A recent study by Political Intelligence shows that a plurality (48%) of Canadians would support the legalization of “magic mushrooms,” with support found across all party lines.

When asked about making psilocybin available through licensed retailers like the current cannabis system, one in four (25.8%) said they would strongly support and another one in five (21.7%) are somewhat supportive according to the recent poll.

While opposition in total is less than support, a significant portion of Canadians would be strongly opposed to full legalization of recreational mushrooms (30.7%). Opposition is particularly strong amongst Conservative voters, 38.5% of whom are strongly opposed to outright legalization.

However, when asked about making psilocybin available by prescription to treat depression, addiction and other mental health conditions, a clear majority (73%) support it. Almost a majority are strongly supportive (46%) with another near 3 in 10 somewhat supportive (27%).

In the case of making psilocybin legal for medicinal use, just 19% of Canadians are opposed including 12% strongly. This is true of all party supporters, with a majority (66.2%) Conservative voters strongly supporting (37%) and somewhat supporting (29.2%) access to psilocybin through a prescription from a medical doctor.

In both cases, a significant majority of younger Canadians under 35 years of age support the legalization for either recreational use (67.5%) or medicinal use (79.2%) pointing to growing future support.

“The high level of public support for the legalization of psilocybin may be surprising to many in the political realm, but what it shows is that there is plenty of room in public opinion for legislators to act on this issue. Study after study shows psilocybin can be an effective treatment for depression, PTSD, and addiction. Canadians want access to these benefits. As equity markets have already adopted this industry, it is difficult to imagine public policy or public sentiment reversing on psilocybin. It looks like smart politics to include legalization in any party’s platform for mental health.” – Emrys Graefe, Managing Partner of Political Intelligence

“The growing body evidence that psilocybin, be it micro dosing or macro dosing in psychedelic assisted therapy sessions, can help some individuals dealing with a variety of complex mental health issues. While it remains an illegal substance in Canada for most patients, there is a growing industry—including retailers—who make psilocybin available.” – Katherine Van Meyl, Mental Health Lead at Political Intelligence