Unregulated Sales of Amanita Muscaria Mushrooms

Interest in psychedelic mushrooms, particularly psilocybin, has grown significantly in recent years. Concurrently, a commercial market has emerged for amanita muscaria mushrooms, which contain the psychotropic compound muscimol and its precursor, ibotenic acid. Despite their psychotropic effects and high toxicity, amanita muscaria is not regulated under the 1970 U.S. Controlled Substance Act, unlike psilocybin.

Historical Context and Modern Use
Amanita muscaria has a rich history, particularly in Siberian shamanistic rituals, where it has been used for its psychoactive properties. The mushroom’s distinctive appearance and effects have contributed to various myths, including potential connections to the origin of Santa Claus.

In recent years, amanita muscaria products have become widely available online. These products include muscimol-infused gummies, vapes, and pre-rolls, indicating growing consumer demand. Google search trends reveal a 114% increase in interest from 2022 to 2023, suggesting rising popularity.

Clinical Research and Misconceptions
The interest in amanita muscaria may stem from its conflation with clinical research on psilocybin, which has shown potential in treating depression and other mental health conditions. However, there is limited evidence supporting the therapeutic use of muscimol, primarily derived from pre-clinical studies. Nonetheless, Amanita muscaria products are marketed with vague health claims, often violating FDA regulations.

Safety Concerns
Amanita muscaria poses significant public health risks due to its toxicity. Ingestion can lead to severe symptoms, including dizziness, hallucinations, agitation, seizures, and, in rare cases, death. Acute toxicity studies in mouse models reveal that muscimol and ibotenic acid have higher toxicity levels compared to many commonly used psychotropic drugs, including fentanyl and cocaine.

The psychotropic effects of amanita muscaria are attributed to muscimol, which acts as a GABAA receptor agonist, similar to alcohol and benzodiazepines. These effects include dizziness, visual and auditory hypersensitivity, and hallucinations, distinguishing it from psilocybin, which interacts with serotonin receptors.

Regulatory Landscape
Currently, amanita muscaria and muscimol are not classified as controlled substances in most countries. However, some jurisdictions, such as the Netherlands and the U.S. state of Louisiana, have imposed restrictions. The lack of regulation has led to a marketplace where Amanita muscaria products are sold as food or dietary supplements, despite lacking FDA approval or safety testing.

Recommendations for Regulation
There is a pressing need for regulatory intervention to address the risks associated with amanita muscaria. Federal and state regulators should clarify the legality of manufacturing and distributing these products and implement standards to protect consumers. These standards should include age restrictions, childproof packaging, and accurate labeling to ensure consistent potency and the absence of contaminants.

Mental health professionals also play a crucial role in educating patients about the differences between psilocybin and amanita muscaria, emphasizing the latter's higher toxicity and lack of clinical evidence for therapeutic use.

Conclusion
The unregulated sale of amanita muscaria poses significant public health risks. Consumers are at risk of severe adverse health effects, while manufacturers profit from a lack of regulatory enforcement. A coordinated public health response is urgently needed to address these concerns and protect consumers.

Lift Off mushroom products do not use amanita muscaria. We use a proprietary mushroom extract that is grown and extracted in a type 7 facility.