Vancouver dispensaries hope to spur legalization by selling magic mushrooms

Dana Larsen cites studies suggesting psilocybin can help treat people with depression and PTSD

Publishing date:

Apr 03, 2022 • April 3, 2022 • 3 minute read • 8 Comments

Dana Larsen, of the Medical Mushroom Dispensary in Vancouver, with samples of magic mushrooms. Photo by Jason Payne /PNG

Several dispensaries selling magic mushrooms have opened recently in Vancouver in defiance of federal legislation.

Some owners hope the presence of four recently opened shops will lead to legalization, similar to what happened with cannabis. However, in at least one case, the city has issued an order for a shop owner to “cease illegal activity.”

The threat of prosecution or fines hasn’t stopped Dana Larsen, owner of the Coca Leaf Café on the outskirts of the Downtown Eastside, from selling psilocybin, which has been illegal under Canada’s federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act since 1975.

Since spring last year, customers have been able to walk in and purchase grow-it-yourself mushroom kits, and dried, chocolate and capsule forms of the mind-altering substance.

Larsen himself uses the drug, lauding a growing body of research that suggests psychedelics can ease anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms.

“Police have never raided my supply or handcuffed anybody. I don’t anticipate they ever will,” Larsen said. “However, I know we’re not in the clear. I expect more bureaucratic challenges to arise as more dispensaries pop up.”

The City of Vancouver recently launched an investigation into the Coca Leaf Cafe and has issued Larsen for the café an order to “cease illegal activity.”

“The sale of psilocybin products is not permitted and a licence cannot be issued — any location in Vancouver offering these products for sale is subject to enforcement by the city, which may include orders, fines and/or prosecution,” it said in an email statement Friday.

“The city would not have issued a business licence if psilocybin had been…