Canada Allows Terminally Ill People To Consume Psychedelic Mushrooms

The Canadian government has now allowed people with terminal cancer to legally consume psychedelic mushrooms as part of their end-of-life care. This decision might pave the way for more people to access psilocybin therapy.

Magic mushrooms have psilocybin and psilocin as active ingredients but these are prohibited under Canada¡¯s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. However, exceptions can be made for a clinical trial.

AP

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This week, Health Minister Patty Hajdu approved the use of psilocybin for four people with ¡®incurable cancer under a Section 56 exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act¡¯, who were waiting for the decision.

According to TheraPsil (a nonprofit organization that advocates for psychedelic therapy in end-of-life care in Canada), this is the first known time such an exemption has been granted specifically for the consumption of mushrooms. a nonprofit organization that advocates for psychedelic therapy in end-of-life care in Canada.

According to a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology earlier this year, the use of psilocybin by patients with life-threatening cancer resulted in a reduction in anxiety, depression, and hopelessness for prolonged periods of time. However, more research on the subject is needed.

Also Read: Made From Magic Mushrooms, Most Effective Drug Against Depression Starts Human Trial In US

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Laurie Brooks is one of the patients who was granted the exemption and according to TheraPsil she said that she hopes the decision will lead to more Canadians being able to access psilocybin without having to wait months for the government¡¯s permission.

"I was pretty emotional. I was surprised," the 53-year-old Abbotsford, B.C. mother of four told CBC. "Just to have that recognition ¡­ that what I was fighting for was worthwhile, it meant a lot to me,¡± she said.

Brooks has had two bouts with colon cancer and struggled with psychological distress as death seems imminent.

¡°The acknowledgement of the pain and anxiety that I have been suffering with means a lot to me, and I am feeling quite emotional today as a result,¡± Brooks reportedly said.

Also Read: Scientists Develop Glowing Plants Using Mushroom Genes

TheraPsil

Some U.S. cities, as well like Denver and Oakland, have decriminalized possession of mushrooms. In Jamaica too, mushrooms are legal and psilocybin retreats are available to people as a form of dealing with personal issues and trauma.

Legal access to medical cannabis started in Canada with a Section 56 exemption. This move might make the ¡®end of life¡¯ easier for many in Canada.