Dozens of illnesses in 28 states now linked to company’s ‘microdosing’ of gummies and candy bars

  • More than five dozen people have reported seeking medical attention after consuming Diamond Shruumz products.

  • A study also found that some of the company’s gummies contained psilocin, a controlled substance.

  • The FDA has reported 36 hospitalizations and one death potentially associated with the products.

Diamond Shruumz, the company whose microdosing candy bars sparked a Food and Drug Administration investigation in June, also sold gummies made with an illegal substance, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The FDA first alerted the public about Diamond Shruumz products after eight people in four states became sick after consuming the retailer’s microdosed candy bars.

As of July 15, those numbers had climbed to 69 illnesses in 28 states, according to the FDA.

“Sixty (60) of the 69 individuals reported seeking medical attention, 36 were hospitalized, and one potentially associated death is under investigation,” the FDA said.

Microdosing is the practice of taking small doses of a drug, usually psychedelics like psilocybin, to enhance creativity and mental health. Microdosing has become a trend in Silicon Valley, even among CEOs.

Diamond Shruumz’s website stated that its products did not contain psilocybin or any other listed drugs.

But tests conducted by the University of Virginia’s toxicology lab found psilocin in Diamond Shruumz Sour Peach Apple and Rainbow candies.

Psilocin is a “psychedelic mushroom alkaloid,” according to the Metabolomics Innovation Center. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers psilocin a Schedule I controlled substance in some states, including Virginia, where the study was conducted.

According to the CDC study, five people were hospitalized between September and June after eating gummies containing Amanita muscaria.

Although Amanita muscaria can sometimes cause adverse symptoms, the report states that it is legal.

“Individuals who purchase products advertised as psychedelic or nootropic mushroom gummies should be aware that package labels may not accurately represent the contents and that these products may contain substances that may produce unexpected and potentially toxic effects,” the report said.

Representatives for Diamond Shruumz and the University of Virginia Toxicology Lab did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Diamond Shruumz recalled all of its products, including gummies and chocolate bars, in June after cases of illness continued to rise across the country.

The FDA said it will monitor Prophet Premium Blends, the company behind Diamond Shruumz, during its recall.

“Consumers should not purchase or consume any Diamond Shruumz branded products,” the agency added.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *