Brain-boosting mushroom gummies may contain illegal hallucinogens, experts warn

Legality doesn’t always equate to safety, scientists warn. A recent investigation found that many mushroom gummies advertised as having brain-boosting properties contain harmful and illegal hallucinogens that aren’t listed on the label.

After reports that five people, including a 3-year-old, had become ill after consuming brain-boosting gummies, experts from the University of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Poison Center examined various brands sold at gas stations and tobacconists in Central Virginia. Their tests showed that three of the brands contained psilocybin or psilocin — substances classified as “Schedule I” drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These compounds have no accepted medical apply and a high potential for abuse, making them illegal under both federal and state law.

All of the products tested claimed to contain legal Amanita muscaria mushrooms or proprietary blends, but none mentioned psilocybin or psilocin. The researchers also found other undisclosed ingredients, including caffeine, ephedrine, and kratom, an herb with opioid-like effects and a risk of addiction.

“People tend to equate ‘legal’ with ‘safe and sound,’ which isn’t necessarily true. These products are unregulated and can contain any number of unlabeled substances that can cause adverse symptoms when consumed. Some packages will have QR codes showing that the products have been tested in a lab and contain only what is on the label. These have been found to be misleading,” said Avery Michienzi, DO, researcher and associate medical director at the UVA Blue Ridge Poison Control Center, Press Release.

Four adults fell ill after intentionally eating mushroom gummies and received emergency care between September and November 20, while the child’s case was an accidental ingestion. All were treated and released, although the child required an overnight stay.

Because the researchers couldn’t buy the exact brands their patients were consuming, they purchased three brands with similar ingredients and two others labeled “mushroom nootropics,” a term used to describe products that supposedly improve cognitive function.

“While we expected to find some undisclosed ingredients, we were surprised to find psilocybin and psilocin, knowing that these are controlled drugs. Consumers should be given right information about what is in these products,” said Lindsay Bazydlo of UVA Health’s advanced toxicology lab, which conducted the testing.

Scientists are now urging doctors to be vigilant about patients, especially children, who get unwell after consuming mushroom gummies because standard hospital drug tests may not detect the substances in them. Symptoms such as hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, stomach upset and altered mental states can mimic the effects of marijuana, making diagnosis challenging.