Officials are sounding the alarm about the dangers of unregulated and potentially illegal psychedelic products advertised on social media and sold online or in vape shops. These products, including chocolates and gummies, often come in eye-catching retro designs, featuring melting mushrooms and surreal landscapes, and are flavored like children's breakfast cereals. However, the labels' promises of natural mind-altering experiences and mental clarity may be misleading, as some of these psychedelic edibles can be more harmful than beneficial.

Public health experts and officials are intensifying their warnings about the risks associated with these unregulated products. Some claim to contain psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound found in magic mushrooms, which is legal for use in two states but illegal at the federal level. Others contain synthetic chemicals or extracts from potentially toxic mushrooms, such as amanita muscaria.

Eric C. Leas, an assistant professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health at the University of California, San Diego, emphasized the importance of transparency in product labeling. He stated that consumers have the right to know what they are consuming when seeking a psychedelic experience. Not knowing what substances are present in mushroom gummies or chocolates is unfair to consumers.

Recently, health authorities at both state and federal levels have begun investigations into the mushroom edible brand Diamond Shruumz after almost 50 people from two dozen states fell ill after consuming their products. One death has also been associated with this outbreak. The manufacturer, Prophet Premium Blends, has responded by issuing a nationwide recall of the products, acknowledging that some batches contained high levels of a potentially toxic chemical found in amanita muscaria mushrooms.

The unregulated psychedelic industry is growing in popularity, riding on the coattails of promising research into the therapeutic potential of substances like psilocybin. The FDA has even designated psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression as a "breakthrough therapy." This has led to significant investment in researching psilocybin for various mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Legalization efforts are also underway in certain states, with Utah authorizing a pilot program for supervised administration of psilocybin to treat behavioral health disorders. Oregon has passed a pioneering law allowing for therapy using psilocybin at state-regulated service centers.

However, the patchwork of laws and regulations surrounding psychedelic substances mirrors the early days of state-legalized marijuana. The gray market for intoxicating products made from legal hemp also shares similarities. Joshua Kappel, a Colorado attorney involved in drafting the state's psychedelic medicine laws, highlighted the confusion in the marketplace due to the demand for these natural medicines and people's positive experiences with them.

Despite the potential benefits, caution must be exercised. Reports of mushroom poisonings, specifically caused by psilocybin, have been increasing. In 2023 alone, there were 1,005 cases of psilocybin poisoning, triple the number recorded in 2019, according to data from regional poison control centers.

Experts warn that individuals with a history of mental illness may be at a higher risk of negative psychological outcomes, even after the immediate effects of the psychedelic edibles have worn off. One notable incident involved an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who was arrested after attempting to interfere with a flight, allegedly due to the lingering effects of consuming a small amount of psilocybin.

Law enforcement agencies are also cracking down on the illicit market for psychedelic substances. Seizures of psilocybin have increased by 369 percent between 2017 and 2022, indicating a growing market for these substances and the potential health risks associated with them. Oregon appears to be a central hub for these products, with some evidence suggesting they are being distributed to other states.

In light of these concerns, officials are urging consumers to be cautious about where they source their psychedelic products and to be aware of the risks associated with unregulated and illegal substances. The pursuit of psychedelic experiences should be pursued with proper knowledge, transparency, and safety precautions to mitigate potential harm.

It is crucial for individuals interested in exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics to engage with regulated, reputable, and legally compliant sources to ensure their well-being and minimize the risks associated with these substances.