Emma Wilson
Mushroom gummies are supplements made with sweeteners, gelling agents, and dehydrated powdered mushrooms. They are marketed as a convenient and palatable way to obtain the nutritional and health benefits of mushrooms. While some mushroom gummies are intended to provide the health benefits of non-hallucinogenic mushrooms, others are explicitly marketed as containing hallucinogenic mushrooms. These hallucinogenic mushroom gummies are often sold as nootropics or psychedelics, and may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of mushrooms | Reishi, cordyceps, chaga, lion's mane, Amanita muscaria, psilocybin |
| Health benefits | Boost to muscle energy, skin longevity, therapeutic effects for gastritis and inflammatory bowel disease, positive impact on cognition with early Alzheimer's disease, reduced depression |
| Side effects | Interference with blood clotting, affect blood sugar levels, hallucinations, agitation, gastrointestinal upset, seizures, tachycardia, coma, psychosis, overdose |
| Other ingredients | Sweetener, gelling agents, flavor, organic tapioca syrup, organic cane sugar, natural flavors, caffeine, ephedrine, kratom |
| Availability | Retail shops, online stores, smoke/vape shops, gas stations, convenience stores |
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What You'll Learn
Health benefits and risks
Mushrooms have been used for their health benefits in cultures across the globe. Nowadays, you can buy them in the form of mushroom gummies, pills, and even coffee alternatives. The gummies are made with sweeteners, gelling agents, flavor, and powdered functional mushrooms.
Some of the more common nutritional mushrooms that may be included in popular mushroom gummies are cordyceps and lion's mane. Initial studies in humans and animals have shown promising effects from eating cordyceps, including a boost to muscle energy and skin longevity. Lion's mane has shown therapeutic effects for gastritis and inflammatory bowel disease, positive impacts on cognition with early Alzheimer's disease, and reduced depression.
However, it is important to note that mushroom products are not FDA-approved and may contain unspecified and unknown ingredients or contaminants. Some mushroom products list psilocybin or muscimol on the list of ingredients. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring hallucinogenic chemical found in certain types of mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms." Muscimol has hallucinogenic effects and is found in certain species of Amanita mushrooms, known as "Fly Agaric."
There have been several cases of people requiring hospital evaluation after ingesting mushroom gummies. In one case, five people, including a 3-year-old child, were sickened after consuming gummies that contained dangerous, illegal hallucinogens not listed on the label. In another case, four adults and one child were treated and released from the hospital after consuming mushroom gummies, with the child requiring an overnight stay. The gummies were found to contain illegal hallucinogens and other harmful ingredients not listed on the label.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming mushroom gummies, especially if you are on other medications. Some specific concerns include interactions with immunosuppressants, blood thinners, and diabetes medications. For example, reishi mushrooms may interfere with blood clotting, while cordyceps could affect blood sugar levels. It is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before consuming any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medication.
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Side effects
While functional mushroom gummies are legal in the United States, the industry lacks extensive published research, and the US government neither regulates legal mushroom supplements nor verifies their health benefit claims. The side effects of consuming mushroom gummies vary depending on the type of mushroom and the individual's body.
The most common 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. It is recommended that before trying a mushroom gummy with multiple functional mushrooms, one should first eat whole mushrooms of each variety individually and observe how their body reacts.
Hallucinogenic mushroom gummies, which are usually illegal, can cause unpredictable, potentially dangerous behavior, which can lead to injuries. They can also cause disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. The effects of psilocybin vary widely, and adverse side effects are often mild or moderate and may resolve with time, but some people may require medical treatment.
In addition, with no regulatory oversight, there is no way of knowing exactly how much, if any, psilocybin is contained within any given batch of mushroom gummies. These products often contain unlabeled substances, including illegal drugs like psilocybin and psilocin, posing serious public health risks. Many consumers are unaware of the potential dangers associated with consuming unregulated and inaccurately labeled products that may contain numerous undisclosed ingredients.
Furthermore, some vendors sell products containing 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. Amanita mushrooms contain three toxins that are deadly to humans: amatoxins, phallotoxins, and virotoxins.
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Drug interactions
The consumption of mushroom gummies has led to several cases of hospitalisation, with some patients requiring overnight stays. Investigations have revealed that some mushroom gummies contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances, including controlled substances and illegal drugs.
Mushroom gummies are often marketed as nootropics, or substances that enhance cognitive function. They may also be marketed as psychedelics. These products are not regulated and can contain any number of unlabelled substances.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has found that some mushroom gummies contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are classified as Schedule I substances, meaning they have no medical use and a high potential for abuse. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain mushrooms, known as magic mushrooms. It is a psychoactive drug that can induce euphoria, sensory distortion, and hallucinations.
Consuming mushroom gummies that contain psilocybin can be dangerous, especially when combined with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications. Combining psilocybin with drugs like ice, speed, or ecstasy can increase the chances of a "bad trip" and lead to panic. Psilocybin should not be taken by people on psychiatric medications as it could cause a relapse or worsening of the condition.
In addition to the risks associated with psilocybin, consuming mushroom gummies may also lead to adverse effects due to interactions with other substances. Dr Sullivan warns that specific concerns include interactions with immunosuppressants, blood thinners, and diabetes medications. For example, reishi mushrooms may interfere with blood clotting, while cordyceps and chaga mushrooms can affect blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for those on insulin or other diabetes medications.
It is important to carefully consider the potential risks and side effects before consuming mushroom gummies, especially if you are taking any other medications. Consulting a healthcare professional before combining mushroom supplements with medication is advisable.
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Unregulated market
The market for mushroom gummies is largely unregulated. This means that consumers have no way of knowing what they are putting into their bodies or the harm the substances could cause. Mushroom gummies are often marketed as health supplements, with claims that they can improve mental alertness and focus, boost immunity and energy, and enhance relaxation. However, there is little evidence to support these health claims.
The lack of regulation means that companies can operate in a legal grey area, with some brands leveraging the "functional mushroom" trend to market products that contain psilocybin, a Schedule I drug with no medical use and a high potential for abuse. Psilocybin is the best-known psychedelic substance derived from "magic" mushrooms. Other mushroom gummy products may contain Amanita muscaria, a mushroom that contains the psychoactive compounds muscimol and ibotenic acid. These compounds can be more toxic than fentanyl, cocaine, and PCP, and there have been several published case studies of hospitalizations and deaths resulting from Amanita muscaria consumption.
The unregulated nature of the market also allows companies to make misleading claims and use inaccurate labelling. For example, companies may present their products as food products while using euphemisms to hide their ingredients. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about the products they are purchasing.
The issue of regulation is further complicated by the fact that the FDA has not clearly specified whether mushroom edibles should be regulated as dietary supplements, foods, or drugs. This has created a situation where brands are effectively skirting regulation altogether. As a result, consumers are urged to exercise caution and conduct thorough research when purchasing mushroom gummies, especially from brands that obscure the nature of their ingredients.
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Types of mushrooms used
While mushroom gummies are often marketed as a health supplement, they can be dangerous and cause severe acute illnesses. Some mushroom gummies contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances, including illegal hallucinogens.
The types of mushrooms used in mushroom gummies can vary. Some of the more common nutritional mushrooms used in popular mushroom gummies include:
Cordyceps
Initial studies in humans and animals have shown promising effects from consuming cordyceps, including increased muscle energy and improved skin longevity. Studies in test tubes and mice also indicate that cordyceps may inhibit the growth of tumors and other human cancer cells. However, more human subjects research is needed to reinforce these initial findings.
Lion's Mane
Lion's mane mushrooms have string-like structures and are supported by strong evidence as a beneficial dietary addition. Studies suggest that they may have therapeutic effects for gastritis and inflammatory bowel disease, although further human studies are required to confirm these effects. Lion's mane mushrooms also show positive impacts on cognition in early Alzheimer's disease and have been linked to reduced depression and anxiety in some studies.
Chaga
Chaga mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional medicine, dating back centuries. Modern studies have indicated potential anti-inflammatory properties, and they are also believed to influence blood sugar levels.
Reishi
Reishi mushrooms are known to interfere with blood clotting, so caution is advised for individuals on certain medications, such as blood thinners or immunosuppressants.
It is important to note that the effects and safety of these mushroom gummies depend on the specific types of mushrooms used and their potential interactions with other substances or medications. Some mushrooms, like cordyceps and chaga, can affect blood sugar levels, which is crucial information for individuals on diabetes medications.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom gummies are supplements made with sweeteners, gelling agents, and flavor, as well as powdered functional mushrooms. They are often marketed as a way to gain the health benefits of mushrooms without having to cook them.
Mushrooms have long been used for their health benefits in cultures across the globe. Some common nutritional mushrooms included in mushroom gummies are cordyceps and lion's mane. Initial studies on cordyceps show promising effects, including a boost to muscle energy and skin longevity. Studies on lion's mane show therapeutic effects for gastritis and inflammatory bowel disease, positive impacts on cognition with early Alzheimer's disease, and reduced depression.
Mushroom gummies are not regulated, so their contents and safety are questionable. Some mushroom gummies have been found to contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances, including illegal drugs. It is important to be aware of the potential benefits and side effects of mushroom gummies before consuming them.
If you are on other medications prescribed by your doctor, it may be wise to talk to them before consuming mushroom gummies, as there may be interactions with immunosuppressants, blood thinners, and diabetes medications. People who are allergic to sweeteners, coloring agents, or gelling substances used in gummies should also be cautious when consuming mushroom gummies.
