Sentencing hearing for ‘magic mushrooms’ advocate

A man charged following a raid on an unsanctioned magic mushroom dispensary was back in court Friday. CTV’s Nick Paparella explains.

In June 2023, the London Police Service raided the Fun Guyz store on Richmond Street near Horton.

At the time Samer Akila, 33, was charged and later pled not guilty to possession for the purpose of trafficking psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms.

While going through the court process, Akila brought forward a constitutional challenge arguing laws that ban the use of psilocybin violate the freedom of thought.

Earlier this year, the challenge was shot down by the courts and Akila was found guilty.

In February, Akila told the court he was leaving the country to visit a sick relative and hasn’t returned to London, making his court appearances via Zoom.

On Friday he once again appeared from Egypt in the same manner for his sentencing hearing.

His lawyer Paul Lewin argued his client wanted people to benefit from the use of psilocybin saying, “He did it because he believes in these issues.”

Federal Crown Vincent Mazza argued the accused has shown no remorse adding, “Mr. Akila knew that what he was doing was illegal...he thought he was doing a good thing because he was doing it through a fancy storefront.”

Mazza continued, “He knew he was breaking the law, and he continued to do it, he didn’t care.”

The Crown is asking that Akila receive a 20,000 fine with the defence asking for a $1,000 penalty.

Justice George Orsini will hand down his decision on the case on Dec. 16.