Are magic mushrooms legal in Canada? Can you buy them online? What do you need to know before you order from a dispensary?
There have been a lot of discussions recently about the legalization of magic mushrooms in Canada. While the government hasn’t made any official announcements about legalizing recreational use, many Canadians believe the law will change soon; there are already legal exceptions for medical use. Also, many Canadian retailers already sell these powerful hallucinogens in-store and online.
We’ve extensively researched the topic and compiled everything into this comprehensive guide. It includes information on magic mushrooms, how to buy shrooms online safely, the legalities and how they are being used in Canada today.
Table of Contents
About magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, which contain psychedelic compounds known as psilocybin and psilocin, are psychoactive fungi which have many effects when consumed, including researched benefits. They grow naturally in many parts of the world. They have been used for thousands of years by indigenous people and, recently, have been shown to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. In recent decades, they’ve become increasingly popular among recreational users who use them recreationally for their mind-altering effects.
How do they work?
Magic mushrooms produce psychedelic effects when ingested. These include visual distortions (such as seeing geometric patterns), feelings of euphoria, altered perception of time, and increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli. The exact mechanism behind these effects is not fully understood, but they appear to occur through interactions with serotonin receptors in the brain.
Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and other functions. It has been suggested that the compounds found in magic mushrooms may bind to specific serotonin receptors, which could explain why some individuals experience different effects from others.
Purchasing Shrooms in Canada
The best place to buy magic mushrooms in Canada is an online dispensary. Online shroom dispensaries are the most common places to buy magic mushrooms, but they also sell other products like cannabis and edibles. Most of these stores have a large selection of mushroom strains for sale.
Several websites offer magic mushrooms for sale. The advantage of buying them online is that you can buy a large quantity at once and have them delivered right to your door.
If you decide to buy magic mushrooms online, make sure you check out reviews about the seller before purchasing. Look for feedback from previous customers and see if there are any complaints. Also, look for information about shipping times and delivery methods.
Some local head shops specialize in selling only magic mushrooms, while others sell all kinds of psychedelics. If you don’t know what kind of magic mushrooms you want to try, ask the staff at the store if they can recommend something.
They will usually be able to tell you what type of mushroom product you need based on your description of how you want to consume it.
Keep in mind the quality and selection of shrooms online or bought from a local dealer are pretty reasonable either way. Access to magic mushrooms in Vancouver and Toronto is simple, as there are local shops, deliveries and online stores. Just read some reviews and ask questions if you are unsure.
Are Shrooms Legal in Canada?
According to Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Psilocybin is Schedule III and is still illegal to possess or distribute.
Canadians can grow mushrooms for personal consumption, but once cultivated, they are now considered controlled substances.
“Under the CDSA, activities with magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, such as sale, possession, and production, are illegal unless authorized by Health Canada (for example, through the issuance of a licence or exemption, or under regulations). Like all drugs, magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin are also subject to the Food and Drugs Act (FDA).”
Canadians have a long history of using psychedelic mushrooms known as “magic” or “shroom” for recreational purposes. These fungi are accepted to possess and consume but can also be used medicinally. Many people use them to treat anxiety, depression, chronic pain, sleep disorders, and other conditions. However, there is still much debate over whether or not they should be legalized.
The United States government classifies psilocybin and psilocin as Schedule I substances. This means that they are considered highly addictive and potentially harmful. Many believe this classification is too harsh and would prefer to keep them under control. Others feel that the classification is appropriate because of the potential harm associated with consuming them.
Regardless, psilocybin and mushrooms are becoming more accepted, especially for their therapeutic uses and microdosing.
Canada’s Illegal but Public ‘Magic’ Mushroom Dispensaries
Mushroom dispensaries in Toronto and Vancouver are a growing topic, with the city of Toronto alone having many such businesses, while Vancouver has at least four.
The city and police are aware of these shops, some of which apply for licensing and legal status in each city. There are also psychedelic therapy clinics in each city.
Access to psilocybin for therapeutic use
Psilocybin, used for therapeutic use, is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
Psilocybin is currently available through prescription in Canada, but access is limited. Patients must meet strict criteria, including a diagnosis of terminal illness, severe psychological distress, and no other treatment options.
Currently, three approved clinical trials are underway in Canada, looking into the benefits of psilocybin therapy. The first trial (NCT03901097) is being conducted by researchers at McGill University’s Centre for Psychedelic Research (CPR). It will be led by Dr. Jean-Pierre Desbiens, who has been researching the effects of psychedelics on anxiety disorders since the 1980s.
The second study (NCT03991186) is run by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), an organization based out of California. MAPS was founded in 1986 to research the medical applications of psychedelics. They are conducting the study to get psilocybin approved for general use.
The third study (NCT04006960) is conducted by Compass Pathways, a company specializing in developing novel pharmaceutical treatments. Their study involves patients suffering from life-threatening cancer.
It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunct to psychotherapy in treating anxiety associated with life-threatening cancer. Still, it remains illegal at the federal level.
Clinical Trials with Psilocybin
The Psychedelic Research Group at the University of New Mexico has been conducting clinical trials on psilocybin for over a decade. They have published numerous papers in peer-reviewed journals and presented their findings at international conferences.
The studies show that psilocybin produces profound positive changes in mood and cognition among participants suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Participants report lasting reductions in depressive symptoms and increased well-being.
They have also conducted several studies showing that psilocybin reduces psychological distress related to terminal illness. Participants reported decreased fear of death and improved quality of life.
They are currently conducting a study to determine whether psilocybin can help reduce smoking cravings in smokers trying to quit.
Health Canada’s Special Access Program to Psilocybin Mushrooms
The Canadian government has approved a special access program for psilocybin mushrooms. The program will allow the use of these psychoactive fungi in clinical trials, and it is expected that similar approvals from other countries will follow this approval.
In Canada, the federal Minister of Health, Rona Ambrose, announced on March 1st that she had approved the first-ever research trial using psilocybin mushrooms (also known as magic mushrooms) to treat depression. This announcement was made at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia.
