Under the Controlled Substances Regulations, a “restricted drug” means a substance set out in Schedule 4, and that schedule lists psilocin and psilocybin (Justice Laws, CSR). Health Canada refers to psilocybin as a restricted drug whose sale for clinical testing needs authorization under these regulations (Health Canada, magic mushrooms).
The label is older than the new regulations. Before 1 October 2026, restricted drugs were governed by Part J of the Food and Drug Regulations. The Canada Gazette describes those rules as covering stimulants with no approved medical use and psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD, and notes that because restricted drugs have no approved therapeutic uses, Part J had no provisions for pharmacists, practitioners or hospitals (Canada Gazette, SOR/2025-242).
“Restricted drug” is a regulatory status, not a criminal schedule. The offences themselves come from Schedule III of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Bill C-286 would remove psilocin and psilocybin from the old Part J meaning of the term, but it is not law. Not legal advice.
General information, not legal advice.
Sources
- Justice Laws: Controlled Substances Regulations
- Canada Gazette Part II: SOR/2025-242
- Health Canada: Magic mushrooms
Last checked .