Known as Psilocybin, the Magic Mushrooms Canada compound in magic mushrooms is thought to induce altered states of consciousness and hallucinations, among other changes. These fungi have long been used by people in the Pacific Northwest for recreational and spiritual purposes. But as the mushroom industry grows, police and employers are grappling with new challenges.
During the 1970s, Haida Gwaii became famous as a “mushroom destination.” Itinerant mushroom pickers from across Canada flocked to the Queen Charlotte Islands to pick and dry Liberty Cap mushrooms for sale. Widespread use caused psychedelic reactions in inexperienced users and created conflicts, referred to as “mushroom wars,” between local residents and itinerant pickers.
Today, Dana Larsen, a former land surveyor in her 50s, is the owner of Magic Mushrooms Canada, which sells mushrooms grown with psilocybin for medical purposes. She has been selling the fungi, which are sold in jars and in edible forms, since 2020. She opened a second store in 2022, citing demand.
Magic Mushroom Chocolate Bar: The New Trend in Psychedelics
Though illegal, psilocybin is used by people with serious medical conditions to treat anxiety, depression and chronic pain. For many, the experience is transformative and life changing. The experience has been described as an “awakening” and can result in a deeper sense of meaning, purpose and connection to others. Psilocybin can also ease end-of-life distress for people facing terminal illness. It is used in a psychedelic-assisted therapy session called TheraPsil. Health Canada has granted a special exemption to four patients for this treatment.