A survey of 2,800 adults in four Canadian provinces found high social acceptability of psilocybin-assisted therapy for existential distress at the end of life. 79.3% considered it a reasonable medical choice, 84.8% agreed public health insurance should cover it, and 63.3% would support legalization for medical purposes. More favorable attitudes were linked to prior psilocybin use, exposure to palliative care, and progressive political orientation. The findings suggest public support is strong enough to help mobilize resources and improve access to this emerging therapy in palliative and end-of-life care.
Palliative care professionals see psilocybin-assisted therapy as a promising treatment for existential distress in patients with serious illnesses, but they have several concerns. In a qualitative study using World Café methodology with 16 palliative care professionals, participants identified needs for educational and certified training, medical legalization of psilocybin, more research, refined therapy protocols, and clarity on who dispenses the therapy, where it is given, and eligibility criteria. The acceptability of the therapy and expanding access appear interrelated, and developing guidelines will be essential for wider deployment.