Esketamine (Spravato)
Approved + off-label ketamineEsketamine is approved; ketamine is used off-label in clinics across the country.
Canada
Last updated 18 August 2026
Psychedelic Therapy Legal Landscape
Ketamine Therapy
Legal (clinics)Off-label medical use in clinics plus approved esketamine.
Psilocybin
Special Access ProgramSince January 2022, physicians can request psilocybin for individual patients with serious or life-threatening conditions through Health Canada’s Special Access Program; s.56 exemptions are a parallel route, and Alberta built the first provincial regulatory framework for psychedelic-assisted therapy (2023).
MDMA
Special Access ProgramSame SAP mechanism — physician-initiated, case-by-case.
Medical Cannabis
Fully legalMedical since 2001, full adult legalization since October 2018 (Cannabis Act) — the most complete framework of any G7 country.
Clinical Trials
Open routeActive research scene alongside the SAP — university hospitals in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Participation is free; screening is strict; never pay for “trial access”.
Frequently asked questions — Canada
Is ketamine therapy legal in Canada?
Legal (clinics). Off-label medical use in clinics plus approved esketamine.
Is psilocybin legal in Canada?
Special Access Program. Since January 2022, physicians can request psilocybin for individual patients with serious or life-threatening conditions through Health Canada's Special Access Program; s.56 exemptions are a parallel route, and Alberta built the first provincial regulatory framework for psychedelic-assisted therapy (2023).
Is MDMA therapy legal in Canada?
Special Access Program. Same SAP mechanism — physician-initiated, case-by-case.
Can I join a psychedelic clinical trial in Canada?
Active research scene alongside the SAP — university hospitals in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Participation is free; screening is strict; never pay for "trial access".
