting out. | Extremely potent; best suited for users with moderate to extensive experience. |
| Effects | Results in a mental buzz, slight disorientation, enhanced color sensitivity, euphoria, spiritual experiences, heightened creativity, and improved concentration. | Leads to an invigorating and long-lasting high, minor visual changes, increased creativity, euphoria, a gentle physical high, fractal imagery, and sensations of joy. | Induces profound shamanic experiences, vision quests, intense mystical experiences, improved creativity, focus, social awareness, and mood elevation. |
Mitigate End-of-life Discomfort with Psilocybin Products
Existential or end-of-life distress can profoundly affect patients nearing the end of their lives. Conventional treatments sometimes fail to alleviate this distress adequately, prompting a growing endorsement in Canada for broader access to magic mushrooms within public healthcare. This increasing public advocacy could We urge regulatory authorities to consider the potential of magic mushrooms as a valid treatment option. Get your psychedelics and mushroom delivery from Mushrooms Online Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should patients expect from Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?
The experience of Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) can differ significantly among patients, and careful preparation and following specific guidelines are key to ensuring a positive outcome. Patients must go through extensive screening and mental readiness before taking the substance.
- Preparation ahead of the Session: A comprehensive assessment of the patients is conducted. The therapist converses with the patient about their goals and expectations to set intentions for the session. The therapist elaborates on the effects of the process and what the patient should expect during the session.
- The Session: Patients receive a controlled dosage of the substance in a quiet, comforting environment to promote relaxation and self-reflection. The therapist provides continuous help and guidance throughout this time.
- Post-Session Integration Therapy: This assists the patient in interpreting and assimilating their experiences. The following sessions offer ongoing support and counselling to reinforce the insights and changes gained during therapy.
What effect does psilocybin have on the brains of distressed patients?
Psilocybin interacts with the brain by binding to serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction can cause alterations in perception, mood, and cognition, leading to significant consciousness shifts, emotional discoveries, and new viewpoints.
Is psilocybin therapy available to everyone?
Psilocybin therapy isn’t appropriate for everyone. Patients with certain mental health conditions or existential distress are extensively screened to identify those with a history of psychosis.
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