The FDA reported that eight people in four states became ill after consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand microdosing chocolate bars. This type of product contains small enough doses of drugs, typically psychedelics, to not produce any noticeable effects. The microdosing industry has grown significantly in recent years, with companies seeking to turn substances like MDMA into approved medications. In 2020, there was a surge in the psychedelics industry, with companies raising $163.6 million in investments during the first three quarters of the year.
Although Diamond Shruumz markets its products as microdoses, they do not actually contain any psychedelics. The company sells a variety of products, including chocolate bars in six different flavors. According to their website, their products use a “proprietary blend of natural ingredients” and do not contain any psychedelic substances. However, despite these claims, people who consumed their chocolate bars experienced severe symptoms, such as seizures, central nervous system depression, nausea, vomiting, agitation, abnormal heart rates, and hyper/hypotension.
All eight individuals who fell ill sought medical care, with six requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, there were no reported deaths related to the consumption of the chocolate bars. The FDA is investigating the cause of these illnesses and determining the appropriate next steps. Diamond Shruumz has not yet commented on the situation in response to Business Insider’s request for a statement.