- The FDA is investigating Diamond Shruumz brand microdosed chocolate bars.
- The agency said eight people who consumed the product became ill.
- Symptoms include vomiting, seizures, and central nervous system depression.
The FDA announced Friday that eight people in four states have become ill after consuming Diamond Shrooms brand microdosing chocolate bars.
Microdosing is the practice of regularly taking small amounts of a drug (usually a hallucinogen) that you don't feel any effects from.
Some believe microdosing improves creativity and mental health. It's become trendy in Silicon Valley, where some CEOs have added microdosing to their morning routines.
The microdosing industry has boomed in recent years as companies hope to turn drugs like MDMA into approved medicines. Business Insider reported that a “psychedelic renaissance” began to sweep the industry in 2020. Psychedelic companies attracted $163.6 million in investments in the first three quarters of 2020, according to data from Pitchbook.
Diamond Shrooms markets its products as microdoses, but they do not actually contain hallucinogens. The company sells more than 10 different products, including chocolate bars in six flavors. The company's FAQ states that its products contain a “proprietary blend of natural ingredients.”
“It contains no psilocybin, Amanita phalloides or any other scheduled drugs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience,” the company's website states. “Rest assured, not only are our treats hallucinogen-free, but our carefully crafted ingredients provide the experience.”
The FDA said people who ate the chocolate bars experienced “serious symptoms” including seizures, central nervous system depression, nausea, vomiting, agitation, abnormal heart rate and high or low blood pressure.
All eight people who became ill sought medical attention, six were hospitalized, but no deaths were reported.
“FDA is working to determine the cause of these illnesses and is considering appropriate next steps. More information will be provided as it becomes available,” the news release said.
A representative for Diamond Shrooms did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.
