John Miller
Mushroom gummies are soaring in popularity across the U.S. and beyond, with consumers seeking a variety of mind-altering experiences, from mild boosts in focus to full-blown psychedelic trips. However, the regulatory landscape surrounding these products is murky, and they have been linked to severe illnesses and even deaths. While the mushroom species Amanita muscaria is currently legal in most U.S. states, the actual contents of these novel edibles are often unknown, and they may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients. This has sparked concern among health authorities and experts, who are urging consumers to exercise caution when considering these products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality | Amanita muscaria and its constituents are not scheduled substances, so they are legal for US consumers to possess (except in Louisiana). However, products containing this mushroom may fall into a legal and regulatory grey area as existing laws do not definitively address whether they can be produced and distributed commercially. |
| Safety | There have been numerous reports of people falling ill and requiring hospitalisation after consuming mushroom gummies. In some cases, children have accidentally consumed these products. |
| Regulation | Mushroom gummies are not regulated and may contain unlabelled substances. |
| Effects | Mushroom gummies are often marketed as nootropics, claiming to improve cognition and brain health. They can also be psychoactive and hallucinogenic. |
| Ingredients | Some mushroom gummies have been found to contain undisclosed ingredients, including the illegal substances psilocybin and psilocin, as well as muscimol and ibotenic acid. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushroom gummies may contain undisclosed illegal drugs
Mushroom gummies, which are rising in popularity, may contain undisclosed illegal drugs, such as psilocybin and psilocin, which are classified as Schedule I substances by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These substances are illegal at both the federal and state levels and have no medical use, with a high potential for abuse.
Between September 2023 and June 2024, five people, including a 3-year-old child, were hospitalised after ingesting mushroom gummies. The gummies were labelled to contain Amanita muscaria, a type of mushroom that is currently legal and less commonly used as a hallucinogen. However, testing of five brands of these gummies revealed that three of them contained undisclosed Schedule I substances.
The presence of undisclosed substances in mushroom gummies is a significant concern as it poses a risk to public health. People who consume these products may experience adverse effects, including hallucinations, altered mental status, tachycardia, gastrointestinal upset, seizures, and other undesired symptoms. It is important to note that typical hospital drug screens may not detect the substances present in these gummies, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging.
The lack of regulation in the mushroom gummy industry exacerbates the problem. These products are not subject to the same stringent manufacturing standards as pharmaceutical drugs or food items, and their effects have not been thoroughly studied. As a result, consumers may unknowingly ingest harmful substances, believing that the products are safe simply because they are legal to purchase.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that some mushroom gummy manufacturers include QR codes on their packaging, claiming that the products have been lab-tested and only contain the listed ingredients. However, these claims have been found to be inaccurate in some cases, highlighting the need for better regulation and oversight in this industry.
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They are often marketed as nootropics or psychedelics
Mushroom gummies are often marketed as nootropics or psychedelics. Nootropics are substances that claim to improve cognition and brain health. They are also known as "smart drugs" and are said to increase mental alertness and focus.
The mushrooms listed in Uncle Frogs' gummies, for example, are used as nootropics, often together with psychoactive drugs like cannabis or psychedelics to enhance the effects of those drugs. However, the company faced backlash when some customers were hospitalized with hallucinations. The recall of the gummies sparked concern about the spread of natural stimulants such as herbs and fungi in everyday products.
The rise of these unregulated psychoactive products is reminiscent of the boom in synthetic cannabis years ago, except now hallucinogenic drugs are increasingly "in fashion". These unregulated products promise a range of health benefits, but there is little evidence to support these claims.
Mushroom gummies are soaring in popularity across the U.S., claiming to offer a variety of mind-altering experiences, from mild to psychedelic trips. However, it is difficult to know exactly what is in these mushroom edibles, and they may contain undisclosed and harmful ingredients. For example, in September 2023, five people required hospital evaluation after ingesting gummies labeled to contain Amanita muscaria. Three out of the five brands of gummies that were analyzed contained unlabeled Schedule I substances psilocybin and psilocin.
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They can cause severe illness and hospitalisation
Mushroom gummies are psychoactive products that have been linked to severe illness and hospitalisation. In one instance, a child was hospitalised after consuming two mushroom gummies. The child's symptoms included sleepiness and vomiting, and they were discharged after one day.
In another instance, a man was hospitalised and started convulsing after consuming a chocolate bar that may have contained mushrooms. The man's condition was so severe that he was admitted to the ICU.
In June 2024, the company Prophet Premium Blends recalled its Diamond Shruumz edible mushroom products after a number of users fell ill. The Food and Drug Administration identified 74 illnesses in 28 states linked to the edibles, including 38 hospitalisations and two possible deaths. The severe symptoms reported by those who became ill included seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion and abnormal heart rates.
The lack of regulation in the mushroom gummy industry is a significant concern. These products are often manufactured overseas and are not subject to any regulatory authority, which means that they may not be safe for consumption. The contents of these products are often unknown, and they may contain undisclosed and harmful ingredients. For example, testing of some mushroom gummy products has revealed the presence of unlisted Drug Enforcement Administration Schedule I substances such as psilocybin and psilocin. These substances are illegal and have no medical use, yet they are being sold to consumers without their knowledge or consent.
The potential for harm is significant, and the public should be aware of the risks associated with consuming these products. It is essential to seek immediate medical attention if any adverse symptoms are experienced after consuming mushroom gummies or similar products.
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They are not regulated and may contain unlisted substances
Mushroom gummies are not regulated and may contain unlisted substances. This means that consumers may be ingesting unknown and potentially harmful ingredients.
In the United States, the FDA has not provided clear guidelines on how mushroom edibles should be regulated, leaving a regulatory grey area that manufacturers can exploit. As a result, products like Uncle Frog's Mushroom Gummies have been manufactured and sold overseas without being subject to any Australian regulatory authority.
The lack of regulation means that mushroom gummies may contain undisclosed ingredients that can lead to severe illness and even hospitalization. For example, in the US, the brand Diamond Shruumz has been linked to seizures, blackouts, heart problems, nausea, vomiting, agitation, and other side effects, with at least three deaths potentially attributed to the product. Similarly, in Australia, Uncle Frog's Mushroom Gummies were withdrawn from sale after customers experienced disturbing hallucinations and had to be hospitalized.
The actual contents of mushroom gummies are often unknown or inaccurately represented on package labels. For instance, researchers at UVA Health analyzed "brain health" gummies after five people, including a 3-year-old child, fell ill and discovered that three out of five brands contained psilocybin or psilocin, Schedule I substances with no medical use and a high potential for abuse. These substances are illegal at both the federal and state levels in the US.
The unregulated nature of the mushroom gummy industry highlights the need for caution among consumers. The potential presence of unlisted substances and the lack of standardized manufacturing processes underscore the risks associated with these products. Consumers should be aware that "legal" does not always equate to "safe," and it is essential to consider the potential health risks and unknown effects of ingesting these unregulated products.
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They are rising in popularity, especially in the US
Mushroom gummies are rising in popularity, especially in the US. This is evident from the proliferation of these products in online stores, smoke shops, convenience stores, and gas stations. The increasing demand for mushroom edibles has resulted in a booming business for shops like ShroomLand LA, a mushroom dispensary in Los Angeles.
The appeal of mushroom gummies lies in their promise of a variety of mind-altering experiences. These experiences range from mild boosts in focus, often marketed as "microdoses," to psychedelic trips. The effects are often attributed to psilocybin, a Schedule I chemical found in magic mushrooms. However, it's important to note that the specific mushroom or compound present in these products is not always disclosed on the label, making it challenging to determine their exact contents.
The rise in popularity of mushroom gummies has also brought increased scrutiny due to safety concerns. There have been numerous reports of people falling ill after consuming these products, with symptoms including seizures, blackouts, heart problems, nausea, vomiting, confusion, abnormal heart rates, and even hallucinations. The exact causes of these illnesses are still being investigated, and the regulatory landscape surrounding mushroom edibles remains complex and ambiguous.
In response to the growing popularity and safety concerns, health authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued warnings and urged consumers to refrain from using certain brands of mushroom gummies. The FDA has also emphasized the potential presence of undisclosed ingredients and the lack of regulation in these products, highlighting the risks associated with consuming them.
The popularity of mushroom gummies in the US can be attributed to various factors, including the promise of mind-altering experiences, the perceived health benefits, and the ease of access through online and physical stores. However, with the rise in popularity, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of the potential risks, the possibility of unlisted harmful ingredients, and the lack of regulatory oversight in this emerging market.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom gummies are candies that contain mushrooms with psychoactive properties, such as Amanita muscaria. They are often marketed as nootropics, which are substances that claim to improve cognition and brain health.
Mushroom gummies are not safe for consumption. They have been linked to a range of adverse effects, including seizures, blackouts, heart problems, nausea, vomiting, agitation, hallucinations, and even death.
Mushroom gummies are considered a drug due to their psychoactive properties. They often contain hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin, psilocin, and muscimol, which can alter mood, perception, and behavior.
The legality of mushroom gummies varies depending on the location and the specific ingredients. In the United States, Amanita muscaria and its constituents are not classified as controlled substances, so they are legal to possess in most states. However, the production and distribution of mushroom gummies fall into a legal grey area due to a lack of clear regulations from the FDA. In Australia, Uncle Frog's Mushroom Gummies were withdrawn from sale after customers experienced hallucinations and other adverse effects.
