In a study investigating the use of magic mushrooms in Canada, close to 80% of participants stated their conviction that psilocybin should be medically accessible to patients in distress. Additionally, around two-thirds of the Canadian respondents in the same study agreed on the legal accessibility of psilocybin for those in need.
Beyond advocating for the increased accessibility of the substance, a substantial 84.8 percent of participants expressed the belief that the public health system should cover the costs of such treatments. A large portion of Canadians view psilocybin as a potential solution, especially for treating end-of-life distress.
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Main Takeaways:
- Residents from Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia view psilocybin as a legitimate medical option for treating end-of-life existential distress.
- Magic mushrooms are perceived as a safe option for managing existential distress.
- Participants of two double-blind trials experienced 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 face their own mortality. Patients may undergo feelings of helplessness, isolation, anxiety, and a loss of meaning and purpose. This type of distress is prevalent among patients with life-threatening conditions, potentially leading to thoughts of hastening death or contemplating suicide.
Generally, people grappling with terminal illnesses or significant life changes are the ones most likely to experience this type of distress. It severely 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 often involves multiple sessions and may not prove beneficial for everyone.
The questionable effectiveness of such therapy is a main reason why many individuals seek alternative treatments.
Health Canada’s Perspective on Psilocybin as a Therapeutic Measure
In the past two decades, initial clinical trials have highlighted the potential advantages of psychedelic substances in addressing complex mental health issues. Notably, psilocybin has demonstrated its efficiency in quickly and sustainably easing existential distress in patients in the later stages of life.
Recognizing the possible effectiveness of these proposed hallucinogenic mushrooms, especially when traditional treatments are inadequate, Health Canada revised the Special Access Program in 2022. This amendment allows healthcare providers to request controlled substances for their patients.
Canadians’ Agreement with Psilocybin Access
A research article in the Palliative Care Journal examines public views on psilocybin-assisted therapy for end-of-life care. The study’s data encompasses:
| Methodology | 2,800 Canadian participants from Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia were involved, 19% of whom had prior experience with psilocybin (15% in Québec, 26% in British Columbia). |
| Findings | 79.3% regard psilocybin-assisted therapy as a legitimate medical choice 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. |
These findings align with surveys conducted in Canada, England, and Australia. The researchers highlighted that their study uniquely focuses on the use of psychoactive substances for managing existential distress in end-of-life situations.
Why Canadians Support the Use of Psilocybin
An increasing number of Canadians are supportive of the implementation of psilocybin as a treatment, mainly due to evidence produced by esteemed research institutions. Another factor is the perceived safety of psilocybin mushrooms in alleviating existential distress. There have been no reports of severe adverse health effects, such as multi-organ failure, in subjects across various studies.
| Study | Approach | Results |
| Johns Hopkins Study | 51 patients received 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 more. The effectiveness is primarily due to mystical experiences which include a profound sense of unity and deep emotional insights. |
| New York University Study | 29 patients were randomly selected to either receive psilocybin or the active placebo niacin | The results were similar to the Johns Hopkins study. Patients who received psilocybin reported psychological relief, as well as an improved outlook on life and death. |
| BMC Palliative Care | The study involved nineteen participants including 7 doctors, 4 nurses, 4 chaplains, 3 social workers, and a psychologist. The objective was to gain insights into how palliative care professionals perceive existential distress and their views on psychedelic therapy as a treatment option. | Palliative care practitioners indicated that psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) has potential in alleviating existential distress. |
Patient Experiences
Scientific studies provide substantial evidence for the effectiveness of psilocybin, and several patient stories further highlight its potential to improve mental health and overall quality of life.
The Journey of Yokoi
Mio Yokoi, a terminal stage 4 pancreatic cancer patient, shares a transformative experience during her assisted therapy. She visualizes herself on a raft, surrounded by nature, and accompanied by fantastical beings. This vision imparts a profound sense of the universe’s interconnectedness and support, providing her with immense peace and affirmation.
Despite availing traditional mental health services, Yokoi continued to struggle with severe anxiety and distress following her diagnosis. Psilocybin therapy helped her reconnect with her body and offered a tangible sense of love and support. This 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 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, depression, fear of death, hopelessness, and demoralization. When asked about changes in her religious or spiritual beliefs since the therapy session, she indicated that the experiences had brought a sense of reality and purpose to her beliefs.
Brenda’s Journey
Throughout her therapy, Brenda experienced the sensation of death twice. Surprisingly, these experiences helped her overcome her fear of death, which she now perceives as a beautiful part of life. She attributes her healing journey from childhood trauma to the study. The data from her therapy sessions reflect this significant transformation. Enhanced spirituality and reduced fear of death and anxiety were noteworthy outcomes.
Availability of Magic Mushroom Products in Canada
At present, the supply of psilocybin capsules and other products designed to alleviate existential distress and other psychological disorders might be limited. Nevertheless, when necessary, reliable online dispensaries are a valuable resource for these products.
| Property | Brazilian Psilocybe Cubensis | Cambodian Psilocybe Cubensis | Melmac Psilocybe Cubensis |
| Origin | Native to Brazil and some surrounding South American countries. | Located in Cambodia, near the Angkor Wat Temple. | Associated with Penis Envy mushrooms, which gained popularity in the 1970s. |
| Potency | Moderate potency; appropriate for beginners. | Moderate potency as well; suitable for novices. | Extremely potent; recommended for those with a mid to high level of experience. |
| Effects | Triggers a mental high, minor disorientation, enhanced color perception, euphoria, spiritual experiences, increased creativity, and improved focus. | Induces a long-lasting, energizing high, slight visual alterations, increased creativity, euphoria, a gentle physical high, fractal imagery, and feelings of joy. | Promotes profound shamanic experiences, vision quests, intense mystical experiences, increased creativity, focus, social awareness, and mood enhancement. |
Mitigate End-of-life Discomfort with Psilocybin Products
Existential distress or the discomfort associated with end-of-life can significantly burden many patients nearing the end of their lives. Conventional treatments often fall short in addressing this distress, prompting a surge in support within Canada for easier public healthcare access to magic mushrooms. This emerging public interest could potentially lead to policy changes.
We advocate for regulatory authorities to explore the potential of magic mushrooms as a legitimate treatment option. For your psychedelic needs and shroom delivery, consider Buy Mushrooms Online Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should patients expect during Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?
Experiences during Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) can greatly differ, demanding meticulous preparation and strict compliance with certain procedures to ensure a positive result. Prior to substance intake, patients are required to undergo thorough screening and mental readiness.
- Pre-Session Preparation: Prior to the session, patients go through an extensive evaluation process. The therapist discusses the patient’s goals and expectations to set intentions for the session. The therapist also informs the patient about the process’s effects and what they can expect during the session.
- The Session: Within the session, patients receive a measured dose of the substance. The session is conducted in a comfortable, distraction-free environment to facilitate relaxation and self-reflection. The therapist is present throughout for ongoing support and guidance.
- Post-Session Integration Therapy: This therapy helps the patient interpret and process their experiences. Follow-up sessions provide ongoing support and counselling to reinforce the insights and changes gained during the therapy.
How does psilocybin affect distressed patients’ brains?
Psilocybin interacts with the brain by attaching to serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction can cause changes in perception, mood, and cognition, leading to substantial shifts in consciousness, emotional breakthroughs, and new viewpoints.
Is psilocybin therapy available for everyone?
Psilocybin therapy isn’t appropriate for everyone. Patients with specific mental health conditions or existential distress are carefully screened to exclude those with a history of psychosis.
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