Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi. They are used for a variety of purposes, including food and medicine. They are a rich source of vitamins (riboflavin, niacin) and minerals.
“The cap of a mushroom contains the spore-producing surface, which may contain gills or pores. The shape, size, and color of the gills or pores vary by species.
The answer is yes
Psilocybin is the active psychedelic ingredient in a variety of fungi commonly known as “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms”. Ingesting these fungi can lead to an altered state of consciousness that includes hallucinations, sensory overload, and altered perception. Possessing magic mushroom spores is illegal in Canada as they are considered to be an illicit drug under Section 7.1 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). This means that they can be subject to criminal prosecution and imprisonment.
Spores of psilocybin-containing mushrooms are openly available in stores across the country and many people assume that they are legal. However, this is incorrect. The Canadian Court of Appeal in R v. Parnell ruled that simply possessing a mushroom containing the chemical psilocybin is illegal because of the wording of the CDSA, which states that possession of a substance includes any thing that contains it.
In addition to being a delicacy, mushrooms are also an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals. They are rich in soluble fibre and contain a unique compound called beta-glucan, which activates certain immune cells in the body and may mitigate the risk of serious health conditions including heart disease and cancer. In addition, mushrooms are a low-calorie food and are high in antioxidants which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
The answer is no
While psilocybin-containing mushrooms are available for sale in some stores, they remain illegal under Canadian federal criminal law. The drug is classified as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), and possession of it is a punishable offense that can result in imprisonment. Moreover, even if the fungi aren’t ingested, the mere possession of psilocybin mushroom spores can lead to a prosecution under the CDSA as the spores are considered precursor chemicals for the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms.
That’s a bit of a bummer, considering the health benefits of the fungi. A half-cup serving of sliced mushrooms contains only 14 calories and no fat, while they are a good source of protein, fibre, potassium, copper, selenium, riboflavin, and vitamin D. In addition, the federal government has decriminalized small personal amounts of specific controlled drugs like heroin, fentanyl/morphine, crack & powder cocaine, methamphetamines and MDMA (ecstasy). However, this doesn’t apply to psilocybin.