OTTAWA (True Post): Ottawa police have arrested two people following a raid on an allegedly illegal cannabis shop in the Canadian capital. Officers seized cannabis edibles, magic mushrooms, tobacco and vaping products, along with cash, mobile phones and a computer.
According to the Ottawa Police Service, the search was conducted at Castle Heights Cannabis, located at 605 Center Street in the Forbes community, east of Vanier. Police obtained a judicial search warrant before carrying out the operation.
During the search, officers reportedly discovered several products being sold at the premises, including cannabis-infused edibles and psilocybin, the psychoactive substance commonly found in magic mushrooms. Tobacco and electronic vaping products were also seized.
Police said two individuals were arrested following the investigation and charged under Canada’s Cannabis Act. Both were subsequently released under certain conditions.
Illegal Cannabis Sales Remain a Challenge in Canada
Canada legalized recreational cannabis in 2018, but illegal sales continue to pose challenges despite the expansion of the regulated cannabis market.
According to Health Canada data cited in the report, the proportion of cannabis users obtaining their products through legal sources increased from approximately 37 per cent in 2019 to 72 per cent in 2024.
Meanwhile, a 2025 survey examining public attitudes toward Canada’s cannabis industry found that 59 per cent of respondents believed the federal government should do more to support employment and innovation in the sector. Another 43 per cent supported stronger enforcement against the illegal cannabis market.
The latest raid highlights the ongoing efforts by Ottawa police to crack down on unauthorized cannabis sales and related business activities.
Despite the growth of Canada’s legal cannabis industry, authorities continue to face challenges in curbing illegal operations while protecting consumers and supporting the regulated market.
