Mushrooms — or more specifically, their psychoactive ingredient psilocybin — are making waves across Canada. Spurred by growing demand, evolving medical research and small but significant changes to federal drug policy, stores peddling the psychoactive substance are opening at a rapid pace. In 2023, more than two dozen opened, with some of the top chains already boasting about expansion plans.

The Golden Teacher magic mushrooms dispensary canada shop in downtown Ottawa, which opened last December, is one of them. It’s an environment akin to a weed store, with a buzzer-controlled entrance and ID checks, a knowledgeable staff and Apple Store-style display cases filled with carefully arranged products.

“We’ve had frequent inquiries and concerns from our community about these unlawful dispensaries and we are working hard to address them in a manner that is both safe and fair,” said Staff Sgt. James McGarry, of the Ottawa police service’s drug and street crime unit. “We are taking a measured proactive education, deterrence and enforcement approach to deal with this issue.”

Top Magic Mushroom Dispensaries in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide

But while many of these stores operate in a grey area legally — psilocybin is still classified as a Schedule III drug in Canada, available only with a prescription under very specific circumstances — most appear to be operating under an unspoken detente with the law. The same can be said of Toronto’s only mushroom shop, which opened this September. Despite a warning to close, and several raids and charges, the shop on Queen West is thriving.