Growing Concerns Over Mushroom-Laced Candies and Chocolates
Recent reports indicate that nearly 160 individuals have fallen ill this summer after consuming candies and chocolate bars infused with mushrooms, which are readily available in vape and smoke shops. This alarming trend highlights the significant dangers posed by a rapidly expanding market of psychoactive products that appear on store shelves without undergoing any formal review or regulation across the United States.
In addition to the illnesses, authorities are currently investigating two fatalities that may be linked to these mushroom-laced products. Samples collected during the investigation tested positive for an illegal variant of psilocin, a psychoactive compound found in so-called magic mushrooms, as confirmed by federal health officials.
Of those affected, over a third required hospitalization, experiencing a range of distressing symptoms, including:
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
The troubling incidents have been traced back to Diamond Shruumz chocolates and gummies, which the company initiated a recall for on June 28. Despite the recall, the Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) has acknowledged ongoing sales of these products and has released a comprehensive list of approximately 2,300 retail locations known to stock them.
These products, along with other snacks, dietary supplements, and teas that promise a mind-altering experience, frequently contain ingredients such as synthetic Delta-8-THC or kratom, a botanical substance that the F.D.A. classifies as hazardous. The convenience of purchasing these items in local stores is concerning, especially since they are not subject to stringent quality standards or regulations regarding sales to minors.
