Psilocybin, also known as “magic mushrooms,” is becoming more prevalent in Canada with the emergence of illegal stores, a trend reminiscent of what happened with cannabis before its legalization, according to an expert.
Stores like Shroomyz and Fun Guyz have opened in major cities across Canada, such as Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Vancouver, and London. These stores sell psilocybin by weight and offer various strains, as well as edibles like gummies and chocolate.
Psilocybin has psychoactive effects that some claim to have therapeutic benefits.
Although there have been some raids and arrests, more stores seems to be opening than closing, resembling the growth of mushrooms in fertile ground.
The Toronto Police Service (TPS) stated that they investigate reports of illegal dispensaries, and their decision to proceed with charges depends on the findings of the investigation. However, the TPS prioritizes enforcement against drug trafficking, particularly drugs that result in overdose deaths and have a significant impact on communities.
A magic mushroom dispensary is pictured on the Danforth in Toronto on March 4, 2023.
THE CANADIAN PRESS IMAGES/Rachel Verbin
Eugene Oscapella, an Ottawa-based lawyer specializing in drug policy, believes that police have discretion in deciding what cases to pursue and may have more urgent matters to prioritize. Oscapella questions whether going after magic mushroom shops is an effective use of police resources considering larger issues at hand. Factors such as noise complaints, selling to minors, and links to organized crime may influence the actions taken by police.
