Deaths And Severe Illness Linked To Diamond Shruumz Products, Experts Blame Reckless Manufacturing Practices

In response to the recent recall of Diamond Shruumz products, the nation’s leading non-profit advocating for the right to microdose, has intensified its call for a regulated microdosing industry. The Microdosing Collective (MC) stated in a press release that the recall, triggered by severe health incidents linked to these products, highlights the urgent need for a legal framework that prioritizes consumer safety while acknowledging the unique characteristics of sub-perceptual psychedelic use, also known as microdosing.

What Happened? Dr. Michael Moss, the medical director of the Utah Poison Control Center, was one of the first to raise the alarm. A patient in his hospital's ICU began convulsing after consuming what seemed to be a harmless chocolate bar. "Nobody gets put on the ventilator and has a seizure from eating psychedelic mushrooms," Moss told NPR on Tuesday, reflecting the confusion and concern that quickly spread among medical professionals. After contacting poison control centers around the country, Moss realized that similar cases were appearing.

The recall was initiated following reports of serious health issues, including seizures, loss of consciousness and respiratory failure. 130 documented cases of severe disease have been reported so far, including two suspected deaths. Initial investigations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments identified high levels of muscimol, a mushroom-derived toxin found in Amanita muscaria, as a possible cause. Authorities quickly responded by removing all Diamond Shruumz products from the market and advising consumers to destroy any remaining stock. Prophet Premium Blends, the company behind the product, also identified muscimol as a "possible cause" of the disease, but did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

What's Really Inside These Products?

While Amanita muscaria, also known as the fly agaric mushroom, is not a controlled substance like psilocybin but can still produce psychoactive effects. However, the symptoms reported in these cases—nausea, vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness—are not fully explained by muscimol alone. As reported by NPR, initial testing by the FDA has uncovered a mix of other substances in the recalled products, including a synthetic version of psilocybin, 4-AcO-DMT as well as the anticonvulsant drug pregabalin and the herbal supplement kava. This "kitchen sink" approach to product formulation, as some experts have called it, is raising serious concerns.

As these products continue to grow in popularity, experts like Caleb King and Christopher Pauli of Tryptomics, a company that tests psychoactive substances, have seen a disturbing trend of inconsistency and contamination. "People are throwing the kitchen sink into some of these and calling them a natural blend," King told NPR. Their findings have included everything from herbal supplements to amphetamines, with little consistency even within the same brand.

Calls For A Regulated Industry

“The Diamond Shruumz recall tragically highlights the risks posed by uncontrolled, black market psychedelic products,” said Paul Austin, co-founder of the Microdosing Collective. “It's a stark reminder that our current drug policies treat all quantities of a substance equally—they don't distinguish between sub-perceptual, sub-intoxicating, potentially therapeutic doses, and larger, more risky amounts. This lack of nuance in regulation leaves consumers vulnerable.”

The Collective has consistently condemned the production and distribution of unregulated psychedelic products. This latest incident reinforces their commitment to establishing a legal framework for microdosing psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, as wellness supplements.

Concerns In The Growing Microdosing Market

MC co-founder and drug policy attorney Joshua Kappel pointed out the scale of the issue: “We estimate that about four million people in the U.S. are actively microdosing, with the market valued at around $100 million. Yet none of these products are legal or guaranteed to be safe. It's time for policies that reflect the reality of microdosing as a potential tool for both wellness and mental health relief.”

Christian Rasmussen, who sells Amanita muscaria online and credits the mushroom with helping him overcome a benzodiazepine addiction, expressed concern about potential regulatory backlash. He pointed out that the "smoke shop industry" only recently began capitalizing on Amanita, eyeing it as the next delta-8, a psychoactive substance derived from hemp.

Jeff Stevens, CEO of Psyched Wellness, which sells Amanita muscaria tinctures, echoed these concerns. "My concern would be if there is a knee-jerk reaction on regulatory enforcement with all Amanita without taking the time to understand what caused the issues [with Diamond Shruumz] and considering how this mushroom can be used safely."

For now, the market remains a confusing and potentially dangerous landscape for consumers. King and Pauli advise caution, suggesting that consumers look for QR codes on packaging that can provide a certificate of lab analysis. However, even this is not foolproof, as some documents may be fake or incomplete.

The Neurological Perspective On Microdosing

“Compared to high-dose regimens, sub-perceptual dosing of psychedelics is fundamentally different,” said Dr. Evan Lewis, a neurologist and advisor to the Microdosing Collective. “Evolving research suggests that microdosing, when done correctly, has the potential to modulate neural networks in subtle ways that might impact cognitive flexibility and emotional resilience. However, without proper oversight and standardization, we risk missing these nuanced effects or worse, exposing users to unforeseen risks.”

The Collective stresses that microdosing involves sub-perceptual doses that do not alter consciousness—a characteristic that demands a regulatory approach distinct from that of higher, consciousness-altering doses.

A Call To Action

The Microdosing Collective is advocating for several key measures:

• State-specific regulatory frameworks that differentiate based on dosage, recognizing the unique nature of microdosing
• Legal frameworks that allow adults to obtain safe microdosing products for personal use;
• Increased support for research into the benefits and risks of low-dose psychedelics
• Consumer protection measures within the microdosing market
• Education initiatives to reduce misconceptions about microdosing and its potential benefits and harms
• Collaboration between policymakers, health experts, and industry to develop a safe access policy framework.

“We’re at a pivotal moment,” Austin concluded. “With the right approach, we can harness the potential of microdosing while ensuring public safety. It's time for forward-thinking policies that reflect scientific understanding and prioritize mental health.”