A burgeoning market for mushroom edibles—gummies, chocolates, and more claiming to contain psychoactive compounds—has emerged, attracting attention for offering consumers a new and ostensibly legal way to experience altered states of consciousness. However, questions about their safety and legality loom large.
Psilocybin, the most recognized psychedelic compound derived from “magic” mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I substance, deemed illegal with no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse. This raises concerns about the ingredients in mushroom edibles openly sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online marketplaces.
Dr. Avery Michienzi, a medical toxicologist at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, warns that the contents of these products can be unpredictable. Many brands claim their edibles contain Amanita muscaria, a mushroom that features psychoactive compounds muscimol and ibotenic acid, which are not classified as scheduled substances. Some brands even assert their products are made from non-psychoactive mushrooms, such as reishi and lion’s mane, yet suggest users can still expect psychedelic experiences, a claim that raises red flags about their labeling accuracy.
Testing has shown that these edibles may contain undisclosed—and potentially dangerous—ingredients, including psilocybin, kratom, and various prescription medications. The lack of standardization in production raises concerns about the safety of these products. “Without knowing exactly what’s in mushroom edibles, I can’t say with any confidence that there’s any product that’s safe,” stated Eric Leas, an assistant professor at the University of California, San Diego’s Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently warned consumers against using products from the brand Diamond Shruumz, linked to numerous health issues including seizures, blackouts, and nausea. As of late September, 70 individuals nationwide had been hospitalized after using these products, with at least three deaths possibly associated with them. FDA testing revealed a variety of ingredients, including synthetic psychedelics and anticonvulsants, raising alarms over consumer safety.
Legal questions also complicate the mushroom edible market. While Amanita muscaria and its constituents are not classified as scheduled substances, regulations regarding their commercial production and distribution remain murky. Some states, such as Louisiana, have outright banned the mushroom due to its hallucinogenic properties, while others leave the door open for potential legal use.
As the popularity of mushroom edibles continues to rise, consumers are urged to exercise caution, as the landscape of safety and legality remains uncertain. The FDA emphasizes the importance of understanding what ingredients may be lurking in these products, highlighting the potential risks associated with consuming them.