How The Psychedelic Space Is Providing New Solutions For Mental Health Illnesses

Mental health illnesses are slowly but surely fighting the stigmas and taboos associated with them. As millions of people across the globe still struggle to adjust their lives to Covid-19, companies are racing to find both vaccines and alternative psychedelic based medicine to help people cope with the trauma that is here with Covid-19.

Unlike cannabis, there is much more extensive research being conducted in the psychedelic industry– and for the right reasons. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelics Studies (MAPS) Canada is one of the organizations that are committed to “ planning, conducting, and publishing scientific research and education supporting the beneficial uses of psychedelic medicines, including treatment for medical conditions, neuroscience, creativity, and spirituality.”

Not only has the pandemic negatively impact the mental health of thousands who are jobless, moneyless, and stuck at home, but it is also continuously affecting the mental health of COVID-19 survivors. A recent research report published in the Brain, Behavior and Immunity journal, screened 402 adult survivors f the virus and found out that 55 percent had a clinical score of at least one mental health disorder. According to the journal, anxiety was the most prevalent illness conflicting 42 percent of the survivors. As for the rest of the numbers, Insomnia was followed by 40 percent, depression by 31 percent, post-traumatic stress disorder was found in 28 percent, and finally, obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms were found in 20 percent of the COVID-19 survivors. There are studies and information resources available that suggest mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression have spiked for Canadians since the beginning of the pandemic.

So How Are Psychedelics Helping Fight Mental Health Illnesses?

MAPS Canada’s research with psychedelic based medicine is yielding promising results for mental illnesses like trauma, end of life anxiety, depression, and addiction. To put things in a real-life and promising perspective, Canada has allowed four terminally ill cancer patients to receive psilocybin therapy, which is derived from magic mushrooms. This event may be historic and hopeful for new patients, as it marks the first time since 1974 when Canadian patients were given an exemption to access psychedelic treatment to aid in the end of life anxiety.

Where Is The Psychedelics Industry Going?

The psychedelic space is quickly growing and may reach soaring heights, similar to the cannabis industry. However, what differentiates the psychedelic industry from cannabis is the quality and quantity of research conducted to produce and manufacture evidence-based medicine such as, psilocybin products or fungus-derived medicine. As society destigmatizes mental health illnesses, government officials, researchers, and industry leaders are hopeful to create a research and evidence-backed safe space for psychedelic medicine and therapies to help the growing number of the population suffering from anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses related or even non-related to COVID-19. Psychedelic space leaders like Champignon Brands, MindMed, and COMPASS Pathways are paving the way for more companies to continue conducting rigorous scientific studies, enter cynical trials, and appreciate the psychedelic market.