Notes from the Field: Schedule I Substances Identified in Nootropic Gummies Containing Amanita muscaria or Other Mushrooms — Charlottesville, Virginia, 2023–2024

Since late 2023, gas stations and smoke shops in Virginia have been selling mushroom gummies marketed as nootropics or psychedelics, labeled to contain Amanita muscaria or proprietary mushroom blends. Unlike psilocybin-containing mushrooms, A. muscaria is legal but can cause gastrointestinal upset, agitation, and seizures. Between September 2023 and June 2024, five patients, including one child, were evaluated in Virginia after ingesting such gummies. Because the actual contents are unknown, samples from five brands were tested using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Since late 2023, according to conversations between investigators and smoke shop employees, gas stations and smoke shops in Virginia have been selling mushroom gummies, marketed as nootropics (substances taken to enhance cognitive function) or psychedelics.These gummies are labeled to contain either Amanita muscaria or proprietary mushroom nootropic blends.Unlike other hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) schedule I substance psilocybin, A. muscaria is currently legal.* A. muscaria contains ibotenic acid and muscimol and is used less commonly as a hallucinogen than are psilocybin-containing mushrooms because A. muscaria can cause undesired symptoms, including gastrointestinal upset, agitation, and seizures (1-3).During September 2023-June 2024, five patients, including one child, were evaluated in Virginia after ingestion of gummies listing A. muscaria as an ingredient.Because the actual contents of these novel mushroom gummies are unknown, samples from five brands were obtained for testing using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.