Hallucinogens: What Parents Should Know
Psychedelics are being rebranded as “wellness” or “microdose” products — but effects can include panic, psychosis, accidents, and long-lasting flashbacks.
Powerful effects on perception. Psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”), LSD, and DMT alter sensory processing and judgment; users may see or hear things that aren’t there and misjudge risk.1,4
ER presentations are rising. U.S. surveillance and clinical reports describe acute anxiety/psychosis, risky behavior, injuries, and self-harm — including from “microdose” products.2–3
Flashbacks can occur weeks later. HPPD (hallucinogen persisting perception disorder) can cause recurring visual disturbances even after stopping use.9
“Hemp shop” ≠ safety. Vape/smoke shops and online stores sell “mushroom” and LSD-analog products outside medical oversight with inconsistent labeling/testing.1–4,11–12
Retail Products Seen in Shops
Examples of “mushroom”/psychedelic-branded products photographed for MAHA. (Images © MAHA unless otherwise noted.)
See also: Kratom • Tianeptine • Phenibut • THC Extracts
Parent Playbook
What to watch for. Candy-style gummies, chocolate bars, or vapes with “mushroom,” “Amanita,” or “microdose” branding; perforated paper “tabs.” Signs include dilated pupils, panic/anxiety, confusion, poor balance, or visual distortions.1,4,2–3
If someone is in trouble. For severe agitation, hallucinations with unsafe behavior, injuries, chest pain, or persistent vomiting — call 911. Keep packaging for clinicians. For guidance, call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (U.S.).
How kids get it. Vape/smoke shops, online sellers, and social-media “microdose” marketing with wellness claims. Packaging often mimics snacks; age checks can be weak.1–4
Talk about it — script. “Some ‘mushroom’ or ‘hemp’ products are strong hallucinogens. Labels aren’t reliable. I want you safe — let’s look at what doctors and the FDA say and make a plan together.”
Myths vs. Facts
Myth: “Microdosing is always safe.”
Fact: Evidence is mixed; CDC/FDA document hospitalizations from “microdose” edibles sold at retail.2–4
Myth: “If it’s sold as ‘mushroom chocolate,’ it’s natural and mild.”
Fact: Investigations found products with Schedule I substances or no psilocybin but undisclosed psychoactives.1,3,9–12
References
- CDC. Schedule I Substances Identified in Nootropic “Mushroom” Gummies. MMWR 2024;73(28). link
- CDC Health Alert Network (HAN-00509). Severe Illness Potentially Associated with Diamond Shruumz “microdosing” mushroom products. Jun 12, 2024. link
- CDC. Notes from the Field: Severe Health Outcomes Linked to Mushroom-Based Psychoactive Microdosing Products — Arizona, 2024. MMWR 2025;74(1):14-16. link
- FDA. Investigation of Illnesses: Diamond Shruumz-Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, & Gummies (June 2024). link
- FDA. Prophet Premium Blends Recalls Diamond Shruumz Products (Jun 27, 2024). link
- FDA Constituent Update: FDA alerts industry and consumers about use of Amanita muscaria or its constituents in food (Dec 18, 2024). link
- FDA Letter to Industry: Use of Amanita muscaria or its constituents in food (Dec 18, 2024). link
- FDA Scientific Memorandum: Amanita muscaria (Safety Review, Sep 9, 2024). PDF
- van Breemen RB, et al. Active Constituents of “Psilocybin Mushroom” Edibles. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(9):e2531345. JAMA • PubMed
- Oregon State University News (Sep 11, 2025): “Magic mushroom” edibles in retail often contain no psilocybin; undisclosed actives common. link
- STAT News (Jul 18, 2024): “Legal” psychedelic mushroom candies in gas stations & smoke shops contained illegal hallucinogens. link
- Scientific American (Sep 11, 2025): “Magic Mushroom” edibles found to contain no psilocybin; many undisclosed ingredients. link