It took five years of public debate, lobbying and bill amendments to make marijuana legal in New Jersey. A similar process is underway to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms, and in the meantime, shopfronts offering a variety of magic mushroom dispensary products are opening up around the state.

Healing Journeys: The Promise of Magic Mushroom Dispensaries

Amanita muscaria, or “magic mushrooms,” are a type of fungus that contain the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin. Psilocybin has been shown to have therapeutic effects in a range of mental illnesses, including depression and PTSD. But the mushroom itself is illegal under federal law. The only way to legally possess and sell them is to have a government-approved “facilitator” oversee your trip.

But the illegal shops that are popping up around the country aren’t using facilitators and are operating in the legal grey area. Many of them are targeting people seeking treatment for mental illness, as well as those looking to microdose.

At Magic Mushroom Co-op, Darren Lyman is selling dried mushrooms and mushroom infused drinks like the TikTok-famous Psychedelic Water — 500 milligrams to four grams of psilocybin in a non-carbonated drink. He has more than 180 varieties of mushrooms on hand, with some providing energy and others relaxation.

CBC visited the storefront in Osborne Village, which is one of more than two dozen across Canada. While some, such as the Fun Guyz chain, are able to sell the drugs with licenses and storefronts, many others operate in the shadows, advertising only online. Regardless, the mushroom shops are growing in popularity.

Electric cars are great for the planet — and they’re easy to drive. They also don’t require complex moving parts, which means they cost less to maintain and repair than conventional vehicles. But EVs are having trouble selling in the used car market. And that’s hurting the industry, as rental companies and dealerships lose money on resale. “When I sell a used EV and get 1% less than I would have, that’s a huge problem,” says VW executive Christian Dahlheim.Resource: https://ev.com/search

Fortunately, a strong used market can help bring EVs to the masses. EVs typically depreciate faster than traditional gas-powered cars, but that can vary depending on the model. And the 2024 point-of-sale tax credit — which becomes a $4,000 purchase discount in 2025 — may encourage even more buyers to take the plunge.

Retro Drive: Finding Your Dream Old Electric Car

When shopping for a used EV, be sure to research the original battery’s capacity. Many manufacturers provide information through their websites, and the VIN can reveal what options were included. Check for the EPA-estimated range, as that will give you a good idea of what to expect in real life. Remember, a battery’s degradation depends on how it was driven and stored, and it can also be affected by the number of charging cycles.

Another way to check an EV’s history is to run a title search through services like Carfax or AutoCheck. These can show a vehicle’s chain of ownership and whether it was ever flooded, branded a lemon, or in a wreck. It can also confirm if it’s eligible for a used-car warranty from the manufacturer or a third-party service provider.