The Magic Mushroom Dispensary
When psilocybin hits the brain, it can cause visual distortions, changes in perception and mood. Some users experience a sense of connection and euphoria. Others have “bad trips” that can be frightening and disorienting. The federal drug regulator warns that consuming mushrooms can increase heart rate and blood pressure. It also can trigger anxiety, nausea and muscle twitches. And, it says, repetitive use of psychedelics can lead to addiction and depression. URL magicmushroomsdispensary.ca
Despite the federal ban, mushroom dispensaries are popping up across Canada. Some operate openly in downtown Toronto and Vancouver and others sell psilocybin-laced products online. While police raided three Vancouver mushroom stores in November, owners say they plan to reopen soon.
The Benefits of Microdosing Magic Mushrooms
In Colorado, where voters approved legalizing psilocybin mushrooms last year, businesses that sell the hallucinogen are already starting to appear. Some sell dried mushrooms, capsules, tinctures and edibles. Others offer guided mushroom experiences, therapy sessions and educational workshops.
Some people take a very low dose of the mushroom, called microdosing, to test out its effects without having a full trip. That dose can make users feel happy, alert and warm but not have a psychedelic effect. The practice is gaining popularity as more and more people become familiar with the drug.
In some cases, users mix psilocybin with other substances, such as alcohol and cannabis, to enhance their experience or avoid uncomfortable side effects. This can be particularly dangerous for people with preexisting psychiatric conditions. It also raises the risk of having a bad trip or abrupt flashbacks, which are memories that suddenly return to one’s mind.