Are shrooms illegal in canada

Are shrooms illegal in canada?

Following the legalization of cannabis, there has been a renewed interest in psychedelics that has been bolstered by scientific breakthroughs and an informed understanding of the benefits psychedelics have provided in the past. The research and development in this emerging industry has been drawing attention particularly from the capital markets. Companies are recognizing the medical and spiritual properties of psychedelics and their potential to improve mental wellness in today’s environment.

For companies and investors alike, it is important to understand Canada’s legal regime prior to contributing to its development. Below, we have outlined what psychedelics are and how they are regulated in Canada.

Incorporating Tinctures Into Your Daily Routine

As always, let’s talk mushrooms- which are considered one of the world’s most beneficial superfoods that can be added to any sort of lifestyle regimen to promote wellness. Let’s take a look at historic use of the following mushrooms to find evidence as to why we should continue these usage traditions today.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) was first discovered in the Changbai Mountains in Ancient China around 300 BC, and was known as an herb of great medicinal use. Teas, soup broths and other recipes became incredibly prolific as this culture incorporated the use of mushrooms into everyday life to benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins and minerals; potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, iron, zinc, and copper to name a few.

Are shrooms illegal in canada

Reishi was not the only popularized mushroom consumed habitually by culture’s past, as Chaga (Innonotus obliqqus) also deserves to be mentioned as it was and continues to be used in a modern context by indigenous peoples in Russia. The Khanty people from a region historically known as “Yugra” within in Russia used Chaga in a variety of ways. They drank it to aid in digestion, help make them feel fuller and to detox. The Khanty people smoked it, believing that it improved lung health. They also used Chaga as a soap, due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties, it helped soothe their skin sores.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) has become more popular in a modern context as historically it was used as a Chinese medicinal herb similar to Reishi. Lion’s Mane Mushroom (or Hedgehog Mushroom historically) is rich in rare and important components, especially beta-glucans and polysaccharides, which are responsible for anti-cancer, immuno support, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Used for centuries as a tonic and health treatment, Lion’s Mane is native to China, Japan, North America and Europe and can still be found/used today.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa), or the ‘dancing mushroom’ has been one of the newest additions to our tincture line. It’s a powerful adaptogen, which means that it can help several bodily processes return to homeostasis a once depending on your needs. For example – studies have shown that it may help lower high blood sugar & high cholesterol back to normal, healthy levels. In addition, Maitake has proven itself as one of the most nutritionally rich polypore mushrooms out there. Maitake mushrooms are rich in a number of health-beneficial components similar to Chaga, such as beta-glucans, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins B and C, potassium, minerals, and amino acids.

The final mushroom in this lineup is Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor). This mushroom is perhaps the most convoluted in nature when it comes to historic use. For example, The Japanese government approved the use of Turkey Tail mushrooms in the 1980s for treating several types of cancers, and it is currently used along with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. It was also shown to significantly extend survival at five years or beyond in cancers of the stomach, colon/rectum, esophagus, nasopharynx and lung (non-small cell types) in Japanese trials since 1970. Modern uses of this mushroom are not unfamiliar to indegenous peoples of Asia, as they may have been using Turkey Tail mushrooms in elixirs, etc. for more than 2,000 years!

Do these examples sound familiar to how modern humans can incorporate mushrooms into a daily regimen? The connection between historical use and modern possibility is exciting, if our ancestors consumed these powerful medicines provided by nature, that seems to be a great reason to explore the benefits for ourselves!

What are shrooms(Psychedelics)?

Shrooms / Psychedelics, also known as hallucinogens, are a class of psychoactive substances that produce changes in perception, mood, and cognitive processes. Included in this class of hallucinogens are ayahuasca, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), LSD, and MDMA, which can either be produced naturally or manufactured in laboratories.

Companies entering into this space are often focused on clinical testing and treatment, as well as research on these substances and their impact on mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction.

What is the legal status of Psychedelics in Canada?

General Overview

Are shrooms illegal in canada

As the law remains, psychedelics are classified as controlled substances under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (the “CDSA”). Controlled substances are drugs that the federal government has categorized as having a higher-than-average potential for abuse or addiction. Under the CDSA, controlled substances and drugs are categorized into schedules. Substances listed under Schedule 1 have the highest potential for abuse and impose higher penalties, followed by substances listed on Schedule 2 and so forth.

Most psychedelics are categorized as Schedule 3 controlled substances. This includes ayahuasca, psilocybin, and LSD. MDMA and ketamine are listed under Schedule 1. These substances are generally prohibited unless granted an exemption under Section 56 of the CDSA (“Section 56”) or under the Food and Drug Regulations or the Narcotic Control Regulations. These regulations are significant as they provide guidance on both their legal use and potential licensing to dealers in this space.

Under the Food and Drug Regulations, the only non-government persons who are authorized to possess a restricted drug like psychedelics are:

  • a licensed dealer;
  • a qualified investigator who possesses the drug for the purpose of conducting clinical testing or laboratory research in an institution; and
  • a person exempted under Section 56 with respect to the possession of that drug.

Section 56

The Minister of Health may grant an exemption pursuant to Section 56 to use a controlled substance if it is necessary for a medical or scientific purpose or is otherwise in the public interest. If Health Canada grants a license under this exemption, Companies will be able to begin research and clinical trials to produce studies and findings in this space.

On an individual level, this exemption was successfully relied upon for patients undergoing end-of-life treatments. On August 4, 2020, Patty Hadju, Canada’s Minister of Health, permitted four terminally-ill Canadians to obtain psilocybin to help alleviate anxiety and depression. This exemption has been deemed as marking a shift in the legal landscape and awareness of the potential medical relief of psychedelics. The founder and chair of TheraPsil has seen this decision as a game changer for the industry.

Food and Drug Regulations: Buying and Selling Psychedelics

Part J of the Food and Drug Regulations requires authorization from Health Canada in order for controlled substances, such as psychedelics, to be regulated for possession, production, sale, transportation, and import and export for clinical trials or research purposes. Part J is under the authority of the CDSA even though it is provided for under the Food and Drug Regulations.

Licensing

There is a specific set of requirements that a licensed dealer and a purchaser must meet and be approved for prior to selling and purchasing psychedelics.

In addition to applying for a license pursuant to the Food and Drug Regulations, licensed dealers must abide by security and record-keeping requirements. Additionally, licensed dealers must obtain a permit for each import or export of psychedelics.

Selling and Purchasing a Restricted Drug

Health Canada must pre-approve both the sale and the purchase of psychedelics from a licensed dealer to a purchaser. Once both the licensed dealer and the purchaser have been authorized to complete a transaction, then the licensed dealer may provide the controlled substance to the research institution or company to the purpose of research studies and clinical trials.

Medical Use and Some Recent Exemptions

Ketamine is regulated pursuant to the Narcotic Control Regulations and is already permitted for medical use. There are currently no approved therapeutic products containing MDMA, psilocybin, or LSD available to the general public. Health Canada also approved ayahuasca use for some religious groups in 2017 and 2018 for a limited time, before the exemptions had to be renewed.

Conclusion

Are shrooms illegal in canada

With the rise of the psychedelics industry in Canada and the potential the substances have for medical development, the current legal regime in Canada is consistently being challenged. Substances that were labelled as having a much higher potential for abuse, such as cannabis, were listed as a Schedule 1 controlled substance and now are regulated for recreational use. Through advocacy, the Section 56 exemption, and the informed understanding of the substance, Canada could be on the brink of a future shift in advancing health care and treatment in a safe and regulated manner.

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