Despite being illegal, people are flocking to a magic mushrooms dispensary dispensary to buy “micro-doses” of psilocybin. It’s just one of many pop-up shops that have sprung up across Canada, with customers ranging from those seeking treatment for depression and PTSD to people who want to experience what the shop owner calls “a spiritual awakening.” While the stores have been a source of worry for law enforcement, they are largely turning a blind eye to them. Several Canadian police forces have raided the shops, but they’ve always reopened within days. “We’re operating a medical protest,” says the manager of Fun Guyz, which has a dozen locations in Ontario, on condition of anonymity. “People are coming in with all sorts of issues, and they’re getting help.”

In Oregon, which legalized psilocybin last year, people like Cathy Jonas have opened up the state’s first licensed center to offer mushrooms. She has a long waitlist, and she expects business to pick up as more people learn about her facility. The director of the state’s psilocybin agency says it has received hundreds of inquiries from around the world. She wants to see the industry work toward social equity goals, including sliding-scale price models.

Exploring Different Types of Magic Mushrooms and Their Effects

Most people who take magic mushrooms report some nausea, usually in the first hour or so, and stomach cramps. They may also have hallucinations that vary in intensity. They can be simple closed-eyes visual hallucinations that alter the perception of surfaces, or they can be complex open-eyed visuals that seem to meld the person into their environment. The effects can also include euphoria, fear, anxiety and panic. Some people can feel “flat” or even depressed after taking the drug, and the psychedelics can cause cognitive changes, including memory loss. A bad trip can be dangerous, and it is important to prepare for potential side effects. Chamomile tea, fruit juice and sedatives can all ease discomfort.