Canada has strict laws against possession of magic mushrooms. Psilocybin mushrooms are classified under schedule III of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and according to this act; no one should possess a substance included in schedule I, II or III. This will further explain the strict fines and penalties when it comes to possession of magic mushrooms in general.
Obtaining psilocybin and other prohibited substances
In Canada, purchasing and possessing any substance included in schedule I, II, III or IV is punishable under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. No person should also seek an authorization to purchase any substance included in schedule I, II, III or IV from a practitioner. However, a person who discloses particulars regarding the acquisition by a person of any substance under any schedule is allowed to buy these substances from any other practitioner within the preceding 30 days.
Punishment for possession and use of psilocybin and other schedules III substances
Any person who is caught possessing and using schedule III substances are given the following punishment. If found guilty, imprisonment of not exceeding three years is the penalty. If the person is found guilty of an offense punishable on summary conviction and liable then punishment depends on the number of times the person has committed the offense.
For the first offense, a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both. For subsequent offenses, a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both.
Buying and usage of psilocybin mushrooms in Canada
Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal substances because of their powerful and intense psychoactive effects. Possession and use are illegal however purchasing spores and kits to grow mushrooms are legal. These spores and kits are available from shops found locally and you can also purchase these from online shops as well.
You can find psilocybin mushrooms almost anywhere around the world. This type of mushroom is so easy to find you can even spot one growing in your backyard. Psilocybin is actually the chemical that makes magic mushrooms hallucinogenic or psychedelic. Psilocybin is found in hundreds of fungi species in the planet and is commonly known as magic mushrooms.
Why possession of psilocybin is prohibited in most countries?
Regulation and prohibition of psilocybin-containing plants date back to the 60s and 70s. This is when many nations wanted to stop the use of psychedelic drugs such as LSD and psilocybin. At this time, the United Nations, headed by the US, created the Vienna Convention of 1971. This was a movement to stop the popularity of psychotropic drugs such as LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA. The Vienna Convention was responsible for starting a scheduling system for all countries who participated in the convention. This led to the creation of the US Psychotropic Substances Act and the UK Misuse of Drugs Act.
An important point to consider in the Vienna Convention
The Vienna Convention was developed by the US and the United Nations to prohibit the creation or manufacture of synthetic psychotropic drugs like LSD and MDMA. Psilocybin, in this case, is a natural substance, therefore, the question now is why is it even included in this ruling? Because of this, many countries, as well as countries that were part of the Vienna Convention, interpret the regulation of psilocybin differently. And despite this point, many countries have decided to classify psilocybin as a schedule I drug.
Studies show that psilocybin does not cause harm
There is no evidence that psilocybin mushrooms cause any kind of harm to your physical or mental health. When you use dried shrooms occasionally and responsibly, you won’t suffer from a life-threatening condition. In fact, there is evidence that proves that psilocybin and other substances that have psychoactive effects can help people that suffer from depression and anxiety.
Psychedelic drugs have hidden therapeutic potential according to early research about the possibility of using these substances in the treatment of mental illnesses. Past studies were crudely done and are far different from actual clinical studies done today but still, these had glowing results in the use of psychedelics for various mental conditions. Psychedelic substances and drugs may be combined with other treatments like psychotherapy to deal with mental conditions.
Recent studies made
Research on the therapeutic effects of psychedelics has been done for many years. It was in the 1960s when psychedelics were declared illegal and thus, research and studies about the therapeutic effects of these substances were stopped.
Because of the advancement of medical science and the clamor of many supporters, renowned scientists and non-profit pharmaceutical companies, studies regarding the therapeutic effects of psychedelics were continued.
Before, findings were only shared within groups and were rarely accessible by the public. Today, the results of medical trials regarding the effectiveness of psychedelics are now published in reputable journals and newspapers. Publishing these works aim to educate people about the positive therapeutic effects of psychedelics and to raise awareness of how to use these substances as well. It is also the goal of these studies to reduce the stigma of the consumption, cultivation, and possession of psilocybin.
Researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that a single high dose of psilocybin has the ability to reduce depression and anxiety by 92% in patients that were diagnosed with life-threatening cancer. Another study also proved that smokers were able to overcome nicotine addiction after using psilocybin. After six months of use, 80% of smokers who participated in the study were still abstinent. Still another research regarding psilocybin mushrooms from Imperial College London revealed that patients who have treatment-resistant depression have responded well to psilocybin. With just only two doses of psilocybin, symptoms of depression were controlled for months. Psilocybin was able to give these people a new chance on life.
Recent studies have shown that psychedelics can reduce the symptoms of cluster headaches, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorders or OCD. It was also learned through various research and studies that psychedelics can improve life satisfaction, creativity, social relationships, and mood.
