The above shows the number of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths reported to date. The death is potentially linked to microdosing of Diamond Shruumz candy
Federal authorities are investigating the death of a patient who may have consumed “microdose” candies that have been recalled across the United States.
The FDA did not provide further details about the individual but said the fatality was “potentially associated” with Diamond Shruumz products, which are sold in vape shops across the United States.
At least 48 people have fallen ill after eating chocolate bars, cones and gummies made by the company in the past month, while 27 have been hospitalized with seizures, loss of consciousness and an abnormal heart rhythm.
Customers across the United States are urged not to consume the products and to throw them in the trash or return them to the sellers for a full refund.
An investigation revealed that the sweets contained muscimol, a psychoactive chemical from amanita mushrooms, which are potentially toxic and can cause seizures.
Pictured above are some of the products that have been recalled due to illnesses.
The candies are used for ‘microdosing’, which involves taking very small amounts of a drug to test its physiological action while minimising undesirable effects.
They were typically sold in smoke and vape shops, as well as retailers that sell hemp-derived products, such as CBD or THC, for $25 each.
In its recall notice, the California-based chocolate maker said several customers had become ill after eating an entire bar in one sitting.
They said: “It is crucial that all of our consumers refrain from ingesting this product while we, along with the FDA, continue our investigation into what is causing the serious adverse effects.”
The illnesses have been reported in 24 states.
The states are: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee.
The chocolate bars and candies claim to contain a “proprietary blend” of mushrooms “with a twist” that allows someone to microdose them.
Several people have been hospitalised after consuming microdosed chocolate bars called Diamond Shruumz (pictured). People are being warned not to eat them
This does not include psilocybin, which is illegal in the US at the federal level, but does include other active compounds linked to improved mood and well-being.
Mushrooms listed on labels include lion’s mane, which has been linked to antidepressant effects, and reishi and chaga, which some say may help improve mood.
It was not clear whether Amanita mushrooms, which are large and red, were also advertised as part of the products.
Among those hospitalized by Diamond Shruumz is a 15-year-old girl from Arizona.
Her mother, Tina Griffin, wrote online: ‘Yesterday my 15 year old daughter and her 16 year old cousin ate these Diamond Shruumz microdose chocolate bars (not real psilocybin) and ended up on ventilators and are currently in the ICU at the children’s hospital.
‘I don’t want any other parent to have to go through this nightmare.
‘The night before the overdose there were other overdoses.’
The FDA first raised the alarm about Diamond Shruumz in early June after receiving reports of illnesses in several states after consuming the chocolates.
He has since published five updates, updating his account of diseases and his research into their causes.
The FDA, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Poison Control Centers are investigating the outbreak.