As the allure of “magic mushrooms” expands into the mainstream, there has been an influx of products claiming health benefits such as enhanced creativity and relaxation. While these products often market themselves under the guise of magic mushrooms, they don’t actually contain psilocybin, the compound responsible for the well-known psychoactive effects and therapeutic properties. 

Now, recent health outbreaks have brought attention to the significant risk of these unregulated mushroom edibles. Among the most notable cases, Diamond Shruumz has been under investigation by the FDA and CDC after 60 people across 30 states have reported illnesses, with at least two deaths linked to these products. As these incidents continue to unfold, experts are calling for urgent regulatory measures to prevent these dangerous products from being sold so easily.

The Diamond Shruumz ordeal

Last month, the FDA and CDC began investigating reports of illnesses after consuming edibles marketed for “microdosing.” These Diamond Shruumz products, widely available online and in physical stores across the country, including smoke and vape shops, initially claimed to be free of psychedelic compounds but still give microdosing effects. 

Their website states, “Our Diamond Shruumz products are meticulously crafted. They do not contain psilocybin or scheduled drugs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Rest assured, our treats are not only free from psychedelic substances but also have carefully crafted ingredients that still offer an experience. This allows you to indulge in a uniquely crafted blend designed for pleasure and peace of mind.”

However, multiple people have been hospitalized after consuming these edibles, with severe symptoms like seizures, involuntary muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, confusion, agitation, abnormal heart rates, and gastrointestinal distress. Since the investigation has opened, the FDA has issued a nationwide recall of all Diamond Shruumz products and has advised consumers to refrain from using them immediately. 

As the investigation unfolded, multiple deaths have been potentially connected with the consumption of these products. One death has been reported in California and another in North Dakota.

The real culprit: Amanita muscaria

The alarming health issues linked to Diamond Shruumz edibles have been traced back to muscimol, a toxic compound found in Amanita muscaria mushrooms. While muscimol is known for its potent psychoactive effects, it can cause severe and life-threatening symptoms when taken in too high of doses. 

Despite the product initially claiming to not contain “psilocybin, amanita or any scheduled drugs,” the presence of muscimol clearly reveals a significant discrepancy between the product’s labeling and its actual contents. These misleading claims have put numerous customers at risk, but without proper regulation, experts fear that more muscimol-containing products could hit the market and lead to more serious health crises. 

A growing concern beyond Diamond Shruumz

The Diamond Shruumz crisis is only one example of the dangers lurking in the unregulated market for mushroom edibles. Recently, in Australia, Uncle Frogs, another brand claiming to provide microdosing effects, led to multiple hospitalizations with toxic effects due to their muscimol content. 

Neither of these cases are isolated; however, they have received more media attention considering the sheer amount of reported illnesses associated with the products. It is believed that many of the “magic mushroom” and “microdosing” products widely available online and in stores contain the toxic compound and can also lead to severe health issues. If these products remain on the shelves, it is only a matter of time before another health outbreak occurs, potentially with even more serious consequences. 

The problem with unregulated psychedelic products

Unlike psilocybin, which is classified as a federally illegal Schedule I drug, Amanita muscaria mushrooms and their active compound, muscimol, are not explicitly regulated at the federal level. Because of the regulatory gap, many manufacturers have exploited this legal distinction despite the evident high toxicity of muscimol. This loophole allows potentially hazardous products to be marketed and sold without appropriate safety evaluations, posing a major threat to consumers who are not adequately informed about the health risks associated with these untested and unregulated edibles. 

While many are calling for immediate reform, these products remain technically “legal” and continue to be sold openly. 

Staying safe

The rising trend of magic mushrooms and the surge of unregulated products claiming health benefits has led to a market filled with risks. Considering the significant health concerns associated with these products, it’s advisable to avoid them altogether until stricter regulations are established. 

If you feel unwell and suspect poisoning, seek medical attention immediately and contact the Poison Center at 800-222-1222 for assistance.