Regulating Entheogen Retail in Vancouver

Vancouver has seen a surge in unlicensed and unregulated retail shops selling "magic" mushrooms and other entheogens, with no prosecution or business license regulations in place. Entheogens are psychoactive substances used for spiritual, therapeutic, and inspirational purposes, and have been used by indigenous peoples for centuries.

• Recreational use of natural psychedelics has doubled in the last three years, particularly among adults aged 19-30.
• Many entheogens are designated under Schedule 3 of Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which prohibits possession except for authorized therapeutic use.
• Despite the legal restrictions, mushroom dispensaries have popped up across Canada and online, selling psilocybin and entheogenic products, with no charges or convictions in Vancouver.

• Regulatory Framework: The City has the authority to regulate land use and businesses, and previously introduced the Medical Marijuana Related Uses (MMRU) framework to ensure availability and appropriate business conduct.
• Harm Reduction: The City recognizes that a regulated market of safe supply mushrooms and entheogens can be considered a form of harm reduction, and is committed to public safety and harm reduction.
• Proposed Action: The City directs staff to examine the legal context and a retail framework to regulate business licenses for retailers of entheogens, based on the MMRU framework, to achieve a balance between availability and community health, safety, security, aesthetics, equity, and enjoyment of property.