In a dark room inside a generic office building in Burnaby, a collection of plastic boxes house a fully legal mushroom grow-op. At a counter, mycologist John Hume inoculates mushroom spores onto a tray of blue growth medium. This is the first step in a multi-step process that will eventually produce a capsule filled with 25 milligrams of psilocybin, a hallucinogen that the medical community has been researching for its potential therapeutic uses in treating depression, PTSD and end-of-life distress.

The fungi, sold under the brand name Shroomyz, are part of a new wave of drug stores that are booming across Canada. Spurred by demand, evolving research and subtle changes to federal drug policy, these shops are selling psilocybin to customers from as young as 16 and offering guidance on how to take the drugs safely. Learn more https://magicmushroomsdispensary.ca/

Some customers are experimenting with “micro-dosing” a small amount of mushrooms for psychological reasons, while others are taking them for spiritual or physical healing, as well as to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. But there are risks associated with mushroom use, including a risk of a bad trip and the possibility that taking the drugs with other drugs like alcohol or prescribed medications can lead to sudden or severe psychedelic effects.

The Ethical Considerations of Using Magic Mushrooms for Spiritual Growth

But the owners of these psychedelic stores say that a bad trip can be mitigated by being in a comfortable environment, using a familiar soundtrack and having trusted friends around. They also offer chamomile tea and other soothing foods to help ease the discomfort of nausea or indigestion that can sometimes accompany a psychedelic experience.