Oregon Study Finds Some Magic Mushroom Edibles Contain Zero Psilocybin
Oregon researchers discovered a troubling pattern in Portland smoke shops. Products labeled as magic mushroom edibles contained no psilocybin but undisclosed synthetic drugs with unknown safety profiles.
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| Key Findings | Details |
|---|---|
| Products Tested | 12 edibles from Portland stores |
| Psilocybin Found | Zero products contained the compound |
| Alternative Ingredients | Caffeine, hemp, kava, synthetic psychedelics |
| Safety Concerns | Unknown effects of synthetic “syndelics” |
| Health Impact | 180 emergency cases nationwide in 2024 |
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Study Reveals Widespread Mislabeling
Oregon State University scientists purchased twelve products marketed as magic mushroom edibles. The team tested each item using advanced laboratory equipment. Not one contained psilocybin, the compound that produces hallucinogenic effects. The study appeared in JAMA Network Open.
Richard van Breemen led the research team at OSU’s College of Pharmacy. The researchers also found no muscimol, another psychoactive mushroom compound. These findings suggest consumers are buying products that deliver entirely different effects than advertised.
Hidden Dangers Lurk in Synthetic Alternatives
The absence of psilocybin represents only part of the problem. Seven products contained undisclosed active ingredients that pose serious health risks. Researchers identified synthetic psychedelics they termed “syndelics.” These compounds mimic psilocybin’s chemical structure but lack safety testing in humans.
Van Breemen expressed particular concern about these synthetic alternatives. Scientists have not studied their effects, toxicity levels, or safe dosages. The products contained varying amounts of these compounds without any labeling or consumer warnings. This creates a dangerous situation where users cannot predict what they are consuming or how their bodies might react.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented this emerging health crisis. Last year alone, officials recorded 180 emergency cases linked to magic mushroom products across 34 states. These incidents resulted in 73 hospitalizations and three deaths.
Regulatory Gaps Enable Consumer Deception
Oregon legalized psilocybin for supervised therapeutic use, but selling products directly to consumers remains illegal. This legal framework creates confusion that unscrupulous manufacturers exploit.
The study highlights critical needs for better analytical standards. Van Breemen emphasized that legitimate psilocybin products require standardized testing and proper manufacturing practices. Current detection methods cannot easily identify new synthetic compounds.
Consumer protection requires immediate regulatory attention. People seeking psilocybin therapy should access products only through licensed medical programs. The proliferation of mislabeled edibles creates unnecessary risks for consumers and patients.
