The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning after six people were hospitalized across four states following the consumption of Diamond Shruumz-brand's microdosing chocolate bars.
Microdosing refers to the practice of consuming a small portion of psychedelic substances like LSD or psilocybin, purportedly for their therapeutic benefits such as improved mood, creativity, focus, and productivity.
The FDA warned against eating any flavors of Diamond Shruumz micro-dosing chocolate bars after four people got sick in Arizona, two in Indiana, one in Nevada, and another in Pennsylvania. The hospitalized patients faced a variety of severe symptoms, including seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness, agitation, nausea, vomiting, abnormal blood pressure, and heart rates. No deaths have been reported.
"Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars, and should discard them...Retailers should not sell or distribute Diamond Shruumz-brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars and should hold the product in a secure location until additional instructions can be provided on how to return or safely dispose of the product," the FDA news release stated.
Since the product is marketed as a candy and is attractive to kids, parents should take extra precautions and have conversations with their children about avoiding it, officials warned.
If anyone happens to get sick after consuming these chocolate bars, they are requested to contact a healthcare provider and get help from the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. When seeking help, they should mention that they have consumed Diamond Shruumz-brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars, officials said.
The series of cases are currently being investigated by the U.S. FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with America's Poison Centers and their state and local partners.
Meanwhile, healthcare officials who come across patients with illnesses related to the product are asked to report them to their local health department.
As per Diamond Shruumz's website, their microdosing chocolate bar contains a "primo proprietary blend of nootropic and functional mushrooms." "Our Diamond Shruumz products are meticulously crafted with a proprietary blend of natural ingredients. There is no presence of psilocybin, amanita or any scheduled drugs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience," the website read.
