No, ayahuasca is illegal under Canadian federal law on account of its primary psychoactive ingredient DMT. Legal ayahuasca use is restricted to scenarios wherein Health Canada grants an exemption under section 56.

Ayahuasca contains DMT and harmala alkaloids controlled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, so importing, possessing, or serving it is generally illegal in Canada. Health Canada has, however, granted a limited number of s. 56 exemptionspermitting specific religious organizations to import and serve ayahuasca in defined ceremonial contexts (see also Religious Rights). These exemptions are granted case-by-case, are subject to conditions, and must be renewed. They do not create a general religious right to use ayahuasca, and an organization without a current exemption operates unlawfully.

Is Ayahuasca Legal in Canada?

What is Ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew or tea made primarily from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the Psychotria viridis shrub, the latter of which contains the hallucinogenic compound DMT. Specific ingredients of each brew may, however, vary depending on the person or group responsible for preparation. 

Used ritually for centuries by the Indigenous peoples of the Amazon, ayahuasca induces altered states of consciousness that typically last for 4-8 hours. Participants frequently report encounters with spiritual entities or reliving personal memories, leading to transformative psychological outcomes. The experience is also intensely physical; unpleasant vomiting (“purging”) and/or defecation is standard. Many even believe it is necessary.

Due to its potent effects and potential for psychological upheaval, ayahuasca sessions are generally conducted in controlled settings (i.e., ceremony) under the guidance of an experienced shaman or facilitator.