Recalled Mushroom Edibles Contained Prescription Drug, Controlled Substance

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Diamond Shruumz recall investigation highlights the potential dangers of unregulated edible products and supplements sold in gas stations and smoke shops.

In June, several cases of severe illness linked to Diamond Shruumz brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies caught the FDA's attention, sparking a recall and investigation. The products, sold online and in gas stations and vape/smoke shops, were marketed as a proprietary blend of mushrooms.

As of August 9, the FDA reports that 130 people have been sickened in 29 states, and 53 of those individuals have been hospitalized due to consuming these "microdosing" mushroom products.

Some of the more severe symptoms associated with the products include seizures, lowered consciousness, and respiratory failure.

In addition, the FDA says Diamond Shruumz edibles are potentially linked to two deaths.

Test results for 19 of the recalled chocolate bar products show that in addition to muscimol, a psychoactive compound found in Amanita muscaria mushrooms, the edibles contained several other concerning ingredients.

These include:

• Psilocin, a Schedule I-controlled substance found in "magic mushrooms"
• Acetylpsilocin, a compound with psychedelic effects
• Desmethoxyyangonin, dihydrokavain, and kavain, compounds found in the kava plant
• Pregabalin, a prescription drug used to treat nerve pain sold under the brand name Lyrica

The FDA's testing also revealed that several of the products contained two or more of these potentially harmful compounds. Moreover, two flavors — Cookies N Cream and Cookie Butter — contained six out of the seven questionable ingredients.

The FDA is continuing to test these and other Diamond Shruumz products and will provide updates as more results surface.

The potential dangers of 'gas station supplements'

In addition to the recalled Diamond Shruumz edibles, other products sold online, and in gas stations or smoke/vape retailers have come under scrutiny for containing potentially harmful compounds.

For example, Neptune's Fix, a product recalled in 2023 that claimed to boost brain function and reduce symptoms of anxiety and other mental health conditions, actually contained tianeptine, a tricyclic antidepressant with opioid-like effects. Tianeptine is not approved by the FDA for any medical use.

The recalled products, often referred to as "gas station heroin," were sold online, in gas stations, and other retail stores.

More recently, the FDA warned consumers about a product called OPMS Black Liquid Kratom, also sold online and in gas stations or vape/smoke shops. The Agency reported that one person died, and others experienced severe health effects after consuming the supplement.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers kratom a "Drug and Chemical of Concern."

In addition, supplements claiming to enhance sexual performance are often found online and in retail stores, including gas stations. The FDA has issued warnings on several of these "male enhancement" products after they were found to contain the prescription drug sildenafil.

Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra, which can have serious side effects, especially in people with specific health conditions.

The bottom line

The FDA does not regulate or review supplement products before manufacturers market them. Moreover, many manufacturers market their products without notifying the Agency.

Therefore, the FDA urges consumers to exercise discernment when purchasing dietary supplements or similar products at gas stations or from any online or brick-and-mortar retailer.

"If a supplement promises a cure or quick fix for a health problem, it is probably too good to be true," the FDA says.

Moreover, if a person experiences symptoms after taking a supplement or similar product, the Agency recommends they contact a healthcare provider and report the incident to the FDA's online MedWatch System.