Sarah Brown
Mushroom edibles are soaring in popularity across the U.S. and exist in a legal grey area. They are often marketed as nootropics or psychedelics, and may be sold as gummies, chocolate bars, or other food items. The ingredients in these products are often not specified and may simply be listed as a proprietary mushroom blend or magic blend. These blends are not fully disclosed on the packaging and may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances. For example, testing by the Blue Ridge Poison Center found that four out of six bags across three brands contained psilocybin or psilocin, hallucinogenic substances classified as Schedule I drugs by the FDA. Other unlisted substances found included caffeine, ephedrine, and mitragynine (an opioid agonist). The presence of these unlabelled substances represents a potential risk to the public, and underscores the need for caution when consuming mushroom edible products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of product | Gummies, chocolate bars, and candies |
| Ingredients | Proprietary mushroom blend, nootropics, adaptogens, and mushroom extracts |
| Flavors | Blue Raspberry, Juicy Mango, Strawberry Dream, Sour Apple, Sour Cherry, Sour Tropical, and Watermelon Wonder |
| Effects | Euphoria, enhanced creativity, relaxation, hallucinations, altered mental status, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, agitation, seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, abnormal heart rate |
| Legality | Legal in the U.S. if made with extracts from legal mushrooms or proprietary blends that do not contain controlled substances |
| Health risks | Potentially harmful, especially if combined with other substances; may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances |
| Target audience | Adults above the age of 21 |
| Microdosing recommendation | 1-3 gummies for beginners |
| Moderate effect | 4-6 gummies |
| Strong effect | 7 or more gummies |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushroom edibles are rising in popularity
- The market is largely unregulated, creating risks for consumers
- Some products have been found to contain undisclosed, illegal substances
- These include psilocybin, psilocin, caffeine, ephedrine, and kratom
- Poison centres have reported cases of illnesses and hospitalisations tied to mushroom edibles
Magic mushroom edibles are rising in popularity
Magic mushroom edibles are soaring in popularity across the United States. These products claim to offer a range of mind-altering experiences, from mild boosts in focus from "microdosing" to full-blown psychedelic trips. However, it is important to note that the effects of these edibles are not always derived from psilocybin, the Schedule I chemical commonly found in magic mushrooms. Instead, they often contain a mushroom called Amanita muscaria, which is currently legal and has gained popularity due to its accessibility.
Amanita muscaria, also known as the fly agaric mushroom, is easily recognizable by its red cap with white spots, resembling the classic power-up mushroom in the Super Mario games. It contains several compounds, the most notable being muscimol, a hallucinogenic substance that can alter mood, perception, and behavior. While less commonly used than psilocybin-containing mushrooms, Amanita muscaria can cause undesirable side effects, including gastrointestinal upset, agitation, and seizures.
The rise in popularity of mushroom edibles has been accompanied by a growing number of concerning reports of people falling ill after consuming these products. In June 2024, Prophet Premium Blends recalled its Diamond Shruumz edible mushroom products, which were linked to illnesses in 28 states, including 38 hospitalizations and two possible deaths. Initial investigations revealed the presence of undisclosed and potentially harmful substances in these products, including psilocybin, psilocin, caffeine, ephedrine, and mitragynine (kratom).
Despite the health risks associated with some mushroom edible products, the market for these items continues to expand. This expansion is facilitated by their availability in various retail outlets, including vape shops, smoke shops, convenience stores, and online platforms. The increasing demand for mushroom edibles has also led to the emergence of specialized dispensaries, such as ShroomLand LA in Los Angeles, California, which has experienced booming business since its opening.
As the popularity of magic mushroom edibles continues to rise, it is essential for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with these products. While some may offer legitimate therapeutic benefits or recreational experiences, others may contain undisclosed substances that can lead to severe health consequences. Consumers are advised to exercise caution, carefully research the products they consider, and purchase from reliable and trustworthy brands that prioritize purity and safety in their manufacturing processes.
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The market is largely unregulated, creating risks for consumers
The market for proprietary mushroom products, particularly edibles, is growing. This is partly due to emerging clinical research that supports the efficacy of psilocybin, a Schedule I chemical found in so-called magic mushrooms, as a treatment for depression. However, this market is largely unregulated, creating risks for consumers.
In the United States, companies are taking advantage of the lack of regulation to market and sell products that may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances. For example, some manufacturers are selling products labelled as 'magic mushroom gummies' that contain Amanita muscaria, a different mushroom from psilocybin, with essentially no clinical evidence supporting its use as a therapy. Amanita muscaria is a depressant that suppresses the central nervous system and can cause seizures, gastrointestinal upset, agitation, and undesired hallucinations. It has been linked to hospitalizations and even deaths, yet it is not included on the Controlled Substances list in most states.
The lack of regulation means that manufacturers are not required to disclose what mushrooms or compounds are in their products, and consumers may not know what they are ingesting. This is especially concerning given the growing number of reports of people falling ill after consuming edible mushroom products. In one case, five patients, including one child, were hospitalised after ingesting mushroom gummies that were labelled as containing Amanita muscaria but instead contained unlabelled, potentially harmful substances, including psilocybin, psilocin, caffeine, ephedrine, and mitragynine (an opioid agonist). In another instance, over 140 illnesses and two suspected deaths were tied to a brand of mushroom edibles called Diamond Shruumz.
The risks associated with consuming these products are significant, and the true scope of the health risks is hard to determine due to the lack of regulation and standardized testing. Dr. Avery Michienzi, a medical toxicologist, warns that consumers may be taking a different dose from what is on the label or may think they are taking one thing but are actually taking something else entirely. This situation creates a "buyer beware marketplace" where consumers are at risk and are not accurately informed about the products they are purchasing.
While some argue that prohibition is not the solution, there is a growing consensus that regulatory standards are needed to ensure that consumers know what they are getting and to protect public health.
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Some products have been found to contain undisclosed, illegal substances
The popularity of Amanita muscaria, a hallucinogenic mushroom, has been increasing. Unlike the more famous psilocybin-containing magic mushrooms, Amanita muscaria is not a controlled substance. It is also less commonly used as a hallucinogen because it can cause undesirable symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, agitation, and seizures.
Recently, mushroom-infused products like gummies and chocolates have come under scrutiny due to a series of hospitalizations linked to their consumption. A study by the University of Virginia's (UVA) poison center found that some mushroom gummies purchased from stores in Virginia contained illegal Schedule I substances that were not listed on the product labels. These undisclosed substances included psilocybin and psilocin, caffeine, ephedrine, and mitragynine (an opioid agonist commonly known as kratom).
The presence of these undisclosed, illegal substances in mushroom-infused products represents a significant public health threat. Consumers who purchase unregulated products sold at smoke shops and gas stations have no way of knowing the contents or the potential harm they could cause. This is especially concerning given that some of the products were marketed towards micro-dosing and often boasted the inclusion of "mushroom nootropics" or "functional mushrooms," which are advertised as being good for brain health and clarity.
The UVA researchers urged doctors to be vigilant about patients, especially children, who have fallen ill after consuming these products. Typical hospital drug screens do not detect the substances found in these products, and symptoms can include hallucinations, racing heartbeat, upset stomach, and altered mental state.
The issue of undisclosed substances in dietary supplements is not limited to mushroom-infused products. A recent paper found that over 28% of dietary supplements contain undisclosed and banned substances. This underscores the importance of supplement safety, not just for athletes but also for the general public. It is essential that supplement labels accurately reflect the contents of the product to protect consumers' health and well-being.
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These include psilocybin, psilocin, caffeine, ephedrine, and kratom
Proprietary mushroom blends are found in mushroom-based products like gummies and chocolate bars. These products are often marketed as nootropics, substances that claim to improve cognition and brain health, or as psychedelics. While some of these products may contain Amanita muscaria, a naturally occurring hallucinogenic mushroom species, others contain proprietary blends of mushroom extracts. These blends can include a range of substances with varying effects and potential risks.
One of the primary substances found in proprietary mushroom blends is psilocybin, a well-known hallucinogenic compound commonly found in magic mushrooms. Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for misuse and currently has no accepted medical use. Despite its illegal status, psilocybin has shown therapeutic potential in treating mental health conditions such as depression and addiction. However, it can interact dangerously with other drugs, especially stimulants and other hallucinogens, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure and the risk of accidents.
Another substance often found in proprietary mushroom blends is psilocin, which is structurally similar to psilocybin and exhibits similar psychoactive effects. Psilocin is also a Schedule I substance and has been detected in mushroom-based products alongside psilocybin. The presence of these unlabelled substances in commercially available products poses a potential risk to consumers, as they may experience unexpected and undesirable effects.
Caffeine, ephedrine, and kratom have also been identified in proprietary mushroom blends. Caffeine is a well-known stimulant, while ephedrine is a compound with stimulant-like effects that can impact the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Kratom, or mitragynine, is a natural plant product with opioid-like properties. Repeated ingestion of kratom can increase the risk for opioid dependence, and its presence in mushroom products is concerning for public health.
The effects of consuming these blends can vary widely, and the potential risks are significant. It is important for consumers to be aware of the possible presence of undisclosed substances in mushroom-based products and to seek immediate medical attention if adverse effects are experienced. While the mushrooms themselves may be natural, the extraction and concentration of specific compounds can lead to unpredictable and harmful consequences. As such, it is crucial to approach these products with caution and to prioritize reliable and trustworthy sources that prioritize purity and safety.
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Poison centres have reported cases of illnesses and hospitalisations tied to mushroom edibles
In recent years, there has been a proliferation of mushroom-based edible products, such as gummies and chocolates, that are marketed as containing "proprietary mushroom blends" or "nootropics". These products are often sold in smoke shops, gas stations, and online, targeting pleasure seekers and those looking for a "psychedelic experience". However, poison centres have reported a growing number of cases of illnesses and hospitalisations linked to the consumption of these mushroom edibles.
In 2023, five patients in Virginia, including one child, required hospital evaluation after ingesting mushroom gummies labelled to contain Amanita muscaria or "proprietary mushroom nootropic blends". These products were found to contain unlabelled and potentially harmful substances, including psilocybin, psilocin, caffeine, ephedrine, and mitragynine (an opioid agonist). This has led to concerns about the potential risk to the public, especially with the presence of substances that can lead to opioid dependence.
Subsequently, in 2024, a wave of illnesses and hospitalisations tied to mushroom edibles was reported, with over 140 documented illnesses and 53 hospitalizations linked to a brand called Diamond Shruumz. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation revealed the presence of undisclosed substances, including the prescription drug pregabalin, synthetic psilocybin, and the supplement kava. Initial testing also found that some of these products contained muscimol, a compound in the iconic red-capped mushroom, Amanita muscaria. The company, Prophet Premium Blends, cited "toxic levels of muscimol" as a potential cause of the illnesses and issued a recall for their products.
While the presence of muscimol and other substances in the recalled products has raised concerns, it has not fully explained the symptoms and severity of the illnesses. Experts continue to investigate the potential role of other compounds, such as ibotenic acid, a neurotoxin that can lead to hallucinations and seizures, or even the possibility of an entirely new designer drug. The mounting safety concerns have brought scrutiny to the murky marketplace of mushroom edibles, highlighting the need for further research and regulation to protect public health.
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Frequently asked questions
Proprietary mushrooms are a blend of mushroom extracts used in edibles such as gummies and chocolate bars. They are marketed as nootropics, substances that enhance cognitive function, or psychedelics.
No, they are not. While commercial mushroom-infused products sold legally in the US are made with extracts from legal mushrooms, they often contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances. These substances include psilocybin and psilocin, hallucinogenic substances classified as Schedule I drugs by the FDA, which are illegal at both the state and federal levels.
The effects of consuming proprietary mushroom blends can vary from mild to strong psychedelic trips. Some people have reported experiencing euphoria, bursts of creativity, relaxation, and a body buzz. However, there have also been reports of severe adverse effects, including seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, and abnormal heart rates.
