Key Takeaways:
- FunGuyz, an illegal mushroom dispensary, was raided by the police on its opening day in Montreal.
- The store operates under the guise of a “medical dispensary” and has multiple locations across Canada.
- The police arrested four individuals and confiscated stock during the raid.
- The store owner anticipated this and expressed determination to continue operating.
- FunGuyz sees itself as a form of protest against current psychedelic policies and plans to open more locations in Quebec this summer.
On the opening day of FunGuyz, a mushroom dispensary in Montreal, the police conducted a raid and arrested four individuals. FunGuyz, which advertises itself as a “medical dispensary,” is part of an illegal chain selling psilocybin mushrooms, with multiple locations across Canada. Despite the illegal status of magic mushrooms in Canada, FunGuyz has managed to operate through the use of Special Access Programs granted by Health Canada. However, the mayor of Montreal had warned that action would be taken if the store opened as planned. As expected, the police confiscated stock and arrested individuals during the raid.
Owner Edgar Gorbans had anticipated the possibility of police intervention and expressed determination to continue operating. The spokesperson for the store described FunGuyz as a form of protest against the current policies on psychedelics. The store aims to challenge the existing laws and plans to open five more locations in Quebec over the summer. Although the police raid was anticipated, the level of force used on the first day raises questions about the necessity of such action.
While these “grey market” shops have helped individuals in need, the prevalence of illegal dispensaries does raise concerns about safety and regulation. Psychedelics, although considered safe, should be used responsibly, and the unregulated nature of these shops may not provide adequate guidance and support for inexperienced users. Moreover, any negative incidents involving these dispensaries could have a detrimental impact on the larger psychedelic movement. It raises the question of whether dispensary owners have a responsibility to current and future patrons.
FAQs:
Q1: Why did the police raid the mushroom dispensary?
The police raided the dispensary because selling and consuming magic mushrooms is illegal in Canada, except under rare exceptions granted by Health Canada.
Q2: How did the store owner respond to the raid?
The store owner was prepared for the raid and expressed determination to continue operating.
Q3: Is FunGuyz part of a larger chain of dispensaries?
Yes, FunGuyz is part of an illegal chain with multiple locations across Canada.
Q4: What are the concerns about illegal dispensaries?
The concerns include safety and regulation. Unregulated shops may not provide adequate guidance and support for inexperienced users, and any negative incidents could harm the larger psychedelic movement.
