Investigation Reveals Illnesses Linked to ‘Microdosing’ Gummies and Chocolate Bars

Dozens of illnesses across 28 states are now linked to a company's 'microdosing' gummies and chocolate bars. Over five dozen people reported seeking medical attention after consuming Diamond Shruumz products. A study also found some of the company's gummies contained psilocin, a controlled substance. The FDA reported 36 hospitalizations and one potential death associated with the products.

Background of the Investigation

Diamond Shruumz, the company whose microdosing chocolate bars prompted an FDA investigation in June, has also sold gummies made with an illegal substance, according to a new CDC report. The FDA first alerted the general public about Diamond Shruumz products after eight people in four states fell ill from consuming the retailer's microdosing chocolate bars. The FDA now says that as of July 15, those numbers have ballooned to 69 illnesses across 28 states.

Concerns About Microdosing

Microdosing is the practice of taking small doses of a drug, typically psychedelics like psilocybin, to improve creativity and mental health. Microdosing has become trendy in Silicon Valley, even among CEOs. Despite Diamond Shruumz's claims that its products do not contain psilocybin or any other scheduled drugs, tests conducted by the University of Virginia Health Toxicology Laboratory found psilocin in Diamond Shruumz's Sour Peach Apple and Rainbow gummies.

Presence of Psilocin in Gummies

Psilocin is a "psychedelic mushroom alkaloid," according to The Metabolomics Innovation Centre. The DEA considers psilocin a Schedule I controlled substance in some states, including Virginia, where the study was conducted. The CDC study also mentioned that five people underwent hospital evaluations after eating gummies labeled to contain Amanita muscaria, a legal substance that can sometimes cause undesired symptoms.

Warnings and Recalls

The report emphasized that consumers should be cautious when purchasing products advertised as psychedelic or nootropic mushroom gummies, as package labels might not accurately represent the contents. Diamond Shruumz recalled all of its products in June after illnesses continued to rise across the country. The agency advised consumers not to purchase or consume any Diamond Shruumz-brand products.

Representatives for Diamond Shruumz and the University of Virginia Health Toxicology Laboratory did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. The FDA will continue to monitor Prophet Premium Blends, the company behind Diamond Shruumz, during its recall period.

Original article source: Business Insider

—————————————————————————————————————————————
By: ledmonds@businessinsider.com (Lauren Edmonds)
Title: Investigation Reveals Illnesses Linked to ‘Microdosing’ Gummies and Chocolate Bars
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/microdosing-gummies-chocolate-bars-diamond-shruumz-sick-fda-2024-7
Published Date: Sun, 21 Jul 2024 13:24:14 +0000