The number of poisonings linked to Diamond Shrooms brand microdosing candies has reached 145 in 29 states. Since the illness first became apparent in early June, 59 people have required hospitalization, and health officials report some people have suffered seizures, required intubation, and been admitted to intensive care units. Two deaths remain under investigation. Despite tireless efforts to analyze the candy’s ingredients, the cause of the poisonings remains a mystery.
Diamond Shrooms has hinted that its chocolates, gummies, and candy corn contain hallucinogens, but hasn’t said what exactly they contain, saying only that they contain a “premium proprietary blend of nootropic and functional mushrooms,” with the company identifying non-hallucinogenic mushrooms, including lion’s mane, reishi, and chaga.
the Latest Research Updates On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration released the results of testing 22 Diamond Shrooms chocolate bars. The list of illegal and problematic drugs found continues to grow. Surprisingly, none of the drugs found so far can alone explain the serious illnesses.
According to the FDA, nine of the bars contained a synthetic hallucinogen called 4-AcO-DMT (also known as acetylpsilocin 4-acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, 4-acetoxy-DMT, or psilactin), which is similar to psilocin, the hallucinogen found in magic mushrooms. Schedule I DrugsThe four bars contained only psilocin, which the DEA bans along with LSD and heroin, neither of which are known to cause the severe effects reported in those affected.
Three of the bars contained pregabalin (brand name Lyrica), a prescription drug used to treat nerve pain and epilepsy. Eighteen of the bars contained three chemicals derived from the kava plant:Pepper) — Desmethoxyyangonin, Dihydrokavain, and Kavain. Kava is used in herbal medicine to treat anxiety, insomnia, stress, and other ailments.
Prime suspect
Diamond Shrooms announced a recall of all products (all varieties, flavors, and lots) on June 27, citing high levels of muscimol, a chemical found in hallucinogens. Amanita The mushroom mimics neurotransmitters and produces a sedative effect. But the FDA found muscimol in only nine of the 22 chocolate bars it tested. The FDA noted that the chemical doesn’t explain all illnesses or reported symptoms.
The most plausible explanation so far is that muscimol is a Amanita A chemical called ibotenic acid, which also resembles a neurotransmitter and causes stimulation including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, agitation and possibly seizures, may be the cause of these illnesses. However, the FDA has not found ibotenic acid in any of the candies to date. However, the combination has been found in ingredients allegedly used to make Diamond Shruumz’s products.
The FDA noted that little research has been done on other combinations of chemicals found in chocolate bars so far about what happens when they are ingested together. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are “interpreting these test results to understand the health risks of ingesting these chemicals and to determine appropriate next steps,” the agency said.
Testing of Diamond Shruumz gummies and cones is also underway.
