The FDA announced on Friday that eight people in four states became ill after eating chocolate bars with microdosing under the Diamond Shruumz brand.
The practice of consistently ingesting a dose of a drug, usually a psychedelic, tiny enough to have no effect is known as microdosing.
Microdosing may enhance creativity and mental well-being, according to some people. In Silicon Valley, it’s become fashionable. Also, a few CEOs claim to have included microdosing into their daily regimen.
The goal of turning substances like MDMA into licensed medications has led to a rise in the microdosing market in recent years.
The sector saw a “psychedelics renaissance” start in 2020. According to Pitchbook data, investments in psychedelic firms totaled $163.6 million in the first three quarters of 2020.
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Notwithstanding the fact that Diamond Shruumz bills its products as microdoses, none of the ingredients are psychedelic. The company offers over a dozen items, among them chocolate bars available in six different flavors.
According to the FAQ on the company’s website, their goods contain a “proprietary blend of natural ingredients.”
“There is no presence of psilocybin, amanita, or any scheduled drugs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience,” as per its website. “Rest assured, our treats are not only free from psychedelic substances, but our carefully crafted ingredients still offer an experience.”
According to the FDA, consuming the chocolate bars caused “severe symptoms” in some persons, such as seizures, depression of the central nervous system, nausea, vomiting, agitation, irregular heartbeats, and hyper- or hypotension.
All eight of the sick people went to the doctor. There were no confirmed deaths, although six needed to be hospitalized.
“FDA is working to determine the cause of these illnesses and is considering the appropriate next steps. More information will be provided as it becomes available,” the news release stated.
