Fungal Friend is a chemical found in more than 200 species of mushrooms. It is a member of the psychedelic family, along with LSD and Ayahuasca, and can change the way one perceives sight, sound and thoughts. It can also have long-lasting effects on one’s mood and sense of self. Psychedelic drugs can be used in a therapeutic setting known as psychedelic-assisted therapy, and have shown promise for treating conditions like depression and anxiety.

While many people take psilocybin for recreational purposes, the drug is illegal in most jurisdictions. However, since the onset of the microdosing trend, researchers have begun to investigate whether psilocybin can be used to improve mental health and wellbeing in small doses.

Why Psilocybin Microdose Products Are Gaining Popularity

The research to date has been suggestive, but more research is needed in order to understand the potential benefits and risks of psilocybin microdose products for a wider range of participants and mental health concerns. This will require larger samples with controlled, non-microdose control groups and the examination of moderating factors such as age and mental health concerns.

In Canada, practitioners who are interested in the use of psilocybin for the treatment of a mental health condition can obtain a subsection 56(1) exemption under the Special Access Program. This allows practitioners to request the manufacture and supply of a controlled drug for their patients by a licensed dealer who has psilocybin listed on their licence. The dealer must be willing to work with the practitioner to ensure the quality of the product and to adhere to strict safety guidelines.