In a study centered around psilocybin mushrooms in Canada, nearly 80% of participants expressed the view that psilocybin should be medically available to distressed patients. Additionally, about two-thirds of the same Canadian participants agreed on the legal accessibility of psilocybin for individuals in need.
Beyond simply advocating for the availability of psilocybin, an impressive 84.8 percent of participants expressed the belief that the public health system should bear the costs of such treatments. A majority of Canadians see psilocybin as a reliable therapeutic option, particularly for managing distress at the end of life.
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Main Takeaways:
- Residents from Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia regard psilocybin as a legitimate medical option for managing end-of-life existential distress.
- Magic mushrooms are viewed as a safe method for treating existential distress.
- Participants in two double-blind trials reported immediate and long-lasting benefits, with effects persisting for six months or more.
Deciphering Existential Distress
Existential distress, akin to existential suffering, spiritual distress, and demoralization, arises when individuals grapple with their mortality. Patients may grapple with feelings of helplessness, isolation, anxiety, and a sense of lost purpose and meaning. This distress is especially prevalent among patients with life-threatening conditions, potentially leading to contemplating suicide or hastening death.
Typically, individuals faced with life-threatening illnesses or significant life changes are the ones who frequently experience this form of distress. It significantly impacts their psychological health and overall life quality.
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 necessitate multiple sessions and may not be effective for everyone.
The uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of such therapy is a significant reason why many individuals turn to alternative treatments.
The Stance of Health Canada on Psilocybin as a Therapeutic Treatment
In the last two decades, preliminary clinical studies have highlighted the potential advantages of using psychedelic substances to treat complex mental health issues. Specifically, Psilocybin has been demonstrated to quickly and sustainably ease existential distress in individuals approaching the end of their lives.
Recognizing the potential efficacy of these proposed hallucinogenic mushrooms, especially when conventional treatments are inadequate, Health Canada revised the Special Access Program in 2022. This revision permits medical practitioners to seek controlled substances for their patients.
Canadian Approval of Psilocybin Access
A research published in the Palliative Care Journal explores societal views on psilocybin-assisted therapy for end-of-life treatment. The research provides the following data:
| Approach | 2,800 Canadians from Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia participated in the study. Among them, 19% had previously used psilocybin (15% in Québec, 26% in British Columbia). |
| Results | 79.3% view psilocybin-assisted therapy as a legitimate medical option for managing end-of-life existential distress. 63.3% think psilocybin should be integrated into medical therapy. 84.8% endorse the delivery of this therapy by the public health system. 44.2% believe healthcare providers should dispense the substance without the oversight of Health Canada. |
The outcomes align with surveys conducted in Canada, England, and Australia. The researchers highlighted the uniqueness of their study, focusing on using psychedelic substances to alleviate existential distress in end-of-life situations.
Reasons for Canadian Advocacy of Psilocybin Use
An increasing number of Canadians are promoting the adoption of psilocybin in therapeutic treatments, largely attributed to discoveries from esteemed research establishments. Another influential 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 were administered a high dose of psilocybin and a low dose as an active placebo control | Immediate and long-lasting |
| The benefits of the therapy can last up to six months or even longer. The effectiveness of the treatment primarily stems from mystical experiences that are marked by a profound sense of unity and deep emotional insights. | ||
| Trial at New York University | In this trial, 29 patients were randomly allocated to receive either psilocybin or the active placebo known as niacin. | The outcomes of this trial echoed the results of the Johns Hopkins study. The participants who were administered psilocybin reported experiencing psychological relief. They also gained an improved outlook 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 aim of this study was to gain an understanding of how professionals in palliative care perceive existential distress and their views on psychedelic therapy as a treatment method. | As per the feedback from palliative care professionals, psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) demonstrates potential in alleviating existential distress. |
Patient Experiences
Scientific research is not the only source of evidence supporting the effectiveness of psilocybin. A number of patient stories also highlight its potential to improve mental health and overall quality of life.
The Journey of Yokoi
Mio Yokoi, who was 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 accompanied by whimsical creatures. This vision instills in her a profound awareness of the universe’s interconnectedness and support, providing her with significant peace and affirmation.
Despite seeking traditional mental health support, Yokoi continued to suffer from severe anxiety and distress following her diagnosis. Psilocybin therapy enabled her to reestablish a bond with her body and provided a tangible sense of love and support. This has significantly improved her emotional and mental health.
The Story of Chrissy
Chrissy, a woman in her 50s, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to her lungs. At the time of the study, she worked full-time as an administrative supervisor in the healthcare sector and identified herself as an atheist. She was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder during her screening.
Chrissy reported significant reductions in her levels of anxiety, depression, fear of death, hopelessness, and demoralization. When asked about any changes in her religious or spiritual beliefs following her therapy session, she stated that the experiences had brought a sense of purpose and reality to her beliefs.
Brenda’s Journey
Brenda, a woman in her 60s, was diagnosed with stage I colon cancer. She had not previously used hallucinogens and was found to have Chronic Adjustment Disorder with accompanying anxiety.
In her therapy sessions, Brenda underwent the sensation of death twice. Following these experiences, she was no longer afraid of death and perceived it as a beautiful aspect of life’s cycle. She credited the study for initiating her healing journey from childhood trauma. Her results reflected this profound transformation. It was observed that she had less anxiety and fear of death, coupled with an increased sense of spirituality.
Availability of Magic Mushroom Products in Canada
At present, the access to psilocybin capsules and similar products intended for addressing existential distress or other psychological concerns might be limited. Nonetheless, reliable online dispensaries serve as a viable source for these products when needed.
| Attributes | Brazilian Psilocybe Cubensis | Cambodian Psilocybe Cubensis | Melmac Psilocybe Cubensis |
| Source | Originates from Brazil and some neighboring South American countries. | Discovered in Cambodia, near the Angkor Wat Temple. | Related to the popular Penis Envy mushrooms from the 1970s. |
| Strength | Moderate potency; suitable for beginners. | Also moderate in potency; good for those new to the experience. | Highly potent; suggested for individuals with intermediate to advanced experience. |
| Effects | Causes a mental buzz, minor disorientation, enhanced color perception, euphoria, spiritual experiences, increased creativity, and improved focus. | Triggers an energizing and long-lasting high, slight visual changes, increased creativity, euphoria, a gentle physical high, fractal images, and feelings of happiness. | Induces profound shamanic experiences, vision quests, intense mystical experiences, enhanced creativity, focus, social awareness, and mood improvement. |
Using Psilocybin Products to Ease End-of-life Discomfort
Existential or end-of-life distress can put a heavy burden on many patients nearing the end of their lives. Traditional methods of treating this distress can sometimes be inadequate, leading to a rise in the Canadian advocacy for more accessible magic mushrooms in public healthcare. This growing public interest might
We advocate for regulatory authorities to recognize the potential of magic mushrooms as a credible treatment option. Acquire your psychedelics and mushroom delivery from Sero Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should patients expect from Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) experiences can vary widely among patients. Adequate preparation and adherence to specific procedures are crucial to ensure a positive outcome. Patients must go through thorough screening and psychological readiness before ingesting the substance.
- Session Preparation: Patients undergo a detailed assessment. The therapist discusses the patient’s goals and expectations, setting intentions for the session. The therapist also explains the process’s potential effects and what the patient might experience during the session.
- The Session: During the session, patients receive a controlled dose of the substance in a serene, undisturbed environment to promote relaxation and self-reflection. The therapist offers continuous support and guidance throughout this phase.
- Post-Session Integration Therapy: This therapy helps the patient comprehend and integrate their experiences. Further sessions provide ongoing support and counselling to reinforce the insights and transformations achieved during the therapy.
How does psilocybin affect the brains of patients in distress?
Psilocybin interacts with the brain by attaching to serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction can trigger changes in perception, mood, and cognition, leading to significant shifts in consciousness, emotional revelations, and novel perspectives.
Is psilocybin therapy open to everyone?
Psilocybin therapy isn’t universally suitable. Patients with certain mental health conditions or existential distress are thoroughly screened to exclude those with a psychosis history.
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