Mushroom Gummies aren’t the first mushroom-based supplements to hit grocery stores, health and wellness shops and online. But they are arguably the most convenient and no-fuss option, allowing you to consume mushrooms without having to worry about pill swallowing or mixing into a drink. And of course, they’re also much tastier than most powders.
But it’s important to remember that not all gummies are created equal. According to a new study by UVA’s Blue Ridge Poison Center, five patients — four adults and a 3-year-old child — were evaluated in the emergency room between September last year and June because of consumption of gummies listing Amanita muscaria as an ingredient.
Mushroom Gummies: The Convenient Health Snack
The gummies were found to contain Psilocybin and/or Psilocin, which are illegal hallucinogens that can cause vomiting, a racing heartbeat and an altered state of mind. Symptoms caused by these chemicals can also include paranoia, anxiety, a feeling of being unreal, and distorted depth perception. Typical hospital drug screens won’t detect these chemicals, and the effects can last for up to 24 hours.
To avoid getting sick from these types of gummies, it’s essential to buy from trusted vendors who make their lab reports available to customers for viewing. Many of the best brands also offer a satisfaction guarantee, promising to refund any product that doesn’t work as advertised. And of course, always heed warnings from local and federal health agencies.