The Federal Drug Administration released initial lab results in its investigation of recalled “microdosing” edibles made by Diamond Shruumz, which are now linked to 113 cases of illness and potentially to two deaths.
The reported incidents happened across 28 states and left 42 people hospitalized. People who took the mushroom edibles said they experienced symptoms that included seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea and vomiting.
The Orange County, California company behind the edibles, Prophet Premium Blends, LLC, announced a recall in June of all Diamond Shruumz products because they contain a psychoactive chemical called muscimol that may be connected to the illnesses, according to the FDA.
Results of an initial lab test released Thursday show that out of 19 samples muscimol was present in only six.
“Muscimol does not appear in all products and cannot explain all the symptoms reported by ill patients who consumed the Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars,” the FDA concluded.
In nine samples, the FDA detected psilacetin, sometimes described as a synthetic form of psychedelic mushrooms. The prescription drug pregabalin was found in three, and in four researchers found psilocin, which is also in magic mushrooms.
In 15 of the 19 samples, the FDA found desmethoxyyangonin, dihydrokavain, and kavain, which all come from the kaval plant and are known to cause sedation, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Although these compounds individually have known effects when ingested, there is less research on the interactions between these compounds when ingested together,” the FDA said in a statement Thursday. “FDA and CDC medical officers are interpreting these test results to understand the health risks of ingesting these chemical substances and to determine the appropriate next steps.”
The mushroom edibles may still be for sale online or in stores, according to the FDA, which provided a list of locations known to sell the products.
The FDA recommends throwing away any Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolates, cones or gummies, or returning them to the store for a refund. Parents are urged to take special care as the product packaging may especially appeal to children and teens.
Anyone who gets sick after consuming one of the edibles should contact their healthcare provider and/or call the Poison Help Line at 800-222-1222.