Magic mushrooms are a Schedule III drug, and as such the production and sale of these hallucinogens is illegal in Canada. But that hasn’t stopped stores with names like Fun Guyz and Shroomyz from popping up in Vancouver, Toronto and Hamilton, among other places. The owners are betting that public indifference will outweigh the risk of raids, much as it did with cannabis before it became legal.

But they’re also hoping that law enforcement and local governments will view the mushroom shops through a harm reduction lens. “If you have a lot of crime in your neighbourhood, is going after these mushroom shops the best use of police resources?” asks Eugene Oscapella, a criminal lawyer who specializes in drug policy. “Does it make more sense to focus on more pressing issues?”

Customer Reviews: Top-Rated Mushroom Dispensaries in Ottawa

At Kagan’s psychedelic marketplace, customers are welcomed by a minimalist atmosphere complete with mushroom art and books. They can choose from a variety of dried and edible products including caramel-capped Gold Emperors, phallic-shaped Penis Envy and blue-green psilocin Rice Krispie bars. But the dispensary isn’t for recreational users. Prospective members have to provide a referral from a doctor, naturopath or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

The store isn’t the first to pop up in the Kitchener area, which has become a hub for illegal mushroom dealers. Last year, a man who identified himself only as the spokesman for a Montreal-based retailer called FunGuyz opened a similar shop in the city. The spokesman says his goal is to increase access to psilocybin, which has been shown to treat depression and anxiety in some patients.