An Unregulated Ingredient in These Mushroom Chocolate May Have Made People Sick …C0NTINUE READING HERE >>>
Key Takeaways
The FDA is investigating “microdosing” chocolates and gummies that have been linked to 78 illnesses and two possible deaths.The manufacturer said these products contain muscimol, an unregulated psychoactive compound.Despite recalls, some shops are still selling these products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a range of mushroom-infused chocolate and gummies produced by Prophet Premium Blends, a California-based company.
The products, sold under the brand Diamond Shruumz, have been linked to 78 illnesses and two possible deaths.
According to the manufacturer, Diamond Shruumz products contain muscimol, a psychoactive compound found in Amanita muscaria mushrooms. Unlike the psilocybin-containing “magic mushrooms, they’re not regulated under the 1970 U.S. Controlled Substances Act.
Research has found muscimol to help with reducing anxiety and inducing sleep, but most studies have been conducted in animals only. At high doses, muscimol could be more lethal than fentanyl and cocaine.
People who got sick after eating the recalled chocolate bars or gummies reported severe symptoms, including seizures, loss of consciousness, agitation, nausea, vomiting, and abnormal heart rates.
The FDA said despite the recalls, some vape shops and cannabis dispensaries are continuing to sell the products.
Wayne Kepner, PhD, MPH, a postdoctoral fellow in psychiatry at Stanford University, said the recalls lack clarity for the next steps largely due to the absence of regulations.
“People didn’t think Amanita muscaria was going to be a problem,” Kepner told Verywell. “It’s a bright red mushroom. If you look at it, it’s very obvious that, if I eat too much of this, it’s going to be bad.”
Kepner said manufacturers have taken advantage of the regulatory loophole to create an edible consumer product with a potentially toxic mushroom.
“We all know that government can be slower to act than marketing, or consumers, or manufacturers. So, we’re in this space now where regulators need to do something, but the wheels of government take time. And unfortunately, we don’t have that time,” Kepner added.
Consumers are urged to avoid buying these products. If someone falls ill after ingesting any of the Diamond Shruumz products, contact a healthcare provider or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.
In general, the only way to reduce your risk when it comes to psychoactive substances is to contact a local testing facility, Kepner said.
“I would say be very careful. In this present-day market, there’s no guarantee that what you think you’re getting is actually what you’re getting unless you get it tested,” he added.
According to initial FDA testing, one of the chocolate bars contains several compounds found in kava roots as well as 4-acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, a synthetic psilocybin that can cause intense hallucinations, disorientation, and paranoia. Federal health investigators are still conducting additional testing and trying to understand the health risks of these chemical substances.
What This Means For You
Be cautious with edible products that contain unregulated substances. If you experience adverse symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and/or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 for assistance.
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