Psilocybin is now the most used psychedelic in Canada. Psychedelics are the most commonly used illegal drugs (7%, 2.6 million people), and psilocybin is the most commonly used psychedelic, according to Health Canada's 2025 survey. Research into its mental wellness potential is at an all time high, Parliament is debating medical access, and Toronto and Ottawa lead the country's community.
The numbers at a glance
| Year | Past year psychedelic use |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 2% |
| 2023 | 5.9% (1.93 million) |
| 2025 | 7% (2.6 million) |
Sources: the Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey found that in 2019, hallucinogenic drugs were used by 2% of all Canadians, and 5.9% of Canadians (1.93 million people) reported using psychedelics in the past year in 2023. That's more than triple in six years.
And for a lot of people, mushrooms are the whole story. Among Canadians who used any illegal substance last year, 43% reported psilocybin was the only illegal substance they used.
Why people are turning to psilocybin
Wellness is a huge driver. In the largest survey of Canadian psychedelic users, the top reasons were "fun" (76.4%), "spiritual exploration" (71.7%) and improvement of "mental well-being" (61.1%).
The science is catching up fast. In 2026, Compass Pathways reported that its synthetic psilocybin met its goal in a second major phase 3 trial for treatment resistant depression, and across three robust, well-designed and well-executed clinical trials involving more than 1,000 participants the company reported consistent results. Here at home, Optimi Health is collecting clinical data in a Health Canada-approved Phase 2 clinical trial for major depressive disorder.
Worth knowing: those trials use pharmaceutical psilocybin with trained therapists guiding each session. Guidance matters, and it's still rare in the community, since while over half used psychedelics therapeutically, only 12% benefitted from the guidance of a health professional. Curious about the gentler, everyday side of things? Our microdose capsules page covers the basics.
Where the conversation is heading in Ottawa
Canada's capital is at the centre of the biggest policy shift in decades. In June 2026, MP Corey Tochor introduced Bill C-286, nicknamed Thomas' Bill, which would remove psilocybin and psilocin from the restricted-drug category and place them within an existing controlled-drug medical framework. In simple terms, doctors could prescribe it directly.
The bill had strong support from the community. PsyCan, the national medical psychedelics trade association, called it an important and overdue step toward modernizing Canada's approach to medical psilocybin access.
Ottawa's local community keeps growing too. Visit our Preston Street location to connect with it.
Toronto and the GTA
Toronto is one of the two biggest psilocybin hubs in the country. A study in the Canadian Journal of Public Health found that 9.5% of Toronto residents live within a 10 minute walk of a mushroom dispensary. Across the wider GTA, Brampton, Mississauga and Hamilton all have active communities, with shops operating in various other cities, including Ottawa, Barrie, Brampton, Mississauga, Hamilton, London, Cornwall, Arnprior, and Chatham.
The community keeps expanding, with the number of psilocybin dispensaries in Canada increasing from 57 to 75 between 2024 and 2025.
Province by province
| Province | Where things stand |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Biggest community in Canada, led by Toronto and Ottawa |
| British Columbia | Vancouver leads, with 29% of residents within a 10 minute walk of a dispensary |
| Alberta | First province with a licensed framework for psychedelic therapy clinics |
| Quebec | Growing interest in Gatineau and Montreal, slower to open up |
| Saskatchewan | Home riding of Bill C-286's sponsor |
Ontario and BC dominate, together hosting 97% of Canada's psilocybin dispensaries. Alberta stands out on the clinical side: licensed psychedelic drug treatment services are provided with clinical oversight by a psychiatrist, creating a model other provinces may follow.
Where the law stands today
Psilocybin is still a controlled substance at the federal level, so legal medical access runs through Health Canada. Since 2022, the department has issued 354 authorizations for psilocybin through its Special Access Program and exemptions. Bill C-286 is the next big step the community is watching.
Community tips for a great experience
Set and setting matter most, so choose a calm space and a mood you feel good in. Start low and go slow, especially with a new product. Have a trusted friend around for your first few journeys. Don't mix with alcohol or other substances, and never drive. If you have a personal or family history of psychosis or bipolar disorder, or take lithium or other psychiatric meds, talk to a doctor first.
Hear how others found their way in our customer stories.
FAQ Your top psilocybin questions answered
How long do shrooms last?
Most people feel effects for about 4 to 6 hours, with an afterglow that can last the rest of the day.
How long do shrooms take to kick in?
Usually 20 to 60 minutes. Eating recently can slow it down.
What is psilocybin?
It's the natural compound in magic mushrooms. Your body turns it into psilocin, which creates the psychedelic experience.
Are magic mushrooms legal in Canada?
Psilocybin is still federally controlled. Legal medical access exists through Health Canada's Special Access Program and clinical trials, and Bill C-286 could allow doctors to prescribe it.
Are magic mushrooms legal in Ontario?
Ontario follows federal law. Even so, Ontario has the largest psilocybin community in the country.
Are shrooms dangerous? Can you overdose?
Psilocybin has very low physical toxicity. The main risks are a challenging trip, mixing substances, and driving, so good set and setting and a trusted friend make a big difference.
Are magic mushrooms addictive?
Psilocybin has low potential for dependence compared with alcohol or cannabis.
Can you smoke shrooms?
It doesn't work well. Heat breaks down psilocybin, so people eat them, brew tea, or use capsules and edibles.
Do magic mushrooms expire?
Dried mushrooms lose potency over time. Store them airtight, cool, dark and dry.
What's microdosing?
Taking a very small amount that doesn't cause a trip, often on a schedule, for mood and focus. Learn more on our microdose page.
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