The owners of a Vancouver chain that sells magic mushrooms are hoping to follow the same path as pot dispensaries, which have been legalized in Canada. But they’ll have to overcome some obstacles.

Inside the small studio, Darren Lyman goes over the options for the members of his mushroom co-op. He sells magic mushroom dispensary by the ounce and half-ounce, for a fee that includes a conversation about the intoxicating effects of magic mushrooms and how they can help people with mental illnesses like depression, addiction and PTSD. He says his customers often come in with a problem, and he wants to be there to guide them through the process of using mushroom medicine.

The Science Behind Magic Mushrooms: Understanding How They Work in the Brain

Despite the risk, the mushroom business is booming. Storefronts selling psilocybin mushrooms have sprouted in cities across Canada and online, as consumers seek out psychedelics that can help with anxiety and depression. But government regulators have turned a blind eye, and the legal gray area creates opportunities for sellers and challenges for police.

There’s no evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on psilocybin mushrooms, and there’s no reason to think they are more dangerous than other drugs, including alcohol, marijuana and amphetamines. However, the drugs are still illegal to produce, sell and possess in most contexts, and the spores used to grow them can carry contamination that could cause adverse side effects. Some people may also experience psilocybin-related flashbacks, which are unpleasant and can be frightening.