the store in hamilton, dubbed the mushroom cabinet, is part of “the cause,” spokesperson matthew francis told the hamilton spectator .
psilocybin and psilocin are listed as schedule iii substances under canada’s controlled drugs and substances act (cdsa), the third-highest level of offence.
the hamilton store currently offers seven strains of dried psilocybin mushroom s, microdose capsules and edibles to adults aged 19 and older. on its website, the mushroom cabinet contends its products are “canada’s finest” and “responsibly sourced.”
francis told the spectator that he was also involved in unlicenced cannabis stores before legalization and see parallels in how the substances are being handled by regulators.
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in august, the growthop was the first to report on a charter challenge filed against the government of canada and the minister of health regarding patient access to psilocybin and psilocybin therapy.
the plaintiffs, who include seven patients and one health care practitioner, are arguing that the current modes of accessing psilocybin are insufficient and a violation of section 7 of the canadian charter of rights and freedoms , which guarantees the right to life, liberty and security of the person.
“we’re now going to find ourselves in a situation where all of these patients will still be denied access to psilocybin, yet they’ll have the right to medical assistance in dying in five months,” hawkswell told the growthop .
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in november, shroomyz, an unlicenced psilocybin shop in toronto, was raided by police , resulting in trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime charges against two men aged 20 and 23. in an interview with cbc , a city spokesperson called the store a “police matter” and said the city of toronto “does not have the jurisdiction to enforce the controlled drug and substances act .”
in an interview with psychedelic spotlight , the regional district manager of shroomyz called the company’s operations a “medical protest.”
in the meantime, hamilton police reported it has opened an investigation into the mushroom cabinet, though francis isn’t “necessarily worried. ”
“it’s a charter issue … and as an adult, you should be able to control what you put into your body, ” he said.
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