Gummies that were advertised as boosting brain power were found to contain an illegal psychedelic, landing several people in the hospital.
CDC researchers analyzed six packages of nootropic gummies from five brands sold at Virginia tobacco shops and gas stations that claimed to contain a “proprietary mushroom blend.”
But they found that four of them contained psilocybin, a Schedule I substance on par with heroin and LSD, which is illegal to sell in the United States and was not declared on the label.
Authorities launched the investigation after five people, including a three-year-old child, went to the emergency room after consuming the products and began experiencing confusion, anxiety and a rapid heart rate.
The CDC warned: ‘Health care providers and the public should be aware that edible products marketed as nootropics containing mushrooms may contain undisclosed ingredients and have been linked to serious illness.’
Authorities launched the investigation after five patients were admitted to the emergency room for problems related to the consumption of mushroom gummies. Some products were found to contain psilocybin.
Medical toxicologist Avery Michienzi, who led the investigation, and others said in the report: ‘People who believe they are purchasing gummies containing A. muscaria or other mushrooms sold as psychedelics or nootropics should be aware that these products may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances.
‘Physicians should be aware that adults who consume these gummies may experience signs and symptoms including hallucinations, altered mental status… and gastrointestinal upset.’
An increasing number of Americans are buying mushroom gummies to experiment with “microdosing,” which has taken off in the United States in recent years.
It is the practice of taking a small amount of a substance to experience its psychedelic effects without risking possible side effects.
Many of the brands people buy claim to contain a “proprietary mushroom nootropic blend,” but give few details about what’s inside.
In many cases, these products do not require FDA testing or approval because they are sold as “dietary supplements.”
Pictured above are some of the products that have been recalled due to illnesses linked to Diamond Shruumz products used for microdosing.
The names of the brands and stores where they were sold were not disclosed in the report, which was posted on the CDC’s website. Weekly morbidity and mortality report (Monthly Return Method).
Psilocybin causes hallucinations in many people at low doses, but it can also cause panic attacks and disorientation (or an altered perception of space and time).
It also leaves users at risk of nausea and vomiting, paranoia and sometimes vivid, distressing flashbacks that can persist for weeks.
Investigators at the Blue Ridge Poison Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, launched the investigation after a series of illnesses in the state.
From September 2023 to June 2024, five patients were treated in emergency rooms, including a three-year-old child, after ingesting mushroom gummies.
All but the child had intentionally consumed the gummies and were kept in the hospital for at least 12 hours until their symptoms disappeared.
Adults experienced increased heart rate, anxiety, confusion, nausea and chest pain.
They received anti-nausea and anti-anxiety medications, as well as intravenous fluids.
The boy suffered from drowsiness and vomiting. No intervention was performed and he was discharged from the hospital a day later.
All brands mentioned by patients were said to contain muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine.
Several also said their gummies contained the mushroom Amanita muscaria, which can have psychedelic effects similar to psilocybin but is less commonly used because of its side effects, which include agitation and seizures.
For testing, some of the specific brands reported by patients were not available in local stores, leading researchers to purchase three brands that included the same ingredients.
This comes after federal officials revealed they were investigating the death of a person who had consumed “microdosing” candies that are now being recalled across the United States.
The FDA said the fatality was “potentially associated” with Diamond Shruumz products, sold in vape shops across the United States.
At least 48 people have fallen ill after eating chocolate bars, cones and candies made by the company, while 27 have been hospitalized with seizures, loss of consciousness and abnormal heart rhythms.
