A behind-the-scenes look into an illegal magic mushroom shop operating openly in Ottawa
There are several illegal magic mushroom shops operating in Ottawa, including the controversial store Fun Guyz. One is located on Bank Street and another recently opened up on Dalhousie Street about a week ago.
The drug known as psilocybin is illegal to produce, sell, and possess in Canada, but it appears to be happening at several of the locations right across the city.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
"We are pushing to fight for the legalization," said Zou, at the Fun Guyz location on Dalhousie. Zou wouldn't provide his full name to CTV News.
He gave a behind-the-scenes look at the controversial shop, which continues to operate since opening a week ago.
"Everything gets shipped from British Columbia," he said.
CTV News saw a customer buying the illegal drug for cash only. The store offers incentives like 20 per cent off and a free gram for a review online.
Staff say they also ship the product across the country.
"Generally, when someone comes in and if I don't recognize them, I ask if they have any kind of experience, even with weed in general, just these kind of things," said Zou. "Then I make sure to go through with them about dosing. I try and encourage micro-dosing instead of grabbing a large amount."
Psilocybin mushrooms contain hallucinogens. The drug can cause hallucinations and distort reality. Side effects can include changes in mood, anxiety, panic attacks, confusion, and paranoia.
Ottawa police were not available for an on-camera interview but, in a statement to CTV News, said, in part, "The service reviews and assesses drug complaints on an individual basis to determine the appropriate course of action, which may include further investigation and enforcement. The drug unit does not comment on current or future investigations and enforcement."
While Fun Guyz has only been open for a short time, there are several other magic mushroom dispensaries throughout the city. Other shops have been shut down recently, including a Centretown location, where two people were charged in August.
Fun Guyz has opened storefront locations in other cities, including in Kitchener and Cambridge.
Waterloo Regional Police raided the location in Cambridge at least twice, officers made arrests and seized products, but the store reopened after each incident.
Under a very specific circumstance, such as when a spot is authorized by Health Canada, through a license or exemption, it may be possible for people to access the drug through a clinical trial or special access program, but the store confirmed on Wednesday that they don't ask people for a license, as it's a very complicated process.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
BREAKING London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Auston Matthews skates ahead of Game 7, status unclear with season on the line
Auston Matthews was back on the ice with his teammates Saturday.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Snakes almost on a plane: U.S. TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants
According to an X post by the Transportation Security Administration, officers at the Miami International Airport found the small bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's trousers on April 26 at a checkpoint.