The Funguyz magic mushroom shops, which plan to set up in Montreal and Laval, are not welcome in the metropolis, said Valérie Plante on Friday.
The mayor said the police will crack down if the company carries out its plan.
“We hear about companies selling magic mushrooms that want to establish themselves in Montreal as they did in Toronto. I would like to remind you that the sale of these products is illegal in Quebec, in Montreal, in Canada, ”she said. “Of course, the police, the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) will act accordingly,” she added.
Asked about her position on the decriminalization of drugs, Valérie Plante reiterated the importance of respecting the legislation currently in force: “As mayoress of Montéal, what I want is to apply the law. I will make sure the law is enforced. »
The Press revealed Friday morning that the chain of stores plans to open two branches in Greater Montreal. “There is a strong interest”, explained Edgars Gorbans, co-owner of Funguyz, in an interview.
He said he hopes his Quebec stores will enjoy some tolerance from the authorities. “These towns have much bigger problems to deal with than psilocybin,” the scientific name for the magic mushroom’s active compound, he said. “The police realize all the resources it requires: money, officers, etc. We raid, arrest someone, charge them, but then what? Even if she manages to convict an employee for selling psilocybin, which is safe, what will be the sentence? We only sell psilocybin; no cannabis or other drugs. »
With Charles-Eric Blais-Poulin