Diamond Shruumz Recall: What’s Behind the Mushroom Edible Illness Outbreak?

Diamond Shruumz, a popular brand of mushroom edibles, is under fire after being linked to 175 cases of illness and possibly three deaths since September 2023. The recall has sent shockwaves through the mushroom edible market, exposing serious health risks associated with these products. Lab tests have revealed that the edibles contain not just muscimol from Amanita muscaria, but also a cocktail of unregulated substances, including psilocybin, kratom, DMT, and stimulants like ephedrine.

What’s Inside These Edibles?

Diamond Shruumz markets its products as "microdoses" of nootropic and functional mushrooms, yet lab reports show a different story. The edibles contain substances typically found in "magic mushrooms," such as psilocybin and psilocin, along with a surprising range of other chemicals. Muscimol and ibotenic acid, compounds from Amanita muscaria, are deliriants, causing dreamlike states and sedation, but the presence of additional psychoactive chemicals raises significant safety concerns. Consumers are often unaware that what they’re eating isn’t purely mushroom-based, but a dangerous mix of unregulated compounds.

So far, the reported symptoms include seizures, respiratory failure, nausea, hallucinations, uncontrolled movements, and abnormal heart rates. The severity of the cases has drawn the attention of the CDC and FDA, both of which have tested Diamond Shruumz products and similar mushroom edibles. Their findings suggest that the illnesses are likely caused by a combination of muscimol, psilocin, and other compounds like kratom and stimulants, which can produce a range of harmful effects, including cardiovascular stress and neurological symptoms.

The mushroom edible industry is eerily similar to the early days of the delta-8 THC market—full of consumer demand but severely lacking oversight. Diamond Shruumz and other brands are exploiting legal loopholes to market these products as safe and legal, while they remain unregulated by the FDA. This has led to significant variations in product composition, with some batches containing different levels of psychedelic substances. The absence of consistent third-party lab testing makes it difficult for consumers to know what they’re really ingesting.

Experts urge consumers to avoid mushroom edibles that promise a psychedelic experience, especially those sold at smoke shops and gas stations. If you still choose to experiment, only buy products with a current, verified lab report that clearly lists the compounds they contain. Even then, exercise extreme caution, as recent findings show that even seemingly reputable brands are releasing products with inconsistent ingredients and potentially dangerous chemicals.

With the spotlight on the health risks associated with mushroom edibles, tighter regulations seem inevitable. As more cases of illness come to light, the FDA may move to close the legal loopholes that allow brands like Diamond Shruumz to operate without oversight. For now, the best advice is to stay informed, seek out products that are properly tested, and avoid anything promising a "trippy" experience without clear ingredient labels and safety data.

Should the FDA step in to regulate mushroom edibles before more people get sick? Cast your vote and share your opinion!