The Government of Canada has authorized a startup to export psychedelic substances to Australia for medicinal purposes. Optimi Health Corp. has been given the responsibility of distributing psilocybin-infused pills — an extract from magic mushrooms — and MDMA, as approved by the health department.
The rising demand reaches beyond the local magic mushrooms Ontario. Other countries are taking inspiration from Canada and are beginning to investigate and authorize the use of serotogenic compounds for health benefits.
Confidently buy psychedelics online in Canada and discover your innate potential through trustworthy sources.
[toc]Key Points:
- Optimi Health, a Vancouver-based startup, has been awarded a drug establishment license to export magic mushroom pills to Australia.
- Australia allows licensed psychiatrists to use magic mushrooms in the treatment of chronic depression.
- The treatment comprises three sessions over a span of five to eight weeks, with each session lasting roughly eight hours.
The Rise of Psilocybin Capsules in Canada
Optimi, a budding company in Vancouver, aims to use its certification to broaden the pharmaceutical market for psychedelic drugs and gain an early-market advantage.
Seven firms have exported psilocybin, MDMA, or both, but only for clinical testing. A spokesperson from Canada’s health department could not confirm if these exports were for regular patient use and chose not to reveal the companies for safety reasons.
This achievement places Optimi among a select group of international suppliers, with the current market favoring clinical over recreational use.
What Does the Pill Contain?
Although the company hasn’t disclosed the specific mushroom used in the pill, they do work with various strains such as Albino Penis Envy, among others.
Optimi has established a 20,000-square-foot facility in Princeton, British Columbia, to cultivate, experiment, and extract its psychedelic mushrooms. This quaint town, home to around 3,000 residents, is situated three hours to the east of Vancouver.
Australia and Psychedelic Mushrooms: An Entwined Narrative
Approximately 1 in every 5 Australians aged between 16 and 85 is believed to battle a mental illness. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is anticipated to affect 11% of Australians at some point, while anxiety disorders are common in 17% of the population.
Although various methods exist for treating mental disorders, not all are effective for everyone. For patients who don’t benefit from certain treatments, finding a beneficial approach can be difficult, leaving them more vulnerable.
Understanding the Procedure
Australia has led the way in using psilocybin, allowing licensed psychiatrists to use this controlled substance to treat PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
In a surprising turn of events in February, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) reclassified MDMA and mushrooms for therapeutic use. The TGA confirmed that these substances are safe when used in a controlled medical setting for patients with severe mental conditions.
This shift has been groundbreaking for many mental health professionals and researchers. The use of these substances is strictly supervised; it’s not as simple as taking a pill and leaving.
The treatment typically consists of three sessions spread over five to eight weeks. Each session lasts about eight hours, with the therapist present for the entire duration.
Canada’s Role in Psilocybin Research
Canada has surfaced as a leading hub for psilocybin research, significantly advancing our understanding of this compound. Health Canada, along with numerous institutions, is at the forefront of investigating psilocybin’s therapeutic potential for various mental health disorders.
Research institutions are no longer reliant on unauthorized dispensaries or mushroom shops, or forced to consider these substances illegal. The government now permits certain institutions to grow shrooms for research purposes.
The increased access to substances once deemed harmful allows researchers to expand their knowledge of their potential benefits for many individuals.
A Cyclical Trend
In the 1950s, the potential of this field to address mental health issues and substance abuse, including alcoholism, was first discovered. English psychiatrist Humphry Osmond and Canadian biochemist Abram Hoffer were pioneers in this early research at the Weyburn The Saskatchewan Mental Hospital. The hospital made significant strides under the administration of then-premier Tommy Douglas, who gave the medical community substantial freedom to explore their medical hypotheses.
Dr. Osmond and Dr. Hoffer began investigating LSD, mescaline, and peyote as potential alternatives to harsh treatment methods such as electroshock and lobotomy. The research took unexpected turns, with both advocating for medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, to experiment with these drugs.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
The Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction, under the aegis of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, is funding three clinical trials. These trials aim to investigate 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 in end-stage cancer patients | University of Toronto | Sarah Hales | $928,643 |
| Psilocybin psychotherapy mechanisms for alcohol use disorder treatment | Alcohol use disorder | University of Calgary | Leah Mayo | $1,000,000 |
| A randomized phase II clinical trial comparing single versus dual psychedelic doses | Treatment-resistant depression | University of Toronto | Joshua Rosenblat | $1,000,000 |
This research funding will promote a deeper understanding of the benefits of controlled substances. The Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS), initiated by the Government of Canada, has made this possible.
Further Psychedelic Research
Psychiatrists in Vancouver have launched a phase III clinical trial of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. The therapy involves three eight-hour sessions with MDMA, scheduled one month apart, and nine 90-minute sessions without the drug. Researchers consider this trial historically important as it marks the first clinical exploration of an illegal substance.
This is the first FDA-approved clinical trial involving a psychedelic substance in over four decades.
Deciphering Psilocybin
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound present in certain types of mushrooms. After consumption, it transforms into psilocin, which stimulates the serotonin 5-HT2a receptors found in the cortical pyramidal cells of the brain, the primary processing centres.
Researchers are examining the potential of this substance to help manage depression, anxiety, addiction, and the distress associated with end-of-life, by promoting introspection and spiritual awareness.
Why is it Effective Against Depression, PTSD, and More?
The key ingredient targets multiple areas of the brain, making it potentially beneficial for various mental health conditions. Numerous patients in Canada and Australia have already undergone treatment with this therapy, and the reported results are promising, with minor side effects like temporary anxiety or elevated blood pressure.
Effects on Neurobiology
- Activation of Serotonin Receptors: The compound functions as a partial agonist at serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A subtype, which plays a vital role in emotional processing and mood regulation.
- Modulation of Default Mode Network (DMN): The substance reduces activity in the DMN, promoting self-reflection, diminishing rigid thought patterns, and enhancing emotional flexibility.
- Stimulation of Prefrontal and Limbic Areas: The antidepressant properties of the compound stem from its effect on the prefrontal and limbic regions of the brain, including the amygdala. In instances of depression, individuals often demonstrate reduced responsiveness to emotional stimuli. The compound increases the reaction to positive emotional stimuli in the right amygdala and diminishes or standardizes the response to negative or neutral emotional stimuli.
Psychological and Emotional Effects:
- Generation of Positive Mood States: Stimulates feelings of euphoria, interconnectedness, and emotional openness during and after the experience.
- Enhanced Emotional Processing: The psychedelic journey can assist individuals in safely confronting and dealing with deep-seated emotions, traumatic memories, or existential concerns in a supportive setting.
- Spiritual and Existential Insights: Studies from Johns Hopkins University and Imperial College London suggests that it can result in enduring positive changes, encompassing improved well-being, augmented life satisfaction, and spiritual growth.
What Can You Discover at Your Local Magic Mushroom Shops?
Interested in understanding how the substance might affect your mental health? Explore your local magic mushroom shops to find a product that suits your requirements.
| Product | Quantity | Potency | Advantages |
| Evoke – Medicinal Mushrooms | 20 | 100mg or 200mg | Improves mood, stimulates creative thinking, and increases productivity and concentration |
| Ground Sounds – Microdose Capsules – Super Freak | 30 | 50mg, 100mg, and 250mg | Boosts overall wellness and enhances quality of life |
| Kind Stranger – Microdose Capsules – Sidekick | 30 | 100mg | Encourages clarity, creativity, and focus. Contains a powerful mix of clinical-strength adaptogenic herbs |
| Osmosis – Brain Boost | 30 | 100mg or 200mg | Provides cognitive and energy benefits |
International Acknowledgement of Psilocybin
Canada is not the sole country advocating the use of magic mushrooms for mental health issues. Countries like Australia are also embracing these hallucinogens to treat conditions such as depression and PTSD. They are procuring high-grade psychedelic capsules from trusted sources. Under proper supervision, patients can significantly improve their quality of life. Magic Mushrooms Montreal Canada, a magic mushroom retailer, offers a variety of products, from pills to LSD edibles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the similarity between psilocybin and MDMA?
Both psilocybin and MDMA have therapeutic potential by enhancing mental well-being. Psilocybin interacts with serotonin 2A receptors and is effective in treating depression and addiction.
Conversely, MDMA promotes empathy and is effective in PTSD therapy. It shows promise in improving emotional processing and despite being classified as a controlled substance.
Is this treatment option available to everyone in Australia?
No. In Australia, individuals must undergo an assessment to determine if they’re suitable candidates for utilizing this substance. The evaluation takes into account various factors such as existing heart conditions and a history of psychosis, among others. This treatment is only offered to patients who haven’t shown improvement with conventional treatments for conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
What are the implications of Canada exporting mushrooms?
Canada is striving to become a major player in the psychedelics market, mirroring its position in the cannabis industry. This move could encourage more companies to produce high-quality products. As a result, Canada could potentially lead the hallucinogen market, enhance its economy, and enable other countries to access these treatments more readily. It would also discourage other countries from acquiring their hallucinogens from illegal dispensaries or suppliers, thereby ensuring safety.
Articles That Might Interest You:
