Americans’ interest in Amanita muscaria, also known as “magic mushrooms” due to their psychotropic effects, has been steadily increasing, with Google searches for the mushroom rising by 114 percent from 2022 to 2023. This surge in interest is likely due to emerging clinical research supporting the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, found in traditional “magic mushrooms,” as a treatment for depression. However, unlike psilocybin, Amanita muscaria contains compounds such as muscimol and ibotenic acid, which can be more toxic than substances like fentanyl, cocaine, and PCP, according to estimates from mouse studies.
Despite the potential dangers posed by Amanita muscaria, products containing these compounds, such as gummies and chocolates, are being marketed with health-related claims, including the mitigation of anxiety and depression, without clear disclosure of the mushrooms’ contents or potential risks. This misleading marketing can be particularly harmful as muscimol, found in Amanita muscaria, is a depressant that suppresses the central nervous system, unlike psilocybin, which is an antidepressant that primarily binds to serotonin receptors to activate a pathway associated with happiness and optimism.
This lack of transparency in marketing Amanita muscaria products may infringe on consumers’ right to informed consent, as they may not be aware of the differences in effects and potential risks between muscimol and psilocybin. Additionally, the lack of federal regulation of Amanita muscaria allows companies to profit from selling these products illegally, putting consumers at risk. While psilocybin is a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act, Amanita muscaria remains unregulated in most states, with the exception of Louisiana where sales are restricted.
The authors of the study recommend placing Amanita muscaria on the Controlled Substances list to evaluate its medical potential and abuse liability before allowing widespread sales. In the absence of such regulation, they suggest implementing age restrictions, accurate dosing standards, childproof packaging, and adult-targeted marketing, similar to regulations in place for recreational cannabis sales. Mental health professionals are encouraged to educate their patients on the differences between psilocybin and Amanita muscaria to ensure informed decision-making.
Overall, the study highlights the risks associated with Amanita muscaria products and emphasizes the need for public health intervention to protect consumers from potential harm. With companies exploiting regulatory loopholes to profit from the sale of these products, consumers are left vulnerable and uninformed. By implementing stricter regulations and increasing awareness among the public, steps can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with Amanita muscaria consumption.
