Throughout millennia, humans have actively recognized and intentionally utilized the psychedelic effects of certain plants and fungi.
Among these, fungi, notably magic mushrooms, stand out as the primary natural source of psychedelics.
Psilocybin, derived from mushrooms, holds a significant historical role as a psychedelic substance employed in religious ceremonies and therapeutic approaches.
Numerous researchers are dedicating their time to exploring the potential health benefits of shrooms online. Published studies have already shed light on the effects of psilocybin mushrooms. These findings offer hope to many individuals, which must prompt a reflection on the importance of integrating them into Canada’s healthcare system.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Magic mushroom contains the psychoactive compound psilocybin. Psilocybin offers multiple benefits in treating mental health issues in Canada.
- Psilocybin is a safer alternative to opioids and has a lower incidence of addiction and toxicity.
- Psilocybin demonstrates a lasting efficacy in addressing depression, with effects that can extend for up to a year.
What is Psilocybin?
Psilocybin is an indole-alkylamine (tryptamine) from magic mushrooms and shares structural similarities with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Its effects encompass hallucinogenic and euphoric sensations, likely stemming from its interaction with serotonin (5-HT) receptors within the central nervous system.
Due to its binding to serotonin receptors, premium magic mushrooms display a notable inclination towards aiding in the management of mental health conditions.
Mental Health and Opioid Crisis in Canada
Common Mental Health Conditions in Canada & Resistance to Treatment
| 2012 | 2022 | |
| Major Depressive Episodes | 4.7% | 7.6% |
| Generalized anxiety disorder | 2.6% | 5.2% |
| Social phobia | 3.0% | 7.1% |
| Alcohol use disorder | 3.2% | 2.2% |
More than one-third (36.6%) of individuals dealing with mood, anxiety, or substance use disorders disclosed experiencing unaddressed or partially addressed healthcare and mental health requirements.
A study from the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry highlights insights into the treatment-seeking behaviour of depressed patients. The study delved into 1282 patient charts across 135 physicians. Two hundred sixty-three patients showed to have treatment-resistant depression (TRD), which represents a prevalence of 21.7% across Canada.
Opioid Crisis
One in five Canadians, or nearly 8 million people, live with chronic pain. Pain can negatively affect many aspects of an individual’s life when not effectively managed.
Health professionals sometimes prescribe opioid medications to assist in pain management. While opioids may provide benefits like pain relief and improved functionality, they also carry potential risks.
There were at least 30,843 recorded instances of opioid toxicity-related fatalities in Canada from January 2016 to March 2022. The peak of these tragic occurrences happened in the initial months of 2021, with a staggering 5,368 cases reported. It’s noteworthy that a significant majority, over 88%, of these incidents were in the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta.
For Major Depressive Episodes
Researchers enlisted 27 individuals with a prolonged history of depression in a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. The majority have depressive symptoms for roughly two years before joining the study. 88% of these participants had previously undergone treatment with conventional antidepressants, while 58% disclosed current use of such medications during their depressive episodes.
The researchers noted significant reductions in depression following psilocybin treatment for both groups. They also observed that the severity of depression remained consistently low at the one-, three-, six-, and 12-month follow-up points post-treatment.
For General Anxiety and Social Phobia
A case study from the Croatian Medical Journal, published in October 2021, delved into the story of a solitary 16-year-old male. He sought help at a psychiatric clinic due to his tendencies to isolate himself from peers, grapple with intense anxiety, and witness a decline in his academic performance. Compounded by a learning disability and a lack of motivation for schoolwork, he found group therapy to be overwhelming and yield no discernible progress.
Following three psilocybin experiences spread across 18 months, significant positive transformations unfolded. His anxiety diminished, and he experienced smoother communication with peers and teachers. He became more expressive about his emotions, actively engaged in group therapy sessions, and noted enhanced interpersonal connections.
For Alcohol Use Disorder
A recent clinical trial, detailed in a study published on Aug. 24 in JAMA Psychiatry, shed light on the potential of psilocybin in conjunction with psychotherapy for addressing alcohol use disorder. Over 32 weeks, researchers observed 93 patients with the condition.
Among those who underwent psilocybin-assisted therapy (a total of 48 individuals), there was a remarkable 83% reduction in alcohol consumption within eight months of their initial dose, in contrast to a 51% reduction in those who received a placebo. Almost half of the participants treated with psilocybin ceased drinking entirely.
Opioid Crisis
Elena Argento, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia and BC Centre on Substance Use, explores the medicinal applications of psychedelics.
According to Argento, psilocybin operates on two fronts to mitigate addiction risks: through its impact on neurobiology and psychology. She highlights the transformative experiences induced by psychedelics, characterized by profound awe and ego dissolution. These encounters often lead individuals to discover new perspectives and meanings in life, potentially catalyzing behavioural changes, especially concerning addiction.
In a recent longitudinal study conducted by Argento and the BC Centre on Substance Use, the study revealed a significant decrease in the likelihood of subsequent daily illicit opioid use among those who had recently used psychedelics or did so within the past six months.
Argento’s 2018 study also indicated that psychedelic use acted as a protective factor against the correlation between prescription opioid use and suicide risk.
Another study observed correlations between psilocybin use and a diminished risk of opioid use disorder. This earlier research demonstrated a 40% reduced risk of opioid abuse and a 27% decreased risk of opioid dependence within the past year associated with psychedelic use.
Health Canada and Other Governing Bodies Need to Consider Psilocybin as Part of Canada’s Treatment Plan
Psilocybin, despite being recognized for its potential benefits to mental health among Canadians, remains challenging to obtain. Health Canada authorizes healthcare professionals to offer this treatment to patients under the Special Access Program. Navigating through the program’s stringent guidelines proves to be a significant hurdle for many professionals and patients alike.
The therapeutic use of psilocybin-containing mushrooms presents a promising avenue for mental health care in Canada, as it offers potentially life-changing benefits. Rather than opting for conventional but often less effective treatments like pharmaceuticals or opioid replacement therapy, psilocybin therapy provides an alternative that may yield profound and lasting effects.
Research suggests that psilocybin therapy could yield long-term benefits that can save patients considerable money on ineffective treatments. Studies also indicate that psilocybin is relatively safe, with minimal toxicity, low risk of abuse, and rare incidents of overdose.
Where Can You Find Psilocybin Online?
If Canadians find themselves unable to access psilocybin therapy, they may buy magic mushrooms online to alleviate their present circumstances. They have the option to explore various magic mushroom products that range from high-dose shrooms to microdose magic mushrooms.
High-dose shrooms encompass psychedelic mushrooms available in various forms, such as a dried magic mushroom, edible, or in beverages, which individuals consume for their hallucinogenic and therapeutic properties.
Microdosing magic mushrooms involves products containing minimal amounts of magic mushrooms. These products are available in capsules, shroom edibles, or shroom tea. Buy shrooms online for an alternative approach to subtly experiencing the benefits of these mushrooms. Zoomies Canada offers only premium magic mushrooms online, ensuring you get the best.
Is Psilocybin Right for Canadian Healthcare?
Psilocybin is a substance frequently misunderstood due to its recreational use. It’s essential to recognize that psilocybin presents a safer profile compared to opioids and other drugs currently recommended within healthcare practices.
There’s a growing body of evidence indicating its potential benefits, similar to those of marijuana, in addressing various mental health conditions and pain management. As such, integrating psilocybin into the Canadian healthcare system for its promising therapeutic potential presents a compelling case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dried mushrooms similar to other shroom products online?
Magic mushrooms are available in various forms at an online dispensary. Dried magic mushrooms are the timeless choice, as this form ensures the preservation of potency over extended periods. The selection extends beyond dried mushrooms to include edibles, drinks, and capsules. Each product boasts varying dosages tailored to different experiences, from inducing hallucinations to facilitating microdosing routines.
What types of magic mushrooms are available online in Canada?
There are over 200 species of magic mushrooms, with the Psilocybe cubensis notably prevalent online. While other species exist, they can be challenging to come by and often carry an expensive price tag. Psilocybe cubensis stands out as the favoured choice, with numerous strains for enthusiasts to explore. Its popularity is due to its ease of cultivation, so dispensaries readily provide them to consumers at accessible prices.
Can I consume magic mushrooms even if I am taking a prescription?
It will depend on the specific medication you are currently taking. Certain medications may interact with or heighten the effects of shrooms. It’s advisable to investigate whether your medication could potentially influence the experience with magic mushrooms. Refraining from taking medication before consuming magic mushrooms might be necessary.
Can I buy a specific mushroom species for a better experience?
No matter what type of magic mushrooms you use, your experience will always hinge on your set and setting, dosage, and prior encounters. Many experts advise starting with a low dosage when experimenting with shrooms, as it can help mitigate the risk of a negative trip. Mental preparedness and a safe, comfortable environment are necessary for anyone embarking on this journey.
What can I do with magic mushrooms?
There are numerous avenues to explore with magic mushrooms, such as embracing their traditional and spiritual significance or integrating them into your wellness practices. Many individuals engage with them in the traditional or spiritual sense, often for recreational purposes, where they may encounter unconventional entities and expand their perception to embrace new experiences. In the realm of wellness, some opt for a more moderate approach by consuming small quantities of mushrooms to harness their benefits without inducing hallucinations.
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