Enlarge Diamond Shruumz Newly released testing data of Diamond Shruumz-brand gummies purchased in 2023 identified the presence of psilocin, a hallucinogenic drug closely related to the magic-mushroom drug psilocybin that is classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside psilocybin, heroin, and LSD. Further Reading
Synthetic psychedelic found in candies linked to seizures, intubation
The finding comes as Diamond Shruumz’s current line of gummies, chocolates, and candy cones is being recalled and are under active investigation in connection to a nationwide rash of severe illnesses, which have involved seizures, intubation, and intensive care. As of the latest update on July 15, 69 people in 28 states have been sickened after eating a Diamond Shruumz product. Sixty of the 69 sought medical care, 36 were hospitalized, and there is one potentially associated death under investigation.
The new finding of psilocin in the products, published by researchers at the University of Virginia, adds to growing concern about psychedelic mushroom candies generally. Although the candies are marketed as being legal, they have often been found to contain various undisclosed illegal drugs, gray market synthetic versions of drugs, as well as dangerous adulterants and contaminants.
In the ongoing investigation of Diamond Shruumz candies—led by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with the help of America’s Poison Centers and state and local partners—researchers have not identified psilocin in products linked to the illnesses. Instead, they have found a closely related synthetic hallucinogenic compound called 4-acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, also known as psilacetin or 4-AcO-DMT. Psilacetin is thought to be metabolized into psilocin in the body and is said to have similar effects as taking magic mushrooms or psilocybin. The different testing results between the FDA-led investigation and the new UVA study may be due to possible formulation changes between 2023 and 2024 or simply differences in the products or batches of candies tested so far.
The UVA researchers, who published their findings in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, looked into the mushroom candies after four adults reported illnesses to a local poison control center between September and November 2023. The people went […]
Illegal drug found in Diamond Shruumz candies linked to severe illnesses
