In a study focused on the use of magic mushrooms in Canada, nearly 80% of participants expressed their belief that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, should be medically available for distressed patients. Additionally, about two-thirds of the Canadian participants in the same study concurred that psilocybin should be legal for those in need.
Alongside making the substance more accessible, a notable 84.8% of participants expressed the view that the public health system should cover the costs of such therapies. A majority of Canadians see psilocybin as a viable treatment option, especially for addressing end-of-life distress.
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Key Findings:
- Residents of Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia perceive psilocybin as a legitimate medical option for mitigating end-of-life existential distress.
- Magic mushrooms are deemed safe for the treatment of existential distress.
- Participants in two double-blind studies reported immediate and long-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. Patients may experience feelings of helplessness, isolation, anxiety, and a loss of meaning and purpose. This type of distress particularly impacts patients with life-threatening illnesses, potentially leading to thoughts of hastening death or considering suicide.
Usually, individuals facing terminal illnesses or significant life changes are the ones who frequently experience this kind of distress. It profoundly impacts their mental health and overall quality of life.
Existential therapy aims to address issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, apathy, despair, identity confusion, and feelings of purposelessness and existential fear. It may require multiple sessions and may not be effective for everyone.
The ambiguity surrounding the effectiveness of such therapy is a major reason why many individuals seek alternative treatments.
Health Canada’s Stance on Psilocybin as a Therapeutic Option
Over the last two decades, preliminary clinical trials have highlighted the potential advantages of psychedelic substances in addressing complex mental disorders. Notably, Psilocybin has demonstrated a quick and sustained relief of existential distress in patients at the end-of-life stage.
Recognizing the potential effectiveness of these proposed hallucinogenic mushrooms, especially when conventional treatments are inadequate, Health Canada updated the Special Access Program in 2022. This revision enables healthcare professionals to request controlled substances for their patients.
Canadians’ Advocacy for Psilocybin Access
A research article featured in the Palliative Care Journal investigates societal views on psilocybin-assisted therapy for end-of-life care. The study covers the following data:
| Method | Surveyed 2,800 Canadians from Québec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, with 19% having previous experience with psilocybin (15% in Québec, 26% in British Columbia). |
| Results | Approximately 79.3% view psilocybin-assisted therapy as a legitimate medical option for treating end-of-life existential distress, while 63.3% believe psilocybin should be integrated into medical treatment. Around 84.8% support the public health system’s provision of this therapy, and 44.2% think healthcare professionals should administer the substance without Health Canada’s supervision. |
These findings align with survey results from Canada, England, and Australia. The researchers underscored the uniqueness of their study as it focuses on the use of psychoactive substances to alleviate existential distress in end-of-life situations.
Why Canadians Support Psilocybin Use
An increasing number of Canadians are endorsing the application of psilocybin as a treatment, primarily due to the evidence presented by credible research institutions. Another influential factor is the perceived safety of psilocybin mushrooms in relieving existential distress. No severe negative health effects, such as multi-organ failure, have been reported by subjects across different studies.
| 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 enduring |
| The therapy’s beneficial effects can last for up to six months or longer, and are primarily attributed to mystical experiences that foster a sense of unity and deep emotional insight. | ||
| New York University Trial | A group of 29 patients was randomly chosen to undergo either psilocybin therapy or receive the active placebo niacin. | The results of this study closely paralleled those of the Johns Hopkins research. Participants who were administered psilocybin reported psychological relief, as well as an improved perspective on life and death. |
| BMC Palliative Care | Nineteen participants, including 7 doctors, 4 practising nurses, 4 chaplains, 3 social workers, and a psychologist were interviewed. The aim of the study was to gain insight into how palliative care professionals perceive existential distress and their views on psychedelic therapy as a potential treatment option. | Most palliative care practitioners agreed that psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) holds potential in reducing existential distress. |
Patient Experiences
Besides scientific studies, several patient narratives also strongly support the effectiveness of psilocybin in enhancing mental health and overall life quality.
The Journey of Yokoi
Mio Yokoi, a patient with terminal stage 4 pancreatic cancer, shares a transformative experience during her assisted therapy. Her vision of being on a raft, surrounded by nature and whimsical creatures, invokes in her a profound sense of universal interconnection and reassurance, leading to immense peace and validation.
In spite of receiving standard mental health support, Yokoi continued to grapple with severe anxiety and distress following her diagnosis. Psilocybin therapy enabled her to reconnect with her body and provided her with a tangible sense of love and support, significantly improving her emotional and mental well-being.
The Story of Chrissy
A woman in her 50s named Chrissy, diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to her lungs, was working full time as an administrative supervisor in healthcare at the time of the study. She identified as an atheist and was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder during her screening.
Chrissy experienced 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 indicated that the experiences had brought depth and substance to her beliefs.
Brenda’s Journey
Brenda, a lady in her sixties, was diagnosed with first stage colon cancer. During her evaluation, it was established that she had never consumed hallucinogens and she met the criteria for Chronic Adjustment Disorder with associated anxiety.
During her treatment, Brenda experienced a sensation of dying twice. However, she emerged from these episodes with no fear of death, perceiving it as a beautiful, natural phase of existence. She credited the study for instigating her healing journey from past childhood trauma. Her data reflected this remarkable transformation.
Decreased anxiety and death-related fear, coupled with increased spirituality, were observed.
Availability of Magic Mushroom Products in Canada
At present, the accessibility of psilocybin capsules and other products designed for existential distress or mental health concerns can be limited. Nevertheless, reliable online dispensaries serve as a valuable resource for acquiring these products when needed.
| Characteristic | Brazilian Psilocybe Cubensis | Cambodian Psilocybe Cubensis | Melmac Psilocybe Cubensis |
| Origin | Native to Brazil and some adjacent South American countries. | Discovered in Cambodia, near the Angkor Wat Temple. | Associated with Penis Envy mushrooms, which became popular in the 1970s. |
| Potency | Moderately potent; suitable for novices. | Also moderately potent; perfect for beginners. | Extremely potent; advised for those with intermediate to advanced experience. |
| Effects | Causes a cerebral buzz, mild disorientation, amplified color perception, euphoria, spiritual experiences, increased creativity, and improved concentration. | Induces an energizing and durable high, minor visual changes, heightened creativity, euphoria, a gentle physical high, fractal imagery, and sensations of joy. | Facilitates profound shamanic experiences, vision quests, intense mystical experiences, enhanced creativity, focus, social awareness, and mood upliftment. |
Relieve End-of-life Distress with Psilocybin Products
Existential or end-of-life distress can impose a considerable burden on patients nearing the end of their lives. Conventional treatments for this distress can often be inadequate, leading to increased Canadian advocacy for easier public healthcare access to magic mushrooms. This growing public interest could
We advocate for the recognition of magic mushrooms as a legitimate treatment option by regulatory authorities. Get your psychedelics and mushroom delivery from Magic Mushies Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should patients expect from Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?
Patient experiences can greatly differ when undergoing Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). It is crucial to properly prepare and follow specific procedures to guarantee a positive result. Patients should be thoroughly screened and mentally prepared before ingesting the substance.
- Preparation before the Session: Patients are given an in-depth assessment. The therapist will discuss the patient’s goals and expectations to set intentions for the session. The therapist will inform the patient about the effects of the procedure and what to expect during the session.
- The Session: Patients receive a regulated dose of the substance in a comfortable, distraction-free environment to promote relaxation and introspection. The therapist provides continuous support and guidance throughout this process.
- Post-Session Integration Therapy: This therapy helps patients interpret and process their experiences. Follow-up sessions provide ongoing support and counselling to reinforce the understandings and transformations achieved during therapy.
How does psilocybin affect the brains of distressed patients?
Psilocybin interacts with the brain by binding to serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction can lead to alterations in perception, mood, and cognition, causing profound changes in consciousness, emotional breakthroughs, and new outlooks.
Is psilocybin therapy available to everyone?
Psilocybin therapy is not suitable for everyone. Patients with specific mental health conditions or existential distress are thoroughly screened to exclude those with a history of psychosis.
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