Isn't psilocybin Illegal in Canada?

Yes—magic mushrooms (psilocybin) are still illegal in Canada for general use, because they’re classified under Schedule III of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. I know that is confusing for many because you can very easily purchase psilocybin online and even in some shops. But, you can’t possess, grow, or sell them recreationally.

That said, there’s been some promising progress when it comes to their use in medical settings. Enter Health Canada’s Special Access Program (SAP)—a regulated pathway that lets healthcare providers apply for access to psilocybin on behalf of patients dealing with serious, treatment-resistant conditions.

Here’s how it works: if someone is suffering from severe depression or anxiety at the end of life—and other treatments haven’t helped—a licensed physician can submit an individual request to Health Canada. If approved, the patient receives psilocybin under clinical supervision: there’s a session before the dose, the dose itself is guided by a trained therapist, and afterward there’s integration to help make sense of the experience.

Yes, it’s a structured and often cumbersome process—but it does mean that in rare and well-substantiated cases, individuals may legally receive psilocybin as part of their care. Access isn’t broad or casual; approvals are few, and you’ll need a doctor who understands the process to support your application.

Bottom line: recreational use is firmly off-limits. But for those struggling with severe, intractable conditions and mental health issues—and when traditional treatments have failed—there’s now a carefully controlled, legal route through the SAP to receive psilocybin therapy under medical supervision.