A Vancouver entrepreneur is defying the law by opening an online store where people can buy magic mushrooms that are shipped right to their doorsteps. Dana Larsen, a long-time cannabis activist who helped organize Vancouver’s 4/20 events, launched his virtual psilocybin mushroom shop this week and says he wants to help destigmatize the drug and treat stress linked to cancer, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis. He admits his business is illegal and has lawyers on standby. Elevated You
He’s among the first to offer psilocybin mushrooms for sale in Canada, but the online sales operation is far from the only one to pop up. There’s also a brick-and-mortar store in Osborne Village and an online search turns up scores of sites selling the drugs.
Shroom Shopping: A Guide to Buying Magic Mushrooms in Canada
While some say it’s time for Canada to decriminalize psilocybin, federal officials remain tight-lipped on the issue. Health Canada has only granted 172 patients access to the drug, which is listed as Schedule III of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, through clinical trials or by using an exemption or Special Access Program request.
The CBC reached out to both the government and the police about the legal status of the mushrooms. Justice Minister David Lametti’s office referred questions on the subject to Health Canada, and the RCMP said its focus remains on organized crime and the opioid crisis.