The FDA is now investigating if Diamond Shruumz 'microdosing' products are linked to multiple deaths

• The FDA reported 74 illnesses in 28 states possibly linked to Diamond Shruumz products.
• Now the agency says it is investigating two deaths it suspects are associated with the products.

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating if products sold by Diamond Shruumz, the company that recalled its microdosing products in June, are now linked to two deaths.

The FDA shared the update with the public this week amid its investigation into illnesses the agency suspects are associated with Diamond Shruumz products.

"As of July 22, 2024, a total of 74 illnesses have been reported from 28 states," the FDA said. "Sixty-two (62) of the 74 people have reported seeking medical care, 38 have been hospitalized, and there are two potentially associated deaths under investigation."

"This advisory will be updated as additional information becomes available," the FDA added.

Diamond Shruumz markets its products as "microdose" edibles. Microdosing is when people take a small dose of a psychedelic drug — often containing psilocybin — because they believe it can boost mental health and creativity. The practice has become popular in Silicon Valley and with some CEOs.

On its website, Diamond Shruumz says its products don't contain "psychedelic substances," but its ingredients "offer an experience."

A July report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, however, found that some Diamond Shruumz gummies did contain psilocin, which is a Schedule 1 substance and illegal in Virginia, where the study was done.

The CDC also said five people had received hospital evaluations after eating gummies labeled to contain Amanita muscaria, a type of mushroom that is legal, according to the report.

Prophet Premium Blends owns the brand and has recalled all Diamond Shruumz products in coordination with the FDA.

The recall notice said the products contained a psychoactive compound called muscimol, which is found in Amanita muscaria. The FDA said muscimol can be a "potential cause of symptoms consistent with some symptoms observed in individuals who became ill after consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand products."

The FDA first advised consumers to avoid Diamond Shruumz microdosing chocolate bars in June before adding the brand's Infused Cones and Micro-Dose and Mega-Dose/Extreme Gummies later that month.

Consumers who fell ill after consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand products reported several symptoms, including seizures, central nervous system depression, abnormal heart rates, and vomiting, the FDA said.

"Due to consumers becoming ill after consuming the entire chocolate bar and some products containing higher levels of Muscimol than normal, it is crucial that all of our consumers refrain from ingesting this product while we, alongside the FDA, continue our investigation as to what is the cause of the serious adverse effects," a statement on the Diamond Shruumz's website said.

Representatives for Diamond Shruumz did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. The FDA referred to the July 23 update when asked for comment.

"Persons who purchase products advertised as psychedelic or nootropic mushroom gummies should be aware that package labels might not accurately represent the contents and that these products could contain substances that might produce unexpected and potentially toxic effects," the CDC report said.