Dozens of illnesses have been investigated by federal health officials in relation to recalled "micro dosing" candies of Diamond Shruumz that had psychoactive drug contents.
Such food items have been sold for microdosing, which means that just minimal amounts are necessary for the drug to yield its intended benefits.
'Microdosing' Candies Linked to Illness, Death
Diamond Shruumz produces items such as cones, chocolate bars, and gummies. These food products contain a psychoactive chemical known as muscimol, which is derived from amanita mushrooms and can be legally consumed and possessed within the US.
After such food products were consumed by certain individuals, at least 48 individuals across 24 states reportedly experienced severe symptoms, such as loss of consciousness and seizures. Twenty-seven individuals also ended up hospitalized, while one fatality is under investigation. This was reported by the US Food and Drug Administration.
The illnesses under investigation have been tied to the muscimol content in the food products.
In light of this, Prophet Premium Blends LLC, the mother company of the brand, recalled Diamond Shruumz products in late June. Such products were sold all over the nation, both online and in retail stores.
For individuals who have the products, it is recommended that they stop using them. Moreover, due to the appeal of the products to younger individuals, caregivers and parents should be more careful in making sure that children and adolescents do not consume the products.
Individuals who also end up ill due to the consumption of the products are advised to see a local health provider, get online help, or contact the Poison Help Line.
All About Microdosing
Microdosing refers to the practice of ingesting tiny drug doses, usually those of a psychedelic, without experiencing effects.
In the past few years, the microdosing market has significantly grown. This comes as companies attempt to get certain medications, such as MDMA, licensed to be used medically.
Generally, a microdose is considered roughly 1/20 or 1/10 of the usual recreational dose.
Though microdosing advocates believe that the practice is good for well-being and health, not everyone is convinced. Healthcare experts and scientists have not granted their support for the practice.
The case of the food item of Diamond Shruumz has been largely linked to the practice of microdosing.
For this case, the FDA has also noted that psychedelic substances were present in some of the brand's items, such as the Birthday Cake Chocolate Bar and the Dark Chocolate Bar. The substances included the hallucinogen psilocybin.
This chemical shares a similar structure with psilocin, psilocybin, LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), and dimethyltryptamine. The European Union Drugs Agency says that both psilocin and psilocybin are primary hallucinogenic compounds present within magic mushrooms.
According to the FDA, further testing on Diamond Shruumz products, result interpretations, and health implications are being done.
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