What are the penalties for possessing psychedelics?
Canada (federal & BC context):
In Canada, psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin (magic mushrooms) are Schedule III substances under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, making possession generally illegal without Health Canada approval. Penalties can include fines, probation, or even jail depending on the substance type, quantity, and whether there are aggravating factors. However, British Columbia recently launched a three-year pilot (starting January 31, 2023) that decriminalizes possession of small personal amounts ( ≤ 2.5 g total across multiple drugs), meaning no arrest, prosecution, or jail for these small-quantity cases locally though the substances remain illegal federally Wikipedia.
United States (federal + spotlight on LSD & psilocybin):
- At the federal level, psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin are Schedule I, carrying for first-time possession up to 1 year in prison and minimum fines ($1,000 for LSD; $1,000 for psilocybin) Wikipedia. Repeat offenses increase penalties significantly—e.g. LSD second offense can include 15 days–2 years and $2,500+ fine; third offense jumps further.
- Cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms at the federal level is treated as manufacturing, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
- State-level penalties vary widely. For example, in Illinois possessing 0–200 g of psilocybin mushrooms is a Class 4 felony with 1–3 years in prison; over 200 g becomes a Class 1 felony with 4–15 years chicagobestdefense.com.
Local decriminalization efforts:
Some U.S. cities (e.g., Denver, Oakland, Santa Cruz) and Oregon (statewide) have decriminalized or deprioritized enforcement of small-quantity possession, but these remain exceptions and often come with limits and local-specific definitions Wikipedia.
In short:
Possession of psychedelics is federally illegal in Canada and the U.S., with potential outcomes ranging from fines and probation to several years in prison, especially for larger amounts or cultivation. British Columbia offers limited personal decriminalization, while select U.S. jurisdictions have begun local reforms. YAWN encourages legal, health‑focused engagement and does not support illegal use.
