A man in Canada won a court appeal to use magic mushrooms Calgary to treat his suicide headache. This type of headache (or cluster headache) occurs in only 0.1% to 0.3% of Canadians. Treating this type of pain involves a trial-and-error approach. Over-the-counter pain medications provide little relief. The constant struggle can impact mental health.
Emerging research suggests that psychedelic drugs have therapeutic effects. A particularly promising aspect is their reported ability to produce lasting benefits with just a few carefully administered doses.
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Key Takeaways:
- Jody Lance secured a landmark victory after a federal court judge ruled that Health Canada disregarded his Charter right.
- The active compound in magic mushrooms can reduce the frequency of CH.
- CHs are excruciatingly painful, one-sided headaches that occur in cycles and can severely disrupt daily life.
The Case of Jody Lance
Jody Lance achieved a “historic win” after a federal court judge determined that Health Canada had violated his Charter rights by denying him medical-grade psilocybin.
Following a Federal Court ruling that criticized Health Canada’s initial denial of Lance’s request under the Special Access Program, the health agency has reversed its decision.
Lance’s legal team had previously argued that it was easier to qualify for medical aid in dying (MAID) in Canada than to get novel therapies. Unlike MAID, accessing experimental treatments requires exhausting all conventional options.
This decision comes after the court ordered Health Canada to reevaluate Lance’s request within 14 days.
Lance’s Struggle
Lance, a former land surveyor in his 50s, has been severely impacted by chronic cluster headaches (CH). His condition forced him onto long-term disability, where he lost his home, and even prompted him to consider medical aid in dying (MAID).
Despite trying numerous conventional treatments, Lance found relief only with psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, in small, non-hallucinogenic doses.
Seeking a safer and more reliable option, Lance applied to the Special Access Program with medical supervision to acquire a pharmaceutical-grade extract. This followed the advice of his neurologist, who suggested psilocybin after hearing about its success in another patient.
The Appeal
Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects a person’s fundamental rights to life, liberty, and security of the person. In Lance’s case, his lawyer argued that his liberty was infringed upon by the government’s restriction on his medical choices.
The denial of a life-saving treatment threatened his security of person, and the severe impact of his condition, including suicidal ideation and eligibility for medical aid in dying, posed a direct threat to his life.
This landmark decision, the first time Health Canada has approved psilocybin for cluster headaches, sets an influential precedent. It paves the way for other individuals suffering from severe and treatment-resistant conditions to seek access to this therapy.
What is Suicide Headache?
Suicide or Cluster Headaches (CH) are intensely painful headaches that occur in recurring cycles. They affect only one side of the head and can severely disrupt daily life. These headaches are the most excruciating type.
Cluster periods last weeks or months and are followed by headache-free periods that extend for months or even years. The frequency and severity of these cycles decrease with age, and some may experience complete remission.
Treatment
You can take medication or use oxygen from a machine when the pain starts. These treatments are only effective when you first notice the ache coming on, not daily.
- Begin treatment as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the pain to intensify. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking your medicine.
- Do what feels most comfortable. Walking, jogging in place, sitting, kneeling, or standing provide relief, while lying down might worsen the pain.
- If your treatment isn’t effective, consult your doctor about alternative options. It might take time to determine the most effective approach for you.
Frequent occurrences can lead to stress and depression, which can, in turn, perpetuate the cycle. Managing stress (for example, through regular exercise) and addressing depression may help reduce the intensity or frequency.
Clinical Trial for CH
The journal Headache published the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examining the effects of shrooms on CH. While this initial study provides valuable insights, further larger-scale studies are necessary to solidify these findings and draw more conclusive conclusions.
The study involved 16 adults (different ages—21-65) diagnosed with CH but with no other medical or psychiatric conditions. Participants received three doses of psilocybin (0.143 mg/kg) or a placebo, administered approximately five days apart.
The researchers employed a double-blind design, in which neither the participants nor the research staff knew which substance the subjects were taking. Participants recorded their experiences in daily diaries for two weeks before the first session and continued for eight weeks afterward.
Three weeks following the pulse initiation, attack frequency substantially decreased.
Implication of the Ruling to Calgary Residents
The SAP allows access to psilocybin and other psychedelics for palliative care and to treat depression, anxiety, or end-of-life distress. The focus of psychedelics and clinical trials is on mental illness treatment only.
Lance said, “I hope that moving forward, others won’t have to go to court to obtain the medication their doctors have prescribed.”
Nicholas Pope, Lance’s lawyer, hailed the approval as a “big step forward” for CH patients. “This is the first time Health Canada has approved psilocybin for cluster headaches,” Pope said.
“It sets a powerful precedent and paves the way for others enduring severe pain to seek legal, humanitarian approval to use psilocybin.”
While acknowledging that widespread recreational use of shrooms is still a distant possibility, Health Canada emphasized the importance of clinical trials as the pathway for evaluating the medical use of such substances and ultimately guiding their market authorization.
Psilocybin Has Shown Promise, Where to Find One and How to Use It?
You can purchase the active compound of magic mushrooms from a trusted online shrooms online dispensary. These dispensaries offer shrooms in dosages appropriate for medical use. Calgary residents can buy them conveniently from home.
Many of these online stores provide informative articles on their websites to offer guidance on using the active compound safely.
Dosing Method
Take small to moderate doses every five days or so. While some may require only two or three doses, others may need to continue this regimen weekly or bi-weekly.
Some have reported success in preventing or reducing the severity of the condition by taking a few small doses before the anticipated onset of a cycle.
The Experience
The goal is to achieve maximum relief with minimal psychoactive side effects. A moderate dose might produce a mild “high” comparable to a few beers. Small doses can be effective, even with minimal or absent psychoactive effects.
While everyone responds differently, relief occurs immediately, but cluster attacks may return within hours or a day or two. These “slap-back” attacks can be unusual—shorter or longer than typical, more or less painful, or occurring at odd times. There may be a few or several of these attacks, but they diminish after a while.
Court Appeal Win: A Door to Magic Mushrooms Calgary Access
Lance’s historic victory serves as a precedent that may pave the way for other Calgary residents to access psychedelics for medical treatment. This ruling may encourage the government to reconsider and relax regulations for easier access. While limitations remain, this victory represents a step forward in advocating for broader access to these treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can magic mushrooms aid in other types of headaches?
Yes. A small 2021 study investigated the effects on migraine frequency. Fourteen participants received psilocybin, while others received a placebo. The results demonstrated decreased migraine days per week among those who received shroom’s compound.
Will CH attacks occur even after taking magic mushrooms?
CH may return but with reduced frequency. Some may even experience complete remission. To minimize recurrence, identify and avoid triggers:
- Alcohol consumption
- Sleep disturbances
- Increases in body temperature
- Nitrates—Found in wine, cured meats, aged cheeses, and certain medications.
- Histamine
Do I need to be a resident of Calgary to access shrooms?
No. Canadian residents can apply to the Special Access Program or buy through online dispensaries. You must be of legal age according to your province’s regulations.
