Microdosing candies are making people sick—and may be responsible for 2 deaths

More than 150 people across the US have fallen ill, and two have potentially died after consuming microdosing candies: sweets that contain various psychoactive compounds.^[] The illnesses are linked to Diamond Shruumz, a brand that sells psychoactive chocolate bars, cones, and gummies. Of those who have fallen ill, 63 have been hospitalized.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who became ill after consuming these products displayed a range of symptoms, including:

• Seizures

• Decreased consciousness

• Respiratory failure

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Hallucinations

• Uncontrolled movements

• Abnormal heart rate (either too fast or too slow) 

• High or low blood pressure

• Excessive sweating or secretions

• Flushed skin

The CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an investigation into Diamond Shruumz products this June to assess risks.^[] The agencies found that some products contain additives like Schedule I drugs and prescription medications, which were not listed on the candy labels.

Among the substances discovered by the CDC and FDA investigation were:

• O-acetylpsilocin, a semi-synthetic psychedelic drug that is closely related to psychedelic mushrooms^[];

• Psilocin, a Schedule I drug and hallucinogen found in some psilocybe, or magic, mushrooms;

• Kavalactones, compounds from the kava plant that have psychoactive properties;

• Pregabalin, a prescription drug used to treat nerve pain^[];

• Ibotenic acid, a powerful neurotoxicant^[]; and

• Muscimol, a psychedelic component found in Amanita muscaria and related mushrooms.^[]

Is one ingredient to blame?

Prophet Premium Blends, the company behind Diamond Shruumz, has pointed to the ingredient muscimol as the potential source of blame for the illnesses connected to its products. The FDA, however, has voiced that it is not so sure.

Recovery specialists, too, suggest there are more risks at play.

“As an experienced substance use disorder professional, I can attest there is no such thing as a safe dose of any altering or hallucinogenic substance, especially those associated with addictive behavior or disorders,” says Lea McMahon, LPC, EdD, Chief Clinical Officer at Symetria Recovery, which operates rehabilitation centers for people with substance use disorder. “These microdosed products come with substantial risks, such as unknown chemicals and additives, unregulated substance amounts per serving, and dangerous and unpredictable side effects once consumed.”

Dr. McMahon adds that the “possible misrepresentation of [these candies] containing ‘micro’ levels of harmful and addictive substances,” may cause people to think the risks of consuming these substances are also micro—but they aren’t.

What’s next for Diamond Shruumz?

The investigation into Diamond Shruumz’s ingredients and risk levels is ongoing, and the agency will announce as more information arises.

For now, the agencies are telling consumers not to buy or eat Diamond Shruumz products and to keep all mushroom-containing products away from children. People who have already purchased the product should either destroy or not use it.^[] They encourage people to seek medical attention or call Poison Control if they consume such products and experience symptoms.