Journal of Psychedelic Studies
October 29, 2024
Pamela Kryskow, Paul Stamets, Joseph la Torre et al.
4 citations
In a program offering psilocybin-assisted therapy for end-of-life distress, participants received synthetic psilocybin, whole Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, and a mycological extract on separate occasions. Post-treatment interview transcripts revealed broad consensus that all three forms were helpful and similar, generating visual and perceptual distortions, emotional and cognitive insight, and mystical experiences. However, synthetic psilocybin was described as feeling less natural and its overall quality of experience was inferior to the organic forms. These preliminary findings suggest that research should include whole psychedelic mushrooms and extract alongside synthetic psilocybin, given that traditional medicine keepers have used whole mushrooms and plant material for millennia.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
September 22, 2025
Shannon Dames, Pamela Kryskow, Vivian W. L. Tsang et al.
3 citations
RTT-KaT is a structured, scalable, evidence-informed, and culturally responsive model that bridges clinical safety with both Western and Indigenous knowledge systems. A longitudinal follow-up study is currently underway to evaluate its long-term impact and guide future implementations.
European Psychiatry
March 1, 2023
Saundarai Bhanot, Michelle Cq Lin, S. Bains et al.
3 citations
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, shows promise for treating various headaches, including migraines and cluster headaches. A systematic review of eight studies found that psilocybin use was associated with improvements in headache frequency, intensity, duration, and remission periods, with clinically significant improvements reported in six studies and statistically significant results in three. Macrodosing provided greater pain relief than microdosing or conventional medications, with 12.3% more participants experiencing pain reduction three days after a macrodose. However, side effects included hallucinations in 18% of essential headache patients and temporary increases in anxiety and pain (5.3% with microdosing, 14.1% with macrodosing). Psilocybin remains illegal in many countries, limiting further research.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
October 17, 2025
Vivian W. L. Tsang, Megan Kennedy, Tarun Walia et al.
1 citation
A qualitative case study of six firefighters with PTSD who completed a 12-week ketamine-assisted therapy program found that, beyond reducing PTSD symptoms, participants reported improvements in sleep problems, a changed relationship to music, better tolerance for sensory stimuli, and altered time perception. These themes suggest ketamine-assisted therapy may provide meaningful benefits that extend beyond symptom reduction.
Frontiers in Public Health
January 29, 2026
Vivian W. L. Tsang, Camille Roney, Pamela Kryskow et al.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) combines psilocybin with structured psychological support to address psychological, emotional, and existential distress, particularly at end of life. The therapy is relational in nature, recognizing that healing occurs through human connection. Roots to Thrive in Nanaimo, British Columbia, is the only multidisciplinary non-profit healthcare practice in Canada legally offering group PAT, primarily serving terminally ill patients. Between 2022 and late 2024, 471 Special Access Program (SAP) applications were submitted for psilocybin or MDMA in Canada, with about 318 approved.
Psychedelics
January 18, 2026
Vivian W. L. Tsang, Tanner Jones, Sally Tsoi et al.
Among 1395 college-aged individuals (76% female), those who had ever used psychedelics reported lower rates of opioid use than those who had never used them, while rates of other substance use were similar between groups. Lifetime psychedelic use was not linked to reduced trauma symptoms, emotional dysregulation, or psychosocial difficulties after accounting for adverse childhood experiences, but it was associated with higher subjective spirituality. The findings suggest psychedelic use may be tied to lower opioid use without increasing other substance use, and may not improve trauma-related outcomes.