A report by Trust for Americas Health & The Well Being Trust highlights the significant gaps in mental health treatment for Black adults. In 2018, 69% of Black adults with mental illness and 42% of those with serious mental illness received no treatment. The numbers were even higher for Black adults with substance use disorders, with 88% reporting no treatment. These statistics reveal a troubling lack of access to care and support for Black individuals struggling with mental health.
Historically, Black Americans have faced unique mental health challenges stemming from intergenerational trauma, community violence, inadequate culturally competent healthcare, and a higher likelihood of misdiagnosis of schizophrenia. These factors, combined with limited access to medication and therapeutic support, contribute to untreated mental illnesses within the Black community. Additionally, Black and Brown communities are disproportionately affected by being uninsured or underinsured, further exacerbating the barriers to mental health treatment.
Fortunately, there is growing recognition of the potential benefits of psychedelic medicines in addressing mental health issues. Research is gradually dismantling the stigmas, fears, and false narratives that have hindered access to these treatments for both patients and therapists.
In 2019, the City Council of Oakland took a significant step towards decriminalization by passing a resolution that decriminalizes “Entheogenic Plants.” This category includes plants and fungi containing psychoactive substances. The resolution ensures that city funds will not be used to enforce criminal penalties for the use and possession of these plants by adults, and investigating individuals for growing, buying, distributing, or possessing these substances is low on the city’s law enforcement priorities.
This move towards decriminalization is part of a larger movement to end the harmful and ineffective policies of the predatory war on drugs. Today, psychedelics are increasingly recognized for their potential therapeutic use in personal and clinical contexts. While the psychedelic market is still in its early stages, projections indicate that its size will reach $10.75 billion by 2027, similar to the trajectory of the legal cannabis industry a decade ago.
Psychedelic products, such as Magic Mushrooms, have long been used by Native Americans for their health benefits. While these substances are known for their hallucinatory effects when consumed in larger doses, they offer a range of health benefits. Even Western mainstream physicians are acknowledging the advantages of psychedelic products. This recognition has played a crucial role in the decriminalization efforts in cities like San Francisco and Oakland.
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in Magic Mushrooms, can be taken in larger amounts for profound positive impacts and has shown effectiveness in treating PTSD and other psychological disorders when used in therapeutic settings. It can also be consumed in smaller “micro-dose” amounts that do not significantly alter consciousness but still provide deep and positive effects. Regular micro-dosing has been found to enhance mood, increase creativity, reduce anxiety and depression, improve vitality, enhance memory and problem-solving abilities, promote neuroplasticity, and facilitate meditation and flow states.
Bliss Mushrooms, a psychedelic company based in Oakland California , is leading the way in providing high-quality micro-dose pills and delicious chocolate bars. As a 100% Oakland-owned and operated business, Bliss Mushrooms is committed to serving marginalized, disenfranchised, and underserved communities. Their products are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and fair trade, setting a new standard in the emerging psilocybin industry. Bliss Mushrooms is building its brand one exceptional product at a time, catering to the specific needs of individuals seeking the benefits of micro-dosing.
For more information on Bliss Mushrooms and to connect with them, follow their social media accounts on Instagram and Twitter. Feel free to reach out to them via direct message and visit their website and YouTube channel at www.blissmushrooms.com.