On the heels of the Oregon decision to grant people access to psychedelics for medicinal purposes, the Canadian government is allowing patients who are not terminally ill to legally eat psychedelic mushrooms.
In clinical trials for the treatment of addiction, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety, psilocybin has shown modest and even promising outcomes. 'Magic mushrooms' contain psilocybin and psilocin, two chemical compounds that have hallucinogenic properties.
Since 1974, both chemicals have been regulated under Schedule III of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) of Canada, making it illegal, except under certain conditions, such as clinical trials or studies, to sell, possess, manufacture or use.
What is Psilocybin?
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in mushrooms, is illegal for the cultivation, possession, and selling of psilocybin in Canada. The only exception when it is not illegal is when it is used for licensed research purposes. But Health Canada issued exemptions to individuals with terminal diseases this summer, enabling them to possess and eat shrooms.
According to TheraPsil, a nonprofit that supports psychedelic therapy in end-of-life treatment in Canada, this was followed up with Strelaeff's exemption earlier this month, which paves the way for more shroom-based therapies.
Therapeutic Effects of Psilocybin
'Magic mushrooms' contain psilocybin and psilocin, two chemical compounds that have hallucinogenic properties. Since 1974, both chemicals have been regulated under Schedule III of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of Canada (CDSA), making it illegal to sell, possess, manufacture or use except under certain conditions, such as clinical trials or research studies.
An increase in the body of evidence has shown that psilocybin can treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder effectively, particularly in people with life-threatening diseases.
Analysis has shown that psilocybin has the ability to treat a number of psychological and behavioural conditions, although FDA approval has yet to be obtained.
In a few people who were put to test, Brain scans found decreased blood flow to social processing-related areas of the brain as well as stress and anxiety. A part of the brain associated with depression also had more stability.
Receiving a Psilocybin Diagnosis Exemption
On August 4, 2020, the first individuals in Canada to receive such an exemption for psilocybin and receive medication from TheraPsil, a psilocybin therapy advocacy, and research organization, were four people who suffered end-of-life distress.
Mona, the first non-palliative individual to have been granted an exemption offered from unresolved trauma that manifested as depression, anxiety, and addiction. Oct. 4, a section 56 exemption for psilocybin was issued. So far, psilocybin approvals have been granted to about 13 people, 12 palliatives, and one non-palliative.
How Does the Treatment Work?
Three sessions are included in a psilocybin therapy provided by TheraPsil. A therapist and patient work together to build a relationship and confidence in the pre-sessions, as well as to set their intentions for their journey.
A patient is generally given psilocybin in the presence of two therapists during the "medicine session," in an atmosphere where they feel comfortable, which normally lasts for about six hours.
A patient will often wear eyeshades to block visual distractions and listen to a curated playlist to help the patient focus inward and explore facets of their mind that in their usual state of consciousness might not be accessible to them.
A patient continues to work with a therapist after the medicine session to explain and understand their ideas, feelings, and emotions that surfaced during the medicine session.
About TheraPsil
TheraPsil, a non-profit coalition calling for legal access to psilocybin treatment through the Special Access Programme (SAP) for palliative care of Canadians. Their initial focus is on providing compassionate treatment for Canadians suffering from end-of-life depression in palliative care.
The combination of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and demoralization encountered by patients who are diagnosed with an incurable disease or who are in remission from diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or heart disease is best characterized as end-of-life distress.
The United States Their Hand At Psilocybin Treatment
In Canada, CDSA exemptions are assessed on a case-by-case basis, although no specific rules on therapy are currently in effect. The U.S. has not lifted federal restrictions for medicinal purposes as its neighbour, and considers psilocybin under the Controlled Substances Act in 2020 as a Schedule I drug (Heroin and LSD contain other Schedule I drugs).
However, some local governments, including California, have decriminalized "magic mushrooms" and their hallucinatory effects. At least one clinical trial is currently underway in the U.S. to assess the safety and effectiveness of psilocybin in treatment-resistant depression participants.
Written by - Nandita Singh
Edited by - Christeena George
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