FDA Alerts Public After 6 Hospitalized Due to ‘Microdosing’ Chocolate Bars

The FDA has issued a public alert after six individuals were hospitalized due to consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand “microdosing” chocolate bars.

Microdosing means taking tiny amounts of a drug, often a psychedelic, regularly without experiencing any noticeable effects.

Certain individuals think that microdosing can boost creativity and mental well-being. In Silicon Valley, the trend has caught on, with several CEOs integrating microdosing into their everyday morning habits.

In recent times, the microdosing market has expanded rapidly as businesses make efforts to get drugs like MDMA approved for medical use. According to Business Insider, 2020 saw a surge in interest in psychedelics, characterizing it as a “psychedelics renaissance.” Pitchbook data indicated that investments in psychedelic companies totaled $163.6 million during the initial three quarters of that year.

Despite presenting its products as microdoses, Diamond Shruumz does not include any psychedelics in its offerings. The brand offers a diverse product line of over a dozen items, including six flavors of chocolate bars. According to the company’s FAQ section, its products are put together using a “proprietary blend of natural ingredients.”

The company’s website says, “There is no presence of psilocybin, amanita, or any scheduled drugs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Rest assured, our treats are not only free from psychedelic substances, but our carefully crafted ingredients still offer an experience.”

According to the FDA, impacted consumers reported experiencing “severe symptoms” after consuming the chocolate bars, including seizures, depression of the central nervous system, hyper/hypotension, vomiting, nausea, agitation, and abnormal heart rates.

Eight individuals became unwell and sought medical attention after eating the chocolate. Among them, six required hospitalization, but fortunately, no fatalities were reported.

The news release said, “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.”