A wave of shops selling hallucinogenic mushrooms is sweeping Canada. Shops with names like Fun Guyz and Shroom City adorn their facades with paintings of rainbow-colored fungi, welcoming passersby with messages of self-discovery. They operate in a grey area: The production, sale and possession of magic mushrooms (psilocybin-containing fungus) are illegal in most Canadian jurisdictions, though health officials say clinical trials have shown therapeutic benefits. But many customers, like Nathan Stewart, 19, don’t care. “I think the government needs to get with it and legalize this,” he says outside one Toronto store. “It can do a lot of good in our community.” Read more magicmushroomsdispensary.ca

A number of factors influence the experience when taking magic mushrooms. In some people, high doses can lead to what’s known as a bad trip, with symptoms such as paranoia and a loss of sense of time or place. The effects can last hours to days. Regular use increases the risk of negative effects, especially among those with psychiatric problems or an existing mental illness.

From Underground to Mainstream: The Rise of Legal Magic Mushroom Dispensaries

The best way to enjoy mushrooms is to buy them from a reputable seller that follows safety guidelines and sells quality products, experts say. Look for a website that provides clear, comprehensive information about the drugs, and steers clear of “too-good-to-be-true” deals. If you are buying mushrooms to try them out, find out whether the seller offers a guarantee, and how long the guarantee is valid. Then make sure to follow safety guidelines, such as drinking plenty of water and avoiding food and drink that could cause nausea or vomiting.