For many Canadians, microdose mushrooms canada is a way to treat their mental health concerns. CBC’s Nick Purdon meets the people who swear it works and the researchers trying to figure out what the science says.

Although it’s illegal to grow, possess or sell magic mushrooms in Canada, the substance is becoming more common as more Canadians seek ways to boost their mood without experiencing the hallucinations that can come with a larger dose. In some cases, they’re even combining psilocybin with other ingredients like honey or flowers to accentuate the beneficial effects, a practice known as stacking.

Exploring the World of Microdosing: Mushrooms in Canada

Despite the rise in popularity of microdosing mushrooms, there are still major hurdles that need to be overcome. In order to carry out clinical research with psilocybin, a company must have a licence or exemption from Health Canada. It’s a complicated process, which takes at least 18 months to complete. Those who haven’t applied for the necessary permit are facing stiff penalties, including up to five years in prison.

The federal government is starting to take notice, though. In March, the minister of health announced that a $3 million investment would support three studies examining the potential of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to treat alcohol use disorder, treatment-resistant depression and end-of-life psychological distress among advanced cancer patients.

A University of British Columbia study published in Nature last year found that those who used small doses of psilocybin reported improvements to their mood and mental health compared with those who did not microdose. However, the research is preliminary and further evidence is needed.

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