Local News · Canada
Psilocybin in Canada 2026: Trends, Data & City Guide
Psilocybin usage in Canada has grown dramatically.
The numbers at a glance Psilocybin usage in Canada has grown dramatically. According to Health Canada's 2025 survey, psychedelics are now the most commonly used illegal drugs at 7% (2.6 million people), with psilocybin being the most commonly used psychedelic among them.
The numbers at a glance
Psilocybin usage in Canada has grown dramatically. According to Health Canada's 2025 survey, psychedelics are now the most commonly used illegal drugs at 7% (2.6 million people), with psilocybin being the most commonly used psychedelic among them.
Year | Past year psychedelic use: 2019 | 2%; 2023 | 5.9% (1.93 million); 2025 | 7% (2.6 million)
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 drives adoption. In surveys of Canadian psychedelic users, top reasons included "fun" (76.4%), "spiritual exploration" (71.7%) and "mental well-being" improvements (61.1%).
Where the conversation is heading in Ottawa
Ottawa is central to major policy shifts. 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.
Ottawa's local community continues growing. The city has multiple locations serving residents and visitors.
Toronto and the GTA
Toronto is one of two largest psilocybin hubs nationally. 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.
The wider GTA has active communities in Brampton, Mississauga, and Hamilton, plus operations in Ottawa, Barrie, London, Cornwall, Arnprior, and Chatham.
The number of psilocybin dispensaries in Canada increased from 57 to 75 between 2024 and 2025.
Province by province
Where the law stands today
Psilocybin remains federally controlled. Legal medical access operates through Health Canada's Special Access Program. Since 2022, the department has issued 354 authorizations for psilocybin through its Special Access Program and exemptions.
Bill C-286 represents the next major policy 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.
Questions
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 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.
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