‘Magic mushrooms’ are still illegal in Canada. How can stores be opening?

globalnews.ca:

Psilocybin, or “magic mushroom,” stores are popping up across Canada despite the drug being illegal — a development that closely mirrors what happened with cannabis before its legalization, according to an expert.

Stores with such names as Shroomyz and Fun Guyz have opened in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Vancouver and London, Ont., among other locations over the last year. They sell the drug on its own by weight and in different strains, as well as in edibles such as gummies or chocolate.

Psilocybin has a psychedelic effect on those who use it that some claim has therapeutic effects.

Some raids have occurred, such as at a shop in Toronto in November, and in Hamilton and Montreal in July, and arrests have been made. However, like mushrooms growing on fertile ground, more stores appear to be opening than are being closed.

In a statement to Global News on Aug. 31, the Toronto Police Service (TPS) said that when a report is made to them about an illegal dispensary, it is investigated, and “any decision to proceed with charges is based on the findings of that investigation.”

“That said, in terms of priorities, enforcement by TPS is largely focused on the trafficking of illegal drugs that are resulting in overdose deaths, and having a traumatic and devastating impact on our communities,” the Toronto police spokesperson said.

Ottawa-based lawyer Eugene Oscapella, who specializes in drug policy, told Global News that police have discretion over what to pursue and what to leave, and may have more pressing issues to place their resources.

“There are huge issues out there — is going after magic mushroom shops an effective use of police time?” he said.

Some factors may play a role in whether police take action, Oscapella