Emma Wilson
Mushroom gummies are candies that contain psychedelic mushrooms and promise consumers a new, legal way to get high. While the idea of a healthy high is appealing, the reality is that these products are largely unregulated and may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients. There have been several cases of people, including children, being hospitalized after consuming mushroom gummies. Testing has revealed the presence of illegal hallucinogens and other unlisted substances in these products, raising concerns about their safety. With the growing popularity of mushroom edibles, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks and for regulators to address the legal and regulatory grey areas surrounding these products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | May contain undisclosed, illegal, and harmful ingredients, such as psilocybin, psilocin, ephedrine, and kratom |
| Regulatory Status | Exist in a legal grey area, with unclear FDA classification as dietary supplements, foods, or drugs |
| Side Effects | May cause undesired symptoms, including hallucinations, agitation, gastrointestinal upset, seizures, and illness requiring hospitalization |
| Marketing | Often marketed as "nootropics" or brain health supplements, claiming to improve cognition and provide a legal high |
| Labelling | Inaccurate and misleading labelling is common, with unlisted ingredients and false safety claims |
| Consumer Risk | Consumers may unintentionally ingest illegal substances and experience adverse effects, especially children |
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What You'll Learn
Mushroom gummies are making people sick, but it's unclear why
Mushroom gummies are increasingly making people sick, but the exact reasons remain unclear. While some sources point to the psychoactive mushroom Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, as the culprit, others suggest that undisclosed additives and inaccurate labelling may be to blame.
Amanita muscaria is a mushroom species with a long history of medicinal and cultural use. It contains the psychoactive compounds muscimol and ibotenic acid, which can cause hallucinations, agitation, gastrointestinal issues, and seizures. However, it is not a controlled substance and is legal for consumers to possess in most parts of the US.
Recent reports have linked mushroom gummies containing Amanita muscaria or other mushrooms to severe illnesses. Between September 2023 and June 2024, five people in Virginia required hospital evaluation after ingesting gummies labelled to contain Amanita muscaria. Testing of these products revealed the presence of unlabelled and potentially harmful substances, including psilocybin and psilocin (Schedule I substances), kratom (a natural plant with opioid-like effects), and prescription medications.
The presence of undisclosed and potentially toxic ingredients in mushroom gummies has raised concerns among experts and regulators. Dr. Avery Michienzi, a medical toxicologist, warns that the products "could be anything," and the lack of clear regulations in the US has created a legal grey area. The analysis of these products is challenging, and the rise of unregulated psychoactive products poses a potential risk to public health.
While the exact causes of the illnesses remain under investigation, the symptoms experienced by those who consumed the gummies include elevated heart rate, nausea, anxiety, and hallucinations. Some sources suggest that the cannabis component in the gummies may be responsible for the adverse reactions, but investigations are ongoing.
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Some mushroom edibles contain alarming additives
Mushroom edibles are causing a wave of illnesses, bringing scrutiny to the market and its regulatory framework. While the mushroom itself, Amanita muscaria, is not a scheduled substance and is legal for US consumers to possess (except in Louisiana), the regulatory requirements for mushroom edibles are unclear. The FDA has not specified whether mushroom edibles must be regulated as dietary supplements, foods, or drugs, creating a free-for-all for manufacturers.
This regulatory grey area has resulted in a proliferation of mushroom edible products that contain alarming additives. Testing by Dr. Avery Michienzi's team at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and federal regulators has revealed that these products may contain a wide range of undisclosed and potentially dangerous or illegal ingredients. These include Schedule I substances like psilocybin and psilocin, kratom (an herb with opioid-like effects), and even prescription medications, including stimulants.
The presence of undisclosed substances in mushroom edibles has led to severe illnesses and hospitalisations. In one instance, five people required hospital evaluation after ingesting Nootropic gummies labelled to contain Amanita muscaria but instead contained unlabelled Schedule I substances. In another case, 10 patients in the US were hospitalised, with several requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation, after consuming products containing psychoactive compounds such as cannabis or mushroom extracts.
The lack of regulation in this market has significant implications for public health. Health care providers and the public should be aware that edible products marketed as mushroom-containing nootropics or psychedelics might contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients. Consumers should exercise caution and be vigilant about the potential risks associated with these products.
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The market for mushroom edibles is growing
While there are mounting safety concerns regarding the consumption of mushroom edibles, with several reports of people falling sick due to undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients, the market for mushroom edibles is indeed growing. This growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for plant-based and vegan food options, the rising number of chronic diseases, and the perceived health benefits of edible mushrooms.
The global mushroom market is projected to expand significantly in the coming years. For instance, the market size was valued at USD 50.3 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 115.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.7% from 2022 to 2030. Another source estimates the market size to be US$72.299 billion in 2025, projected to reach US$102.626 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.27%.
One of the key drivers of this growth is the increasing demand for plant-based and vegan food options. Mushrooms are considered a meat substitute and a protein-rich vegan source, offering nearly 3.3 g of protein per 100 g of serving. The rising vegan population, combined with the growing preference for plant-based nutrition, is expected to fuel the market for edible mushrooms. The Vegan Society reported that the Veganuary campaign saw record-high sign-ups, with over 700,000 people worldwide participating, reflecting this growing trend.
Additionally, the increasing number of chronic diseases worldwide is also augmenting the market growth. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, vitamin B, potassium, and copper, and they have been associated with various health benefits, including metabolic improvement, cholesterol-lowering, and potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. With six out of ten adults in the United States suffering from at least one chronic disease, the awareness of the health benefits of edible mushrooms is expected to boost market growth.
The demand for fresh mushrooms, in particular, is skyrocketing and fueling market growth. The fresh form dominated the mushroom market with a revenue share of 89.5% in 2021. The United States is a major supplier and consumer of fresh mushrooms, and the demand for organic and unprocessed food options is expected to further drive the market.
While the market for mushroom edibles is expanding, it is important to address the safety concerns associated with these products. The presence of undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients, including controlled substances, underscores the need for better regulation and consumer awareness.
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The regulatory requirements for mushroom edibles are murky
The lack of clear regulations has also led to inaccurate labelling and the inclusion of undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients. For instance, testing of mushroom edible products has revealed the presence of psilocybin, psilocin, ephedrine, and kratom, an herb with opioid-like effects. These substances are not always listed on the product labels, putting consumers at risk of experiencing adverse effects.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that some of the mushrooms used in these products, such as Amanita muscaria, are not classified as controlled substances. This means that while they may be legal to possess, the commercial production and distribution of these mushrooms are not explicitly addressed by existing laws.
The regulatory ambiguity surrounding mushroom edibles has led to concerns about consumer safety. There have been reports of people falling ill and requiring hospitalisation after consuming mushroom-containing products. In some cases, these products have been found to contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances.
Given the potential risks associated with consuming mushroom edibles, it is essential that consumers exercise caution and be aware of the possible presence of undisclosed and harmful ingredients. Clear and effective regulations are needed to address this issue and protect public health.
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Inaccurate labelling is rampant in the mushroom edibles market
The safety of mushroom edibles has come under scrutiny, with a wave of illnesses and even some deaths linked to these products. While the specific causes are still being investigated, testing has revealed concerning discrepancies between the listed and actual ingredients in these products, indicating that inaccurate labelling is rampant in the mushroom edibles market.
Testing of mushroom edibles by Dr. Avery Michienzi's team at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and federal regulators has revealed undisclosed and potentially dangerous or illegal ingredients. These include psilocybin, psilocin, kratom, and even prescription medications such as stimulants and anticonvulsants. These substances can have harmful effects, including seizures, hallucinations, gastrointestinal upset, and opioid dependence.
In one example, five people required hospital evaluation after ingesting Nootropic gummies labelled to contain Amanita muscaria. However, the gummies were found to contain unlabelled Schedule I substances, including psilocybin and psilocin, which are not legal in Virginia. This incident highlights the risks associated with consuming mushroom edibles that may contain undisclosed and illegal substances.
The regulatory landscape for mushroom edibles is complex and unclear, allowing brands to slip through the cracks and avoid regulation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that "mushroom edibles" is not a defined term in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, making it challenging to determine the appropriate jurisdiction for these products. This lack of clear regulation enables manufacturers to operate in a free-for-all market, where products may be sold without proper oversight or ingredient disclosure.
The presence of undisclosed substances in mushroom edibles poses a significant risk to consumers. With limited information on the actual ingredients, it is challenging for consumers to make informed decisions about the safety and potential side effects of these products. The current situation underscores the need for stricter regulation and transparency in the mushroom edibles market to protect consumer health and ensure product safety.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushroom gummies are not safe. They have been linked to severe illnesses and hospitalizations. These products are not regulated and can contain any number of unlabeled substances, including illegal drugs, that can cause undesired symptoms.
Side effects of consuming mushroom gummies include disturbing hallucinations, agitation, gastrointestinal upset, and seizures. In some cases, people have also experienced a string of illnesses and convulsions.
Mushroom gummies fall into a legal and regulatory grey area. Amanita muscaria, the mushroom that is claimed to be used in gummies, is legal for consumers to possess in the US except in Louisiana. However, laws do not address whether it can be produced and distributed commercially.
