CNN and other outlets reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers and retailers to avoid eating, selling, or serving Diamond Shruumz-brand microdosing chocolate bars, infused cones, and gummies. This advisory comes after reports of severe illnesses from consumers in eight different states, resulting in ten hospitalizations out of twelve reported cases.

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Consumers who ate Diamond Shruumz products reported severe symptoms, including seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, agitation, abnormal heart rates, high and low blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms have caused significant concern among health authorities, who are now investigating the matter in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), America’s Poison Centers, and various state and local partners.

The illnesses have been reported in Alabama, Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. Arizona had the highest number of reports, with four individuals falling ill. The FDA’s current advisory emphasizes the gravity of the situation, noting that ten of the twelve affected individuals required hospitalization due to the severity of their symptoms.^(1, 2)

Affected States and Case Numbers:

The FDA and other health authorities are rigorously investigating the cause of these illnesses. Diamond Shruumz’s website claims its products are made with a proprietary blend of nootropics (substances whose action may improve human thinking, learning, and memory) and functional mushrooms (fungi believed to have health and cognitive benefits like lion’s mane or reishi mushrooms) and do not contain psilocybin, amanita, or any other scheduled drugs. However, the exact cause of the reported adverse reactions remains unknown at this time. The investigation aims to identify any possible contaminants or undisclosed ingredients that could be responsible for the symptoms.

Despite the severity of the reported illnesses, no deaths have been linked to Diamond Shruumz products so far.^(1, 2)

What is Microdosing?

Microdosing involves consuming small amounts of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin mushrooms, which are believed to enhance mood and concentration without inducing a full psychedelic experience. While Diamond Shruumz claims its products do not contain psilocybin, the reported symptoms suggest that there might be other substances or factors at play.

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Harm Reduction and Safety Tips

Harm reduction is crucial when using psychedelics or microdosing, and there are several practical steps individuals can take to ensure their safety. First, always start with a low dose to understand how the substance affects you personally, as individual reactions can vary significantly. Use a milligram scale for accurate measurement, especially when microdosing. Ensure you are in a safe, comfortable environment, ideally with a trusted friend or sitter who remains sober and can assist if any issues arise. Staying hydrated and avoiding the combination of psychedelics with other substances, particularly alcohol, and medications, can further reduce risks.

When consuming prepackaged or pre-made products such as chocolate bars, gummies, or candies, always be sure you know what the product contains. It is also a good idea to extensively research the brand and how it’s made and read consumer reviews or reports.

Another essential harm reduction practice is drug testing to ensure you have the substance you think you do. Many psychedelics are sold in unregulated markets, which increases the risk of adulteration with other potentially dangerous substances. However, in cases like this, where something is being sold as a legal, pre-packaged consumer good, you may not be able to test the product effectively.

Using a drug testing kit, available online from vendors like Dance Safe or through other harm reduction organizations, allows you to verify the content and purity of your psychedelics. Educating yourself about the specific psychedelic or microdosing protocol, and being aware of both the potential benefits and risks, is also important.

Additionally, having a clear intention and mindset before using psychedelics, as well as integrating the experience afterward by reflecting on it and, if needed, discussing it with a mental health professional, can help ensure the insights gained are beneficial in the long term.

The FDA advises consumers to thoroughly check their homes for any Diamond Shruumz products and discard them immediately. The advisory also extends to retailers, who are instructed not to sell or distribute these products and to secure them until further instructions on safe disposal are provided. This precautionary measure aims to prevent any additional cases and ensure public safety.

Health officials are particularly concerned about the potential appeal of Diamond Shruumz products to children and teenagers due to their candy-like presentation. Parents and caregivers are urged to discuss the dangers of these products with their children and ensure they do not consume them.^(1, 2)

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FDA Continues to Investigate

The FDA and other health authorities are expected to provide updates as the investigation progresses. Consumers and retailers are encouraged to stay informed about new developments and adhere to the FDA’s recommendations to ensure safety.

Consumers can visit the FDA’s website or contact the Poison Help Line for more information. The FDA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available.^(1, 2)

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Sources

Sources

1. Nutrition, C. for F. S. and A. (2024). Investigation of Illnesses: Diamond Shruumz-Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, & Gummies (June 2024). FDA. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-illnesses-diamond-shruumz-brand-chocolate-bars-cones-gummies-june-2024

2. Kounang, F. C., Nadia. (2024, June 10). More illnesses linked to Diamond Shruumz chocolate, cones and gummies, FDA says. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/10/health/fda-warning-diamond-shruumz-microdosing-chocolate/index.html