Erik Loewen Friesen

2 papers in the library · 8 citations · publishing 2025-2026

Papers

Psilocybin Dispensaries and Online Health Claims in Canada

JAMA Network Open April 1, 2025 Jenna Matsukubo, Sarah Dickson, Jennifer Xiao et al. 7 citations

As of May 2024, 57 psilocybin dispensaries operated in Canada, located in 15 of 42 major cities (35.7%) and concentrated in Ontario and British Columbia. Most stores (61.4%) were part of a chain, 91.2% had an online presence, and all sold dried mushrooms, with many also offering microdosing capsules, chocolates, and gummies. 65.2% sold products mimicking popular food brands. Among stores with websites, 86.4% claimed mental health benefits such as alleviating anxiety, yet warnings about driving, pregnancy, or history of psychosis were rare (9.1%, 13.6%, and 31.8% respectively). The findings suggest a need for greater regulatory measures to protect the public.

DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.2853 Psilocybin Dispensary Business Advertising +4

Psilocybin retail stores in Canada: Changes in availability, commercialization, and geographic distribution

Canadian Journal of Public Health March 19, 2026 Jenna Matsukubo, Erik Loewen Friesen, Rachael MacDonald-Spracklin et al. 1 citation

Between 2024 and 2025, the number of physical psilocybin retail stores in Canada increased from 57 to 75, a 33% rise in stores per 100,000 people (0.18 to 0.24). The proportion of Canadians living within a 10-minute walk of a store rose from 1.4% to 1.7%. However, 30 of the original 57 stores closed, while 48 new ones opened, indicating rapid turnover. Two large chains operated 44% of all stores in 2025, and 97% were located in Ontario and British Columbia. In Toronto and Vancouver, 9.5% and 29.0% of residents, respectively, lived within a 10-minute walk of a store. Most stores sold dried mushrooms, microdose capsules, and infused edibles online, with 69% offering products mimicking commercial snack brands.

DOI: 10.17269/s41997-026-01178-x