Eur Neuropsychopharmacol
November 7, 2025
Mikkel Højlund, Helin Y. Kafali, Begüm Kırmızı et al.
12 citations
A living systematic review with meta-analysis examined the efficacy, safety, and all-cause discontinuation of serotonergic psychedelics and MDMA for treating mental disorders. The review found that these substances show promise in reducing symptoms of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, with some evidence supporting their therapeutic potential. However, the authors note that the overall quality of evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, and methodological concerns. Safety profiles varied, with most adverse events being mild to moderate, though serious adverse events were reported in some studies. The review emphasizes the need for larger, more rigorous trials to confirm these findings.
CMAJ
March 2, 2025
Daniel T. Myran, Jennifer Xiao, Nicholas Fabiano et al.
8 citations
People who had an emergency department visit or hospital admission involving hallucinogen use in Ontario, Canada, between 2006 and 2022 had a 2.6-fold higher risk of death from any cause within five years compared with the general population. Among 7953 individuals with such acute care, 6.1% died within five years versus 0.6% in the matched general population. Elevated risks were also seen for death from unintentional drug poisoning, suicide, respiratory disease, and cancer. These associations persisted even after excluding people with other mental or substance use disorders.
JAMA Network Open
April 1, 2025
Jenna Matsukubo, Sarah Dickson, Jennifer Xiao et al.
7 citations
As of May 2024, 57 psilocybin dispensaries operated in Canada, located in 15 of 42 major cities (35.7%) and concentrated in Ontario and British Columbia. Most stores (61.4%) were part of a chain, 91.2% had an online presence, and all sold dried mushrooms, with many also offering microdosing capsules, chocolates, and gummies. 65.2% sold products mimicking popular food brands. Among stores with websites, 86.4% claimed mental health benefits such as alleviating anxiety, yet warnings about driving, pregnancy, or history of psychosis were rare (9.1%, 13.6%, and 31.8% respectively). The findings suggest a need for greater regulatory measures to protect the public.
Canadian Journal of Public Health
March 19, 2026
Jenna Matsukubo, Erik Loewen Friesen, Rachael MacDonald-Spracklin et al.
1 citation
Between 2024 and 2025, the number of physical psilocybin retail stores in Canada increased from 57 to 75, a 33% rise in stores per 100,000 people (0.18 to 0.24). The proportion of Canadians living within a 10-minute walk of a store rose from 1.4% to 1.7%. However, 30 of the original 57 stores closed, while 48 new ones opened, indicating rapid turnover. Two large chains operated 44% of all stores in 2025, and 97% were located in Ontario and British Columbia. In Toronto and Vancouver, 9.5% and 29.0% of residents, respectively, lived within a 10-minute walk of a store. Most stores sold dried mushrooms, microdose capsules, and infused edibles online, with 69% offering products mimicking commercial snack brands.