For the first time in decades, Canada has granted special permission allowing certain individuals to consume psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. This psychedelic substance—which you Dutch-Smarters, of course, know all about—has recently been the subject of increasing research into its potential applications. In Canada, at least, they’re very enthusiastic about the preliminary results…
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Promising compounds
Psychedelic substances are banned in most countries around the world, with some allowing exceptions only for certain religious uses and, in some cases, for research purposes. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies linked psilocybin to a number of potential benefits some time ago, joining the list of other promising compounds such as ibogaine, ayahuasca, cannabis, and MDMA.
In 2012, The New York Times published an article that garnered significant attention—it discussed research into the use of psilocybin to help improve the experience of terminal patients facing imminent death. Now, eight years later, the Canadian government has taken action regarding this research, granting a small group of terminally ill patients special permission to consume psilocybin.
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‘Certain exceptions’
The announcement was made by TheraPsil, a self-described “coalition of healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates committed to the fight for the rights of Canadians facing difficulties in obtaining legal access to therapeutic psychedelics as they approach the end of their lives. “Although these drugs remain illegal in Canada, certain exceptions exist.”
Canadian Health Minister Patty Hajdu has now granted four Canadians exemptions from the country’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, allowing them to participate in psychedelic therapy. This marks the first time such exemptions have been granted since the 1970s. All four recipients of the exemptions are suffering from terminal cancer; they have waited more than 100 days to obtain the authorization, but now they can finally begin treatment.
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Microdosing magic mushrooms
Incidentally, this isn’t the first time magic mushrooms have gained popularity in Canada. Last year, the so-called Medicinal Mushroom Dispensary also made headlines after it was revealed that they were shipping microdoses of psilocybin to people across the country. Technically an illegal service, but the government seems to be turning a blind eye. “We truly believe in the power of psychedelic mushrooms and microdosing, and all the incredible benefits it can bring to Canadians,” the company states.
