Mushroom edibles have become increasingly popular in theUnited States in the 2020s.[3][7][6] They exist in a legal gray area, and may or may not be illegal depending on the ingredients.[6][4][2][1] One mushroom edibles brand,Diamond Shruumz, has been linked to hundreds ofpoisonings, includingdeaths.[4][8] TheFood and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers not to buy or eat mushroom edibles.[9][10] In addition, the FDA explicitly bannedAmanita muscaria ingredients in food products in the United States in late 2024.[11][12][13] The FDA is currently evaluating the use ofAmanita muscaria and its constituents in dietary supplements, reminding manufacturers to ensure their ingredients meet safety standards and encouraging them to consult the Office of Dietary Supplement Programs with any questions.[13]
Mushroom edibles started being sold in theUnited States in the 2020s and began to surge in popularity in 2023.[3][7][6] They includechocolate bars,gummies, and other food items.[1][6] The products are often sold atsmokes orhead shops,cannabis stores, andgas stations, as well as online.[3][2][7][20] Some of the most well-known brands in the United States include PolkaDot and Tre House.[1][7][20] The widespread market availability ofAmanita muscaria products, as opposed to hallucinogenic mushrooms in general, is a relatively recent development.[6] This mushroom is often inappropriately conflated with psilocybin mushrooms, including in terms ofsafety as well as possible therapeutic benefits when used medically.[6] Mushroom edibles in general exist in a legal gray area in the United States and are unregulated.[4][2][3] There are often knockoff or counterfeit products that imitate major brands and may have completely different ingredients in spite of similar branding.[1][7][20]
In December 2024, it was reported that a company called PsiloSafe had launched a testing and certification program for magic mushroom products.[21] The aim is to ensure the ingredients,potency, and safety of the products.[21] Some 15 product brands have partnered with PsiloSafe.[21]
Amanita muscaria and constituents like muscimol and ibotenic acid are notcontrolled substances in most of theUnited States and hence are considered legal.[6][4][2] However, other substances that may be in mushroom edibles, such as psilocybin and psilocin, are controlled substances and hence are illegal.[1] In December 2024, the U.S.Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned theAmanita muscaria constituents muscimol, ibotenic acid, andmuscarine from food products including mushroom edibles.[11][12][13] The agency could push theDrug Enforcement Agency to classifyAmanita muscaria or its active compounds as controlled substances, but whether enforcement occurs depends on the Trump administration's approach, with the FDA typically issuing warning letters without strict action unless serious safety issues arise—similar to how hemp-derived products like Delta-9 THC and CBD are currently handled.[22] The FDA and other government agencies such as theCalifornia Department of Public Health (CDPH) have warned consumers not to buy or eat mushroom edibles.[9][10]
One mushroom edible brand,Diamond Shruumz, has been linked to hundreds of poisonings, including three deaths, and was recalled.[4][8] The FDA conducted an investigation and identified ingredients including muscimol, psilacetin, psilocybin, pregabalin, and kava constituents.[18][23][10] It is unclear exactly why the products caused poisonings, but it may have been related totoxic amounts of muscimol or to presence of ibotenic acid, a knownneurotoxin andconvulsant.[18][23][6] In general,Amanita muscaria mushrooms are known to be much more toxic when ingested thanpsilocybin mushrooms.[6] There is also little quality control in terms of the dosing of mushroom edibles, and amounts of active ingredients may vary considerably even within the same product.[1] Children have also been poisoned by mushroom edibles, for instance after stealing chocolate bars from their parents.[20]
^Pepe M, Hesami M, de la Cerda KA, Perreault ML, Hsiang T, Jones AM (December 2023). "A journey with psychedelic mushrooms: From historical relevance to biology, cultivation, medicinal uses, biotechnology, and beyond".Biotechnol Adv.69 108247.doi:10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108247.PMID37659744.
^Rivera-Illanes D, Recabarren-Gajardo G (September 2024). "Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Muscimol".ACS Chem Neurosci.15 (18):3257–3269.doi:10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00304.PMID39254100.
^abcdeSemley, John (12 June 2023)."Cartoon packaging and an 'inconsolable' high: when magic mushroom chocolate gets into the wrong hands".the Guardian. Retrieved2 February 2025.The brand is actually Polkadot Bar. And they've become increasingly common in the psychedelic grey market. As more states open up laws around cannabis, Polkadot Bars and a range of other magic mushroom containing-candies – including One-Up Bars, Holy Grail Bars, Magic Bars and Mushie Gummies – have become common, under-the-counter offerings in cannabis boutiques, smoke shops and corner bodegas. The bars come in a range of flavours, from Ferrero Rocher, Twix and Fruity Pebbles to matcha, blueberry acai and "strawnana".
