Despite a canadamushrooms interest in their potential therapeutic effects on mental health, including anxiety and depression, psilocybin-containing mushrooms (Psilocybe baeocystis, Psilocybe cyanescens, and Psilocybe cubensis) are still illegal in Canada. They are included in Schedule III of the Canadian Drug Substances Act and it is against the law to grow, purchase, distribute, or import them without a license from Health Canada.

Nevertheless, shops selling the fungi — often with the name ‘magic mushrooms’ or ‘psilocybin’ on their labels – are popping up across the country, challenging Canada’s drug laws. They have attracted attention from the media and investors, but experts say they are unlikely to radically advance acceptance of hallucinogenic mushrooms among authorities or the public.

Legality and Limits: Navigating the Use of Canadashrooms in Canada

As the legal avenues to the psychedelic mushrooms remain closed, some people are turning to the black market, where the mushroom sellers operate openly in some cities. The legal avenues could be opened further if a court case in British Columbia goes the mushroom industry’s way.

Thomas Hartle, who received a federal exemption to use magic mushrooms to treat the symptoms of his stage-four colon cancer, says Health Canada is blocking progress by continuing to classify the mushroom spores as a controlled substance. That’s despite the fact that high-profile cases of ketamine clinics and MDMA use have opened the door to decriminalization. In addition, he believes the government is not aggressively seeking out and prosecuting the illegal mushroom stores. In fact, the shops seem to be flourishing.

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