Is 1P-LSD Legal in Canada? 2025 Update
The landscape of psychedelic research and personal use continues to evolve worldwide, and Canada is no exception. Among emerging research chemicals, 1P-LSD (1-propionyl-d-lysergic acid diethylamide) has garnered significant attention as a potent analogue of traditional LSD. If you’re asking, “Is 1P-LSD legal in Canada?” you’re not alone. This 2025 update breaks down everything you need to know about the current legal status of 1P-LSD in Canada, related regulations, enforcement practices, and what the future may hold.
What Is 1P-LSD?
1P-LSD is a synthetic lysergamide structurally similar to LSD. It was first synthesized in the early 2010s and has become popular among researchers and psychonauts due to anecdotal reports of effects almost indistinguishable from LSD itself. Chemically, it differs from LSD by an added propionyl group at the 1-position of the indole ring. Because of this small modification, it has sometimes bypassed analog-specific legislation—though that is rapidly changing.
Overview of Canadian Controlled Substances Law
Canada’s primary statute governing controlled substances is the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Under the CDSA, substances are placed into Schedules I–VI based on potential for abuse, therapeutic value, and likelihood of harm. Traditional LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) has been a Schedule III substance since 1974, making its possession, sale, and trafficking illegal except under strictly licensed research conditions.
1P-LSD’s Legal Status in 2025
Not Explicitly Listed—Until Recently
Until 2023, 1P-LSD was not explicitly named in any Schedule, creating a legal gray area. Many vendors and researchers argued that, since it wasn’t directly scheduled, possession for personal use was technically unregulated. However, Canadian law also addresses analogues: substances “substantially similar” to a scheduled drug can be deemed illegal under the CDSA’s analogue provisions.
Recent Amendments
As of March 15, 2025, Health Canada amended Schedule III to include broad language capturing LSD analogues, explicitly listing 1-propionyl-d-lysergic acid diethylamide (1P-LSD) by chemical name. This change closes the loophole and places 1P-LSD firmly under Schedule III restrictions.
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Possession of 1P-LSD without a dealer’s licence or research exemption now carries up to 3 years imprisonment.
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Trafficking, importing, or exporting can lead to up to life imprisonment, depending on quantities seized.
Enforcement and Penalties
Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and local law enforcement have ramped up surveillance of online marketplaces and postal imports. Since 2024, there have been several high-profile seizures:
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June 2024: Over 5,000 doses of 1P-LSD intercepted at Toronto Pearson Airport.
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September 2024: Two Vancouver-based vendors charged for distribution of unlicensed research chemicals.
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January 2025: RCMP cybercrime unit dismantles darknet operation shipping 1P-LSD nationally.
These enforcement actions underscore that, despite its recent popularity, 1P-LSD is no longer lightly regulated.
Comparison with Other Psychedelics
| Substance | Schedule (CDSA) | Legal for Research? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSD | III | Yes (Licence Required) | Classic hallucinogen, tightly regulated |
| 1P-LSD | III (2025) | Yes (Licence Required) | Newly scheduled analogue |
| Psilocybin | III (2020) | Yes (Special Exemptions) | Therapeutic exemptions for depression trials |
| MDMA | III | Yes (Clinical Trials Only) | Breakthrough therapy status for PTSD |
| DMT | I | Very Limited | Research possible but rare |
Practical Implications for Users and Researchers
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Personal Use: Unauthorized possession of 1P-LSD is illegal. Even small “research sample” claims are unlikely to stand up in court without proper permitting.
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Academic Research: Universities and licensed laboratories can apply to Health Canada for Section 56 exemptions under the CDSA. These exemptions permit possession, synthesis, and distribution strictly for approved studies.
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Retail and Distribution: Any sale—whether as a research chemical or “not for human consumption”—violates both federal law and many provincial regulations.
Purchasing, Possession, and Travel Considerations
Domestic Purchases
Online vendors based in Canada have largely ceased offering 1P-LSD since the March 2025 scheduling. Purchasing from offshore sellers carries the dual risks of seizure at the border and criminal prosecution under Canada’s Customs Act.
International Travel
Travellers in possession of 1P-LSD, even in countries where it remains unscheduled, risk severe penalties upon entry to Canada. Declare only items expressly permitted; avoiding 1P-LSD altogether when planning travel is advisable.
Alternatives and Similar Research Chemicals
For those interested in research-grade psychedelics, alternatives include:
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AL-LAD (6-allyl-6-nor-LSD): Also under analogue provisions in Canada.
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ETH-LAD (6-ethyl-6-nor-LSD): Similar legal status as AL-LAD.
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LSZ (lysergic acid 2,4-dimethylazetidide): Risk of analogue prosecution.
Note that most LSD analogues are now explicitly or implicitly controlled under the CDSA’s analogue clauses. Always verify scheduling before ordering.
Future Outlook: Psychedelics in Canada
Canada’s approach to psychedelics is evolving. With the success of psilocybin therapy trials and growing interest in microdosing, public pressure may mount for broader reform. Possible developments include:
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Expanded Therapeutic Exemptions: Health Canada may widen Section 56 approvals for LSD analogues in mental health research.
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Regulated Adult-Use Programs: Similar to Canada’s medical cannabis framework, we might eventually see licensed production and sales of certain psychedelics.
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Refinement of Analogue Language: Clearer definitions could help distinguish novel substances from closely related analogues, reducing legal ambiguity.
However, rapid scheduling of 1P-LSD shows regulators are quick to close loopholes. Any hopes for legalization or decriminalization will require sustained advocacy and scientific evidence.
Conclusion
In 2025, 1P-LSD is explicitly illegal in Canada under Schedule III of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Possession, importation, distribution, or production without proper licensing or exemption can lead to serious criminal penalties, including imprisonment. Researchers can still access 1P-LSD under Health Canada’s research licence provisions, but casual or personal use is strongly discouraged. As Canada’s psychedelic landscape continues to shift, staying informed about the latest regulatory changes is crucial for both consumers and professionals.