Sudbury, Ont., magic mushroom store sells illegal product as a form of protest

There's a new store at the corner of Elm and Durham streets called Shroomyz, selling an illegal product: magic mushrooms.

A sign on the window invites customers to 'Walk Into A New Reality.'

There's a new store at the corner of Elm and Durham streets called Shroomyz, selling an illegal product: magic mushrooms. (Alana Everson/CTV News)

We talked to the franchisee and manager of the local store, who asked we not report his last name out of concerns for his family.

"The fact that the product is still illegal I do believe that it is basically up to the police precincts in the area," said Joe.

"I have seen certain stores open and close in different locations, some stores have been relocated. Some stores such as our Ottawa location has not been raided once. So, it’s really up to chance."

He said opening the store is a form a protest, and said they are trying to operate no different than weed dispensaries that operated long before they were strictly legal.

Joe said magic mushrooms helped him after he was diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

"Though I haven’t used them in a couple of years," he said.

"I got what I wanted from them, which is viewing myself from a different perspective and being able to fix the issues that I couldn’t see clearly before."

There's a new store at the corner of Elm and Durham streets called Shroomyz, selling an illegal product: magic mushrooms. (Alana Everson/CTV News)

Joe said it’s also about giving people access to a safe supply because products sold in his store are made in a food safe lab, tested and properly packaged.

"I do believe that people should have safe access, especially not having to go the dealers," he said.

Buying from drug dealers forces users to risk getting products that have been in "contact with other drugs such as fentanyl cocaine or other drugs that can get easily mixed in."

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When asked whether a business licence was issued to 'Shroomyz,' Greater Sudbury had this response:

"City of Greater Sudbury Bylaw Services has not issued a business license to this location. The Business Licensing Bylaw does not apply to this type of establishment."

In response to a question from CTV News, Greater Sudbury Police said in an email it said the matter is under investigation.