A research study centred on magic mushrooms in Canada reveals that nearly 80% of the participants support the use of psilocybin as a medical treatment for patients in distress. In addition, approximately two-thirds of the Canadian participants from the same study concurred that psilocybin should be legally available for those who need it.
Beyond just advocating for its availability, a notable 84.8 percent of participants argue that the cost of such therapies should be borne by the public health system. Psilocybin is considered a valid treatment option by most Canadians, especially for easing 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 addressing end-of-life existential distress.
- Magic mushrooms are deemed safe for treating existential distress.
- Participants in two double-blind trials reported immediate and long-lasting benefits, with effects persisting for six months or more.
Understanding Existential Distress
Existential distress, similar to existential suffering, spiritual distress, and demoralization, arises when individuals confront their mortality. Patients may experience feelings of helplessness, isolation, anxiety, and a loss of meaning and purpose. This form of distress predominantly affects patients with life-threatening illnesses, possibly leading to thoughts of hastening death or contemplating suicide.
Individuals grappling with terminal illnesses or major life changes are typically the ones who experience this kind of distress, which significantly impacts their mental health and overall quality of life.
Existential therapy aims to address issues like anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, apathy, despair, identity confusion, and feelings of purposelessness and existential fear. This therapy might require multiple sessions and may not be effective for everyone.
The ambiguity regarding the effectiveness of such therapy is a major reason why many individuals seek out alternative treatments.
Health Canada’s Stance on Psilocybin for Therapy
For the past two decades, preliminary clinical experiments have highlighted the potential advantages of psychedelic substances in treating complex mental disorders. Specifically, Psilocybin has demonstrated its ability to rapidly and sustainably lessen existential distress in patients approaching end-of-life.
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 permits healthcare providers to apply for controlled substances for their patients.
Canadian Support for Psilocybin Access
A research published in the Palliative Care Journal examines societal attitudes towards psilocybin-assisted therapy for end-of-life care. The data from the study includes:
| Method | Surveyed 2,800 Canadians from Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, 19% of whom had previous experience with psilocybin (15% in Québec, 26% in British Columbia). |
| Results | 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 public health system’s provision of this therapy, and 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 stressed that their study is distinctive in focusing on the use of psychoactive substances to alleviate existential distress in end-of-life situations.
Why Canadians Support Psilocybin Usage
An increasing number of Canadians are endorsing the therapeutic use of psilocybin, mainly due to evidence from reputable research institutions. Another factor is the perceived safety of psilocybin mushrooms for easing existential distress. Participants in various studies have not reported severe adverse health effects, such as multi-organ failure.
| Research | Method | Results |
| Johns Hopkins Study | 51 patients received a high dose of psilocybin and a low dose as an active placebo control | Immediate and sustained The effectiveness of the therapy is primarily due to profound mystical experiences that instill a sense of unity and deep emotional insights, offering benefits that can last up to six months or longer. |
| New York University Trial | A randomized trial was conducted on 29 patients who were given either psilocybin or the active placebo niacin. | The results of the study echoed those of the Johns Hopkins study. Patients receiving psilocybin reported experiencing psychological relief and a renewed outlook on life and death. |
| BMC Palliative Care | The study interviewed nineteen participants, consisting of 7 doctors, 4 practicing nurses, 4 chaplains, 3 social workers, and a psychologist. Their goal was to gain insights into how palliative care professionals interpret existential distress and their views on psychedelic therapy as a possible treatment option. | Palliative care professionals believe that psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) may be effective in reducing existential distress. |
Patient Experiences
Scientific research is not the only source that validates the effectiveness of psilocybin. Numerous patient accounts also highlight its potential to improve mental health and overall quality of life.
Yokoi’s Experience
Mio Yokoi, a stage 4 pancreatic cancer patient, shares a transformative experience during her therapy. She envisioned herself on a raft, surrounded by nature and whimsical creatures. This vision helped her realize the profound interconnection of the universe, which brought her immense peace and validation.
Despite accessing traditional mental health resources, Yokoi continued to grapple with severe anxiety and distress post-diagnosis. Psilocybin therapy allowed her to reconnect with her body and experience a tangible sense of love and support, substantially improving her emotional and mental wellbeing.
Chrissy’s Narrative
Chrissy, a woman in her 50s with stage 4 breast cancer that metastasized to her lungs, was an administrative supervisor in healthcare at the time of the study and identified as an atheist. She was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder during her screening.
Chrissy noted significant decreases in her anxiety, depression, fear of death, hopelessness, and demoralization. When asked about any changes in her spiritual or religious beliefs following her therapy session, she expressed that the experiences had brought depth and authenticity to her beliefs.
Brenda’s Journey
Brenda, a woman in her 60s, was diagnosed with stage I colon cancer. She had never used hallucinogens before and was found to be suffering from Chronic Adjustment Disorder with accompanying Anxiety during her assessment.
Throughout her therapy sessions, Brenda underwent the experience of death twice. Instead of fearing death, she came to perceive it as a beautiful part of the cycle of life. She credited the study for initiating her path to healing from her childhood trauma. The data collected correlated with her remarkable transformation. It was observed that her fear of death and anxiety were reduced, while her spirituality was enhanced.
Availability of Magic Mushroom Products in Canada
At the moment, the accessibility of psilocybin capsules and other products designed to alleviate existential distress or other mental health issues may be limited. However, reliable online dispensaries can be an effective source for these products when necessary.
| Feature | Brazilian Psilocybe Cubensis | Cambodian Psilocybe Cubensis | Melmac Psilocybe Cubensis |
| Origin | Native to Brazil and some neighboring South American countries. | Located in Cambodia, around the Angkor Wat Temple. | Related to the Penis Envy mushrooms, which became popular in the 1970s. |
| Strength | Moderately potent; suitable for newcomers. | Moderate potency; perfect for beginners. | Extremely potent; recommended for those with intermediate to advanced experience. |
| Effects | Causes a mental buzz, slight disorientation, enhanced color perception, euphoria, spiritual experiences, increased creativity, and improved focus. | Leads to an energizing and long-lasting high, minor visual alterations, increased creativity, euphoria, a smooth physical high, fractal images, and feelings of joy. | Induces deep shamanic experiences, vision quests, intense mystical experiences, heightened creativity, focus, social awareness, and mood improvement. |
Easing End-of-life Distress with Psilocybin Products
Existential or end-of-life distress can pose a substantial burden on many patients nearing the end of their lives. Conventional treatments for this distress can sometimes be inadequate, leading to an increase in Canadian advocacy for easier access to magic mushrooms within the public healthcare system. This growing public interest could
We urge regulatory authorities to recognize magic mushrooms as a potential treatment option. Get your psychedelics and mushroom delivery from Shroom Gummies Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should patients expect during Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?
The experience of Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is unique to each patient and involves meticulous preparation and following specific steps for a successful outcome. Prior to intake, patients undergo a detailed screening and mental conditioning.
- Pre-Session Preparation: Prior to the session, patients undergo a detailed evaluation. The therapist sets expectations by discussing the patient’s goals and what they hope to achieve from the session. The possible effects of the process and what to expect during the session are also explained to the patient.
- During the Session: A regulated dose of the substance is given to patients in a serene, distraction-free environment to promote relaxation and introspection. The therapist remains on hand for continuous support and guidance.
- Post-Session Integration Therapy: This therapy helps patients comprehend and assimilate their experiences. Follow-up sessions provide ongoing support and counselling to reinforce the insights and transformations achieved during therapy.
What effect does psilocybin have on the brains of patients in distress?
Psilocybin interacts with the brain by binding to serotonin receptors, predominantly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction can result in changes in perception, mood, and cognition, leading to profound alterations in consciousness, emotional breakthroughs, and new insights.
Is psilocybin therapy available to everyone?
Psilocybin therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. Patients with specific mental health conditions or existential distress are thoroughly screened to exclude those who have previously experienced psychosis.
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