Mushrooms

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Canada or Still Illegal?

Budora Team
April 17, 2025

Magic mushrooms have been popping up in conversations more than ever lately. Whether it’s about mental health, therapy, or personal growth, these little fungi seem to be everywhere. But with all the talk, one question keeps coming up: Are magic mushrooms legal in Canada?

The answer isn’t black and white—so let’s walk through it together, in a way that makes sense.

Key Points About Magic Mushrooms in Canada

Magic mushrooms are illegal for recreational use in Canada under current drug laws.
Some patients with terminal illnesses can access psilocybin through medical exemptions granted by Health Canada.
Cities like Vancouver and Toronto are exploring decriminalization of magic mushrooms, which means penalties are reduced, but they remain federally illegal.
Research is underway into psilocybin’s potential for treating conditions like depression and anxiety.
Possession or distribution of magic mushrooms can lead to legal consequences unless permitted for medical use.

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Canada?

Here’s the short answer:

Magic mushrooms themselves are not legal for general use in Canada, but there are a few important exceptions that are worth knowing. So, are magic mushrooms illegal in Canada? Yes, under current drug laws, they are.

What the Law Says

In Canada, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. This means:

It’s illegal to produce, sell, or possess psilocybin.
If you’re caught with magic mushrooms, you could face legal consequences, but enforcement can depend on where you are and the situation.

But that’s not the whole story.

Special Cases Where Psilocybin Use Is Legal

While psilocybin is illegal for everyday use, some people are being granted legal access in special situations. Canada has slowly started opening the door for therapeutic and scientific uses.

Medical Use Through Exemptions

Some Canadians, particularly those dealing with serious conditions like end-of-life anxiety, PTSD, or depression, have been granted permission by Health Canada to use psilocybin as part of their therapy. These permissions come through something called a Section 56 exemption, and they’re not handed out casually—it’s a detailed process.

Scientific Research

A handful of researchers and organizations in Canada are licensed to study psilocybin in a clinical setting. The goal? To understand how it might help treat mental health issues, addictions, and more. Psilocybin research is still in the early stages, but it’s showing promise, especially for people seeking treatment-resistant depression and anxiety, and those recovering from trauma.

So while most people can’t use it legally, scientists and certain patients are beginning to explore its potential in safe, controlled environments.

Potential Benefits/Uses of Magic Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are gaining attention in Canada and around the world for their potential health and wellness benefits. While more research is still needed, several promising uses have already been identified:

Mental Health Support

Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, is being studied for its ability to help treat conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Many people have reported feeling more emotionally balanced and mentally clear after controlled doses in a therapeutic setting.

Addiction Treatment

Early studies suggest that psilocybin may help people overcome addictions to substances like alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. The compound seems to “reset” certain thought patterns in the brain, making it easier for users to adopt healthier habits.

Spiritual and Emotional Growth

Magic mushrooms have long been used in spiritual ceremonies for their ability to promote deep self-reflection and personal insight. Users often describe the experience as calming, enlightening, or even life-changing.

Boosting Creativity

Some individuals—especially artists and creators—use magic mushrooms in small, controlled amounts to stimulate creativity, enhance focus, and explore new ideas. This is sometimes referred to as “microdosing.”

What’s Health Canada Saying?

Health Canada hasn’t fully legalized magic mushrooms, but they’re watching the science and slowly making room for special use.

In 2022, the Special Access Program was updated. This lets doctors apply for permission to treat certain patients with psilocybin when all other options have failed. It’s not common yet, but it’s a sign that change might be on the horizon.

Why Are People Pushing for Legalization?

More and more people are starting to see the potential benefits of psilocybin. Studies suggest it may help with:

Treatment-resistant depression
Anxiety, especially near the end of life
PTSD and trauma recovery
Addiction treatment (like smoking or alcohol)

Organizations like TheraPsil and MAPS Canada are advocating for safe, legal access to psilocybin therapy, arguing that people with serious mental health conditions deserve the option.

It’s a lot like how cannabis legalization started—with medical use, then expanded. We might see the same path for magic mushrooms in the future.

How Are Magic Mushrooms Being Sold If They’re Illegal?

You might be wondering: If it’s illegal, why are there stores openly selling magic mushrooms?

It’s true, especially in cities like Vancouver and Toronto, you’ll find dispensaries selling dried mushrooms, edibles, or microdose capsules. These stores operate in what many call a legal grey area. They’re not officially approved by Health Canada, but some local authorities are choosing not to shut them down, for now. This is often referred to as decriminalization, where local law enforcement may deprioritize pursuing charges, but the sale and possession remain illegal under federal law. Purchasing from these establishments still carries legal risks for consumers.

People often ask, Are shrooms legal in Canada? While these stores are not legally authorized, they are still selling products like magic mushrooms online, but be cautious: buying from these shops still carries legal risk.

Legal Grey Areas / Availability in Canada

The legal status of magic mushrooms in Canada is complex. While there’s growing interest in their medical and therapeutic use, they still fall into a legal grey area.

Psilocybin Is Still Illegal

Under Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule III substance, meaning it is illegal to possess, produce, or sell it. Anyone caught doing so without legal permission can face serious penalties.

Exceptions for Medical Use

In recent years, Health Canada has made special exemptions for certain patients, especially those with end-of-life anxiety or treatment-resistant depression. These individuals are allowed to use psilocybin legally as part of supervised therapy.

Therapeutic Access Program

A growing number of licensed therapists and clinics in Canada are applying for government approval to offer psilocybin-assisted therapy. Though still limited, this access is slowly expanding as more evidence supports the benefits.

Mushroom Shops and Online Sellers

Despite being illegal, several online stores and local mushroom dispensaries have popped up across Canada. They often operate in a legal grey area, claiming to sell for “research” or “educational” purposes. However, buying or selling from these sources is technically still against the law.

Decriminalization Movements

Some cities, like Vancouver, have seen movements pushing for the decriminalization of magic mushrooms, similar to cannabis. While not fully legal, enforcement in these areas is becoming more relaxed, and the conversation around legalization is growing.

Can You Grow Magic Mushrooms at Home?

This is where things get a little tricky.

You can legally buy magic mushroom spores in Canada because they don’t contain psilocybin on their own. But the moment you start growing those spores into mushrooms that do contain psilocybin, it becomes illegal—unless you have special permission from Health Canada.

Curious About Shrooms? Read This First

If you’re wondering are magic mushrooms legal in Canada or considering trying them for healing or curiosity, here are a few things to keep in mind:

They’re still illegal to buy, use, or grow without special permission.
Just because a shop is open doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s best to talk to a licensed therapist or doctor before exploring psychedelics.

Conclusion:

Magic mushrooms are illegal for recreational use in Canada, but there are exceptions for medical and research purposes. While the legal landscape may evolve, current laws prohibit possession and distribution outside of these exceptions. As interest in their potential benefits grows, it’s important to stay informed about the regulations to ensure you’re following the law.

FAQs

Are magic mushrooms the same as regular mushrooms?

No, magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a psychoactive compound that causes hallucinations, while regular mushrooms do not.

Can I buy magic mushrooms online in Canada?

Some websites sell them, but purchasing magic mushrooms online is illegal unless they are specifically authorized for medical use.

Are shrooms legal in Canada for medical purposes?

Yes, magic mushrooms can be legally accessed for certain medical conditions under special exemptions, such as the Special Access Program.

Are mushroom dispensaries legal?

No, they’re not legally authorized—even if they’re operating openly in some cities.

Will psilocybin be legalized soon in Canada?

There’s growing support and research, but no official plans yet. Change may come slowly, starting with expanded medical access.

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Canada or Still Illegal?

Key Points About Magic Mushrooms in Canada

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Canada?

What the Law Says