DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) – Synthetic magic mushrooms are being sold at Iowa gas stations and smoke shops, and they’re threatening people’s lives.
The Health and Human Services Department issued warnings about the substances on Tuesday.
The fake mushrooms have sickened people in 19 states. The latest is Iowa.
While no one has died, some users are on ventilators.
The FDA does not regulate synthetic mushrooms, so there aren’t requirements to list ingredients.
Sold legally as dietary supplements, they’re designed to mimic the effects of psilocybin, the hallucinogen in so-called magic mushrooms. Consumers can find synthetic mushrooms at Iowa retailers, and it’s easy to buy them online.
HHS is warning people not to eat, sell or serve Diamond Shruumz-brand products, including chocolate bars and gummies. If they have them, they should throw them out.
A Genesis Health System spokesperson said that the emergency department hasn’t treated anyone recently who has admitted to taking synthetic mushrooms.
The FDA can’t force a recall, but it says it’s trying to convince Diamond Shruumz to do a voluntary one.
Symptoms reported at hospitals include seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness, agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea and vomiting.
People are urged to call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 if they become ill after consuming the product.
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