‘Life-Changing’ Psychedelics in Palliative Care: A New Path for Peace at the End of Life
Ralph "Raef" Baard
You’ve decided to embark on a psychedelic journey, but you want to do it right. I will guide you through preparation and integration so you can step into the experience with confidence and understanding.
In This Edition - There is growing interest in the use of psychedelics to support patients facing the end of life. A recent?New York Times article profiled two patients—one using psilocybin, the other ketamine—whose experiences highlight the potential of these therapies to transform how we approach palliative care.
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The Human Experience
According to the?New York Times, Barry Blechman, an 81-year-old with metastatic cancer, turned to psilocybin therapy to cope with his diagnosis. After a single session in Oregon, Barry described a life-changing shift in perspective. His wife noted that he seemed “20 years younger,” and Barry himself gained profound insights into long-standing emotional patterns.
Similarly, ketamine therapy brought new light to the final days of 88-year-old Elvia Gordon. Grappling with multiple health issues, she found herself reconnecting with loved ones, singing, and savoring the beauty in small moments—transformations that gave her peace in her last days.
Michael Pollan’s documentary series,?How to Change Your Mind, also showcases patients who used psilocybin to embrace the end of life with gratitude and joy. This emerging frontier is redefining how we care for those facing mortality.
The Science Behind It
Research backs these powerful anecdotes. Psilocybin has shown remarkable promise, with small studies indicating that 80% of patients experience sustained relief from depressive symptoms after a single session. This effect is linked to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire and shift perspectives.
Ketamine, while not a classic psychedelic, offers rapid relief from emotional and physical suffering. Although its effects are less enduring than psilocybin, it remains a legal and accessible option in many areas.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite their potential, psychedelic therapies face challenges:
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While risks are low for substances like psilocybin, ketamine’s potential for misuse requires caution. The?New York Times highlighted this risk in the case of actor Matthew Perry, whose death involved a ketamine overdose. Conversely, psilocybin is non-addictive, with brain receptors temporarily shutting down after a single dose, preventing frequent use.
For those considering psilocybin, having a trained guide is crucial to ensure safety and maximize the therapeutic benefits. Not all “magic mushrooms” are created equal and understanding the difference between strains, and correct dosing is critical to a successful experience. In addition, guides can help seekers to understand the importance of set and setting, preparing for the journey, and post experience integration. There are resources available, but many operate “underground” due to the legal status of the entheogens in use. ?
Looking Ahead
The push for psychedelic legalization is gaining momentum. Institutions like NYU and the Department of Veterans Affairs are leading research efforts, paving the way for broader acceptance. Yet, the biggest hurdle remains: How do these natural, low-cost substances fit into a pharmaceutical model built on recurring prescriptions?
Public attitudes are evolving, fueled by the work of advocates like Paul Stamets and Michael Pollan. As people learn that psychedelics differ fundamentally from addictive substances like opioids, the conversation around legalization is shifting.
The Case for Legalization
States with legalized cannabis industries demonstrate the benefits of regulation, such as improved safety and economic growth. Psychedelics, while not for everyone, deserve a similar pathway to legalization or decriminalization. Legal frameworks would ensure safe, untainted access for those who need it most.
Advocates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are voicing their support for legalization, and as public interest continues to grow, the future of psychedelics seems increasingly bright.
A Shift in Perspective
For patients like Barry Blechman, psychedelics offer more than symptom relief—they provide a spiritual awakening and a reimagined relationship with mortality. As Barry reflects,?“I understand death in a more positive way… Until then, I’m going to have a heck of a good time.”
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