The Canadian government is to allow the use of psychedelic psilocybin mushrooms as part of end-of-life care for approved patients. Four patients, who are facing the end-of-life, will be the first to have access to the drugs.
While psilocybin mushrooms can cause a change in mental state and hallucinations, some doctors believe they can be useful in certain circumstances and for treating certain psychological conditions, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
One of the patients, Thomas Hartle, said of his approval to take the drug:
"I would like to personally thank the Hon. Minister Hajdu and the team at the Office of Controlled Substances for the approval of my section 56 exemption. This is the positive result that is possible when good people show genuine compassion. I'm so grateful that I can move forward with the next step of healing."
Another patient, Laurie Brooks, added:
"I hope this is just the beginning and that soon all Canadians will be able to access psilocybin, for therapeutic use, to help with the pain they are experiencing, without having to petition the government for months to gain permission."
The patients were assisted in their appeal to take the drug by activist group TheraPsil who campaign for the decriminalisation of psychedelics in medical settings. Dr. Bruce Tobin, who is founder and chairman of the group, expressed his approval of the move by the Canadian government, saying:
"Although it has taken a long time, we are impressed with their willingness to listen to patients who have not been heard and to shift focus and policy to accommodate their interests and protect their needs. We also thank the brave Canadian patients who have been public in their fight for psilocybin access, along with the honourable Canadian MPs who have demonstrated courage, standing up for patient rights."
Not all of the patients who applied to be allowed to legally take the drug were approved, which perhaps indicates that the Canadian government is not willing to fully embrace major reform as of yet. That said, many will see it as a small victory in the right direction.
While many have praised psychedelics for their beneficial properties, the illegality of the drugs and public perception of them has made it very difficult for doctors and researchers to carry out empirical research. Many are hoping that this may start a process of allowing more widespread studies and beneficial outcomes for those most in need.
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