Is Yopo Legal in Canada?
No. Yopo is illegal under Canadian federal law as it contains the active alkaloid DMT, a prohibited substance under Schedule III of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Yopo also contains the psychedelic chemicals bufotenine (5-HO-DMT) and 5-MeO-DMT, though neither of those are scheduled under the Act.
Legal use of yopo is limited to circumstances in which Health Canada issues a s. 56 exemption, though there is no record of an exemption ever being granted for its use.
What is Yopo?
Yopo is a hallucinogenic preparation made from the seeds (or beans) of the Anadenanthera peregrina tree, which is native to South America and the Caribbean. Yopo is primarily used by Indigenous communities in those regions, especially by the Orinoco basin and Amazon. It is used for community, spiritual, and healing purposes, rather than recreation, and thus is very rarely seen outside of Indigenous ceremonial contexts.
Yopo is administered nasally and typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. It is said to produce visual hallucinations, experiences of profound insight, and feelings of inner peace and contentment after use. Nausea and vomiting are commonly reported side effects.
Medical or Therapeutic Use?
There appears to be little clinical evidence at this time supporting the therapeutic use of yopo or its main psychoactive compound, bufotenine. However, there is some evidence regarding the benefits of its other chemical compounds.
Medical studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that the use of DMT under proper conditions may benefit persons struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, and/or trauma. Some studies also suggest 5-MeO-DMT may be helpful for addressing anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
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