The quick answer is that for the most part, no, these substances are not legally available within Canada, although there are some caveats to that answer.

The religious freedoms exemption given to the Santo Daime Church in Montreal allows them to use their psychedelic sacrament. Another drug which is not technically illegal, is the anti-addictive plant medicine called ibogaine. Ibogaine is listed on Health Canada’s prescription drug list, however this doesn’t make it immediately available as a prescription, because it still needs to be put through expensive phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials. The peyote cactus in its natural form is not illegal, although mescaline, it’s psychedelic constituant is scheduled.

The PAC was formed with awareness that there are many legal considerations at play as these substances come back into the light they deserve and hopes to play a role in shepherding them forward in a way that can benefit us all.

How are psychedelics used to make people's lives better?

The word psychedelic means mind, or soul, manifesting, and plant medicines of this nature have been used within ceremonial and healing contexts for millennia by various traditions around the world. The backlash against psychedelic drugs in the 1960’s is a unique blip on the radar of human history. The context in the 60’s was largely an anti-social one, where traditionally, these substances were very pro-social and shared within a setting that aimed towards strengthening individuals and the community. The currently psychedelic renaissance we are in the midst of, for the most part, is focused upon these more traditional healing roots of these substances.

Modern psychedelic psychotherapy as well as the religious and ceremonial use of these sacraments, are largely focused upon the clearly intended betterment of the participants and the community they are a part of. Scientific studies have shown these substances can be used to treat ailments such as addiction, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as help to induce mystical states of awareness that lead to a greater sense of meaning and connection in a person’s life.

These substances need to be treated with respect and be used with careful consideration, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that a lot of the fear based tactics used within War on Drugs propaganda was largely that, baseless manufactured propaganda.

What is the benefit of membership?

The PAC is one broad umbrella where all stakeholders within the psychedelic movement have a place to have their voice heard. Becoming a member of the PAC will allow you to be a part of this important conversation as it unfolds. Membership benefits include, guidance on best practices, discounts for events and trainings, and being part of our community of like-minded allies and supporters.

Who can join the PAC?

Membership is open to anyone with an interest in advancing accessibility and understanding of psychedelics within Canada and beyond. We encourage medical and mental health professionals, researchers, students, existing providers, manufacturers, policymakers, businesses, and general supporters to get involved.

Why have a Psychedelic Association of Canada?

The PAC recognize that while the benefits in psychedelics have become more accepted in recent decades, the movement still has a long way to go. The considerations in front of the psychedelic community in Canada are many, including decriminalization, legalization, accessibility, diversity, research, sustainability, the for-profit corporate model entering the space, and how all of this intersects with the indigenous communities who have been carrying some of these substances up until today. The PAC aims to bring coalescence to proponents of the responsible use of these substances across Canada and beyond.

Why do you advocate for decriminalization and not legalization?

The PAC supports the responsible use of all psychedelics whether for improving health, wellness or illness. We support all efforts that move us that way. Decriminalization is a step in the right direction. We are in this together!

Can you give me information about where to get psychedelics or find a therapist that works with them?

These substances are not yet legal in Canada unless in a clinical trial therefore, we are unable to give any medical or psychedelics-related advice. Additionally, we are unable to make recommendations for therapy or a therapist. Please discuss your medical concerns with your family doctor or an MD at a walk-in clinic.

I signed up for a membership but I didn't get my email invite to the members' area, what now?

Thank you for supporting our work by becoming a member! Please check your SPAM/PROMOTIONS/OTHER folder, the invite often lands there, it’s coming from Jay Katz and it’s inviting you to join the PAC community. If you can’t find it, please follow these steps:

Go to https://www.cpamembership.com/
Click Sign in and enter your email
Follow the prompts

I purchased a ticket for a webinar but I can't make it, will it be recorded?

Yes! All of our webinars are recorded and you will receive an email with a link to the recording. If you are a member, you can watch the recording in our members' area.

Can I get a discount on a webinar ticket?

Yes, we have a sliding scale for all PAC events!

Go to our events page here

Click on the event you are interested in.

Click on tickets, scroll down to the sliding scale and pay what you can.

Thank you for supporting our work!

Can I get a scholarship or a free membership?

Yes, we have 2 options for you:

We have a limited number of scholarships for students and low-income individuals; the scholarship will give you access to the membership for 1 year at $50 CAD. You can sign up here

If a low-income membership is out of your financial capacity right now, you can sign up to volunteer with us! Our volunteers get access to the membership through their active volunteering tenure. Find out more about our open positions here

I am a member. How do I register for free events?

Please access our members’ area by going here

To find your complementary event access, please go to the left side panel and click on "Events"

Then follow the link to register.

I want to cancel my membership, how do I do that?

Please reach out to us via direct message on our member's area or via email hello@psychedelicassociation.net

Join our growing community

the PAC

Inclusion, diversity, and social justice

get involved

resources

How to Find a Therapist

Best Practices for Psychedelic Practitioners

Allies

DecriminalizeNature.ca

CanadaSupports.ca

Psilocybin at End of Life Campaign

Decriminalize Nature USA

Psychedelic Societies

ATMA CENA Psychedelic Healthcare Solutions

Chacruna Canada

Drug Policy Alliance

Grof Training Program

Psychedelics in Recovery

Students for Sensible Drug Policy

Thank You Plant Medicine

TheraPsil

World Psychedelics Day

Financial Reports

The PAC stands for humane and sensible drug policy that focuses on harm reduction, trauma-informed healing and public health. We are for the decriminalization of all personal possession. Prohibition and the war on drugs has not made our communities or our children safer.

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