Emily Johnson
Mushroom gummies are a supplement made with sweetener, gelling agents, flavour, and powdered functional mushrooms. While some mushroom gummies are made with non-hallucinogenic mushrooms like reishi, lion's mane, and chaga, others are made with hallucinogenic mushrooms like Amanita muscaria or psilocybin. In 2023, several cases of severe illness were reported in Virginia, where five brands of mushroom gummies were found to contain undisclosed ingredients, including psilocybin, psilocin, caffeine, ephedrine, and mitragynine. As a result, health experts are urging consumers to be cautious when purchasing mushroom gummies and to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming these products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Sweetener, gelling agents, flavor, powdered functional mushrooms |
| Types of Mushrooms | Reishi, Lion's Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps, Amanita Muscaria |
| Effects | Boosted immune system, reduced inflammation, increased energy, improved cognitive function, reduced stress, hallucinations, altered perceptions of sight, sound, time, and space |
| Safety | May contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances, including illegal drugs |
| Regulation | Unregulated, may be sold as dietary supplements, foods, or drugs |
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What You'll Learn
Hallucinogenic mushrooms
In modern times, psilocybin mushrooms are still sought after for their psychedelic effects, which can induce hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. These mushrooms contain the active compound psilocybin, which is classified as a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the United States due to its potential for abuse and lack of recognized medical use. Despite their illegal status, psilocybin mushrooms continue to be consumed recreationally, sometimes in the form of microdosing where users ingest small amounts to achieve a milder experience.
The effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms can vary depending on the user's mindset, previous experiences with psychedelics, and the environment in which they consume the mushrooms. A calm and relaxed setting can contribute to a positive experience, while a crowded and noisy place may lead to a negative trip. It is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms can have adverse effects, and consuming them carries certain risks.
In recent years, there have been reports of mushroom-containing products, such as gummies, being sold as nootropics or cognitive enhancers. However, some of these products have been found to contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances, including psilocybin and other unlisted ingredients. Health authorities have issued warnings about the potential risks associated with consuming these unregulated products, emphasizing that consumers should be cautious and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any negative symptoms.
In conclusion, hallucinogenic mushrooms have a complex history and continue to be sought after for their psychedelic effects. While they can induce altered states of consciousness, it is important to approach them with caution due to their potential risks and unknown substances in unregulated products. Responsible use and awareness of local laws and regulations are essential when considering the consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms or mushroom-containing products.
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Functional mushrooms
Mushroom gummies are a convenient and tasty way to consume functional mushrooms. They are made using dehydrated, powdered mushrooms and a gelling agent to create a palatable, grab-and-go option. The mushrooms used in these gummies are cultivated and processed to preserve their nutritional value, and the final product is tested to ensure potency and flavour.
Some common types of functional mushrooms found in mushroom gummies include lion's mane, cordyceps, reishi, chaga, and turkey tail. Each of these mushrooms is associated with various health benefits. For example, lion's mane has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects on gastritis and inflammatory bowel disease, while cordyceps has been linked to increased muscle energy and skin longevity in initial human and animal studies.
The purported benefits of functional mushroom gummies include improved cognitive function, increased energy levels, a boosted immune system, and reduced stress. However, it is important to note that research on the effects of mushroom-derived supplements is still ongoing, and side effects such as allergic reactions or stomach discomfort can occur.
When considering functional mushroom gummies, it is recommended to do your research, be mindful of potential side effects, and choose reputable brands that prioritize natural ingredients and product quality.
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Unregulated products
The unregulated nature of the mushroom gummy market has led to concerns about the accuracy of product labelling and the potential presence of undisclosed and harmful substances.
Mushroom gummies are sold as containing either Amanita muscaria or proprietary mushroom blends. While A. muscaria is legal, it can cause undesirable symptoms, including gastrointestinal upset, agitation, and seizures. As a result, it is less commonly used as a hallucinogen than psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
The unregulated nature of the market has led to concerns about the accuracy of product labelling. Inaccurate labelling is rampant throughout the mushroom edibles market, according to Avery Michienzi, DO, the poison centre's assistant medical director. Testing by Michienzi's team and federal regulators has found that products may contain undisclosed and potentially dangerous or illegal ingredients, including psilocybin, psilocin, kratom, and prescription medications.
The lack of regulation also means that products may contain any number of unlabelled substances that can cause undesirable symptoms when consumed. For example, in September 2023, five people, including a child, were evaluated in Virginia after ingesting gummies listing A. muscaria as an ingredient. The gummies were found to contain unlabelled psilocybin or psilocin, schedule I substances not legal in Virginia. Additional unlabelled substances found included caffeine, ephedrine, and mitragynine (an opioid agonist).
The regulatory requirements for mushroom edibles are murky, as the FDA has not specified whether they should be regulated as dietary supplements, foods, or drugs. This has created a free-for-all for manufacturers, with the term "mushroom edibles" not defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The rise of these unregulated psychoactive products is reminiscent of the boom in synthetic cannabis, with the added concern that hallucinogenic drugs are increasingly "in fashion".
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Health benefits
While some mushroom gummies contain illegal or harmful substances, non-hallucinogenic functional mushrooms have been associated with a variety of health benefits.
Neuropsychologist Karen D. Sullivan, PhD, ABPP, identifies several expected benefits from non-psychoactive mushrooms, such as reishi, lion's mane, cordyceps, and chaga. According to Dr. Sullivan, some of the most notable benefits in medical research include boosting immune function by activating white blood cells, reducing inflammation, increasing energy levels by improving oxygen flow, and reducing oxidative stress and free radicals.
Reishi mushrooms, for example, have been used for centuries in Chinese medicine and are now being used in China as an immune boost after cancer treatment. Studies in mice have also shown that reishi mushrooms may promote sleep and reduce anxiety.
Cordyceps is another type of mushroom that has shown promising effects in initial studies. Consuming cordyceps may boost muscle energy.
In addition to these specific mushroom types, functional mushrooms in general are believed to provide health benefits such as improved cognitive function, increased energy, a boosted immune system, and reduced stress levels.
It is important to note that the side effects of eating mushrooms are usually mild but can occasionally include allergic reactions or stomach discomfort. As with any supplement, it is recommended to do your research and be a critical consumer, paying attention to both the quality and bioavailability of the product.
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Side effects
Mushroom gummies are supplements made with sweetener, gelling agents, flavour, and powdered functional mushrooms. While some mushroom gummies are made from hallucinogenic mushrooms, the focus here is on functional mushrooms. These are both nutritious and have promising health effects but do not induce a hallucinogenic state of consciousness.
Some of the more common nutritional mushrooms that may be included in popular mushroom gummies include cordyceps, chaga, lion's mane, reishi, maitake, and turkey tail. However, some vendors sell a product that contains Amanita muscaria mushrooms, one of the deadliest types of psychedelic mushrooms. These mushrooms contain no psilocybin but instead have muscimol as the active ingredient, a dangerous agonist for the GABA receptor that causes intense depressant effects.
The side effects of eating mushrooms are usually mild but can occasionally happen. The main reported side effects of eating functional mushrooms are allergic reactions or various forms of stomach discomfort, such as gas or diarrhea. Some mushroom varieties may cause stomach irritation, either initially or over time.
Hallucinogenic mushroom gummies, which are usually illegal, can cause unpredictable, potentially dangerous behaviour, which can lead to injuries. They may also cause disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. The only way to eliminate the risk of a bad trip is by not consuming these mushrooms.
There is also a risk of overdose, which can lead to "bad trips" and other mental health issues. In addition, with no regulatory oversight, there is no way of knowing how much psilocybin is contained within any given batch of mushroom gummies. These products often contain unlabelled substances, including illegal drugs like psilocybin and psilocin, posing serious public health risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom gummies are supplements made with sweetener, gelling agents, flavour, and powdered functional mushrooms.
The safety of mushroom gummies depends on their ingredients. Some mushroom gummies have been found to contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances, including illegal drugs. However, there are also mushroom gummies that are made with non-psychoactive mushrooms and are generally considered safe.
Non-hallucinogenic functional mushrooms in gummies have been associated with a variety of health benefits, including boosting immune function, reducing inflammation, increasing energy levels, and reducing stress.
The side effects of eating mushrooms are usually mild but can include allergic reactions or stomach discomfort, such as gas or diarrhea. Some mushroom varieties may also cause stomach irritation.
The legality of mushroom gummies depends on their ingredients and the location where they are sold or consumed. Some mushroom gummies contain psychoactive substances that are illegal in certain places, while non-psychoactive mushroom gummies may be legal in more places. However, the regulatory requirements for mushroom edibles are murky, and the industry is largely unregulated.
