The Canadian government has given a startup, Optimi Health Corp., the green light to export psychedelic compounds to Australia for medicinal purposes. These substances include psilocybin, derived from magic mushrooms, and MDMA, with the approval of the health department.
The burgeoning demand for these substances isn’t confined to magic mushrooms in Ontario. Other countries are following in Canada’s footsteps, opening up to the medicinal use of serotogenic compounds.
Confidently buy psychedelics online in Canada from trusted sources to explore your inherent potential.
[toc]Main Points:
- Vancouver-based startup, Optimi Health, has secured a drug establishment license to export magic mushroom pills to Australia.
- In Australia, licensed psychiatrists are allowed to use magic mushrooms to treat chronic depression.
- The treatment protocol involves three sessions, each lasting about eight hours, spread over five to eight weeks.
The Rise of Psilocybin Capsules in Canada
Vancouver-based Optimi aims to use its certification to penetrate and expand the pharmaceutical market for psychedelic substances, gaining an early-mover advantage.
Seven firms have exported either psilocybin, MDMA, or both, strictly for clinical trial purposes. A spokesperson for Canada’s health department could not confirm if these exports included regular patient use and chose not to disclose the companies for security reasons.
This accomplishment places Optimi among a handful of international providers, with the market currently favoring clinical over recreational use.
What’s in the Pill?
Although the company has not disclosed the specific mushroom species used in the pill, they are known to work with multiple strains, including Albino Penis Envy, among others.
Optimi has established a 20,000-square-foot facility in Princeton, British Columbia, for cultivating, testing, and extracting its psychedelic mushrooms. This quaint town, home to approximately 3,000 people, is situated three hours east of Vancouver.
The Intersection of Australia and Psychedelic Mushrooms
An estimate suggests that one in five Australians, in the age bracket of 16 to 85, may experience a mental health issue. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) could potentially affect 11% of Australians at some point, while anxiety disorders are prevalent in about 17% of the population.
While there are numerous methods to treat mental health issues, not all are universally effective. Individuals who don’t react positively to certain treatments might find it difficult to find an alternative method that works for them, which could potentially make them more vulnerable.
An Explanation of the Process
Australia is leading the way in using psilocybin, allowing licensed psychiatrists to employ this controlled substance in the treatment of PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
In a surprising move in February, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) reclassified MDMA and psychedelic mushrooms for therapeutic use. According to TGA, these substances are safe when used within a medically supervised environment for patients grappling with severe mental disorders.
This reform has been a game-changer for many mental health experts and researchers. The administration of these substances will be meticulously monitored; it’s not as simple as taking a pill and leaving.
The usual treatment plan comprises three sessions over a span of five to eight weeks. Each session lasts approximately eight hours, with the therapist present throughout.
Canada’s Role in Psilocybin Research
Canada has established itself as a key player in psilocybin research, contributing significantly to our understanding of this compound. Health Canada, in collaboration with several institutions, is spearheading the investigation into the therapeutic uses of psilocybin for various mental health conditions.
Research institutions no longer need to consider these substances as illegal or rely on unregulated dispensaries or mushroom shops. The government now permits certain institutions to grow mushrooms for research purposes.
Having access to substances previously labeled as harmful enables researchers to deepen their understanding of their potential benefits to many people.
A Recurring Trend
The potential of psychedelics in treating mental health disorders and substance abuse, including alcoholism, was initially acknowledged in the 1950s. English psychiatrist Humphry Osmond and Canadian biochemist Abram Hoffer led the pioneering research at the Weyburn The Saskatchewan Mental Hospital. This institution experienced remarkable progress under the leadership of then-premier Tommy Douglas, who allowed the medical community considerable freedom to investigate their medical hypotheses.
Dr. Osmond and Dr. Hoffer began experimenting with LSD, mescaline, and peyote as possible alternatives to the harsh practices of electroshock and lobotomy. Their research took unexpected turns, with both advocating for medical practitioners, nurses, and support staff to experience these drugs first-hand.
Research by Canadian Institutes of Health
Through the Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research are funding three clinical trials that aim to study the therapeutic efficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy:
| Project Type | Study Focus | Research Institution | Lead Investigator | Project Budget |
| A randomized controlled trial | Psychological distress at end-of-life in patients with advanced-stage cancer | University of Toronto | Sarah Hales | $928,643 |
| Mechanisms supporting psilocybin psychotherapy for treating alcohol use disorder | Alcohol use disorder | University of Calgary | Leah Mayo | $1,000,000 |
| A randomized phase II clinical trial contrasting single versus dual psychedelic doses | Treatment-resistant depression | University of Toronto | Joshua Rosenblat | $1,000,000 |
This research funding will enhance our detailed understanding of the benefits of regulated substances. The Government of Canada’s initiation of the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS) has made this possible.
More Research on Psychedelics
Psychiatrists in Vancouver have begun a phase III clinical trial of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The trial includes three eight-hour sessions with MDMA, scheduled one month apart, and nine 90-minute sessions without the drug. This trial is considered historically significant as it marks the first clinical evaluation of an illicit
It’s been over forty years since a psychedelic substance has been introduced.
Interpreting Psilocybin
Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound that naturally occurs in certain mushroom species. Once ingested, it metabolizes into psilocin, which activates the serotonin 5-HT2a receptors found on the brain’s cortical pyramidal cells, the primary sites of processing.
Currently, this substance is under research for its potential to aid with depression, anxiety, addiction, and end-of-life distress by promoting introspection and spiritual enlightenment.
Why is it Potentially Effective Against Depression, PTSD, and others?
The active component targets various brain areas, making it potentially beneficial for a range of mental disorders. Several patients in Canada and Australia have already undergone this treatment, and the reported results are promising, with minor side effects such as temporary anxiety or increased blood pressure.
Impact on Neurobiology
- Activation of Serotonin Receptors: This compound partially stimulates serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A subtype, which is vital for mood regulation and emotional processing.
- Default Mode Network (DMN) Modulation: It reduces DMN activity, promotes introspection, lessens rigid thinking patterns, and enhances emotional flexibility.
- Stimulation of Prefrontal and Limbic Regions: Its antidepressant effects stem from its influence on the prefrontal and limbic brain regions, including the amygdala. In depression situations, people often show decreased responses to emotional stimuli. However, the substance amplifies the response to positive emotional stimuli in the right amygdala and normalizes the response to negative or neutral emotional stimuli.
Impacts on Psychology and Emotion:
- Inducing Positive Mood States: It promotes feelings of euphoria, interconnectedness, and emotional openness during and after the experience.
- Enhanced Emotional Processing: The psychedelic experience may allow individuals to confront and process deep-seated emotions, traumatic memories, or existential concerns in a supportive setting.
- Spiritual and Existential Insights: Research from Johns Hopkins University and Imperial College
What Can Your Local Magic Mushroom Stores Offer?
Wondering how the substance might affect your mental health? You can explore magic mushroom stores to find a product that suits your needs.
| Product | Quantity | Potency | Benefits |
| Evoke – Medicinal Mushrooms | 20 | 100mg or 200mg | Boosts mood, encourages creative thinking, and increases productivity and concentration |
| Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Super Freak | 30 | 50mg, 100mg, and 250mg | Supports better wellness and enhances overall quality of life |
| Kind Stranger – Microdose Capsules – Sidekick | 30 | 100mg | Encourages clarity, creativity, and focus. Includes a powerful blend of clinical strength adaptogenic herbs |
| Osmosis – Brain Boost | 30 | 100mg or 200mg | Brings cognitive and energy benefits |
International Acceptance of Psilocybin
Canada is not the only country endorsing magic mushrooms for mental health ailments. Countries such as Australia are also embracing the use of these hallucinogens to tackle conditions like depression and PTSD. They are procuring premium psychedelic capsules from trusted sources. Under suitable supervision, patients can significantly improve their life quality. Shroom Store Canada, a magic mushroom seller, provides a variety of products, from pills to LSD edibles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do psilocybin and MDMA compare?
Both psilocybin and MDMA hold therapeutic potential in enhancing mental health. Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A receptors and is effective in treating depression and addiction.
Conversely, MDMA promotes empathy and proves beneficial in PTSD therapy. It demonstrates potential in augmenting emotional processing and
Despite being classified as a controlled substance, it has promising therapeutic potential.
Is this treatment option available to all Australians?
In Australia, not everyone can access this treatment. Individuals must first undergo an assessment to determine their suitability for use. The evaluation takes into account various factors such as existing heart conditions and a history of psychosis. This treatment is only available to patients who have not responded to conventional treatments for conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
What implications does Canada’s exportation of mushrooms have?
Canada is strategically positioning itself to lead the psychedelics market, akin to its approach with cannabis. This could enable more companies to produce high-quality products and solidify Canada’s leading role in the hallucinogen market. It could strengthen its economy and make treatments more accessible to other countries. Additionally, it could prevent other countries from resorting to illegal dispensaries or suppliers for their hallucinogens, thereby ensuring safety.
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