Amanita Muscaria Mushrooms: An Online Retail Assessment of Branded Retailers, 2025.

OBJECTIVE

Amanita muscaria mushrooms, known for their hallucinogenic effects, have grown in popularity and availability. However, use can cause delirium, coma, and death. Moreover, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that Amanita muscaria, its extracts, and certain constituents (muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine) are unapproved additives that do not meet the Generally Recognized as Safe standard, meaning that edible products containing them are adulterated under federal law (illegal to market and sell) and are subject to enforcement.

METHODS

In April 2025, we examined the online retail of Amanita muscaria products among the 13 most-trafficked websites identified, including factors known to highly influence access, use, and related risk.

RESULTS

Among these 13 retailers, 8 (61.5%) asked about age to enter the website, 8 (61.5%) had state-based shipping restrictions, and 9 (69.2%) offered price discounts. Some A.muscaria products also contained THCP and delta-9 THC. Websites sold A.muscaria gummies (n = 12, 92.3%) and chocolate bars (n = 5, 38.5%). The average price of the least expensive A.muscaria product was $29.74 for gummies (range: $11.99-$36.99) and $36.59 (range: $25.00-$50.00) for chocolate bars. Among those that specified A.muscaria amount, the average was 4,182mg (2,000mg-8,000mg) for gummies (n = 11) and 6,500mg (5,000mg-8,000mg) for chocolate bars (n = 2). Eleven websites contained marketing-related product descriptions, including general advertising (n = 11 [100%]; e.g., potential effects), dosing instructions (n = 10, 90.9%), and safety claims, recommendations, and warnings (n = 11 [100%]; e.g., mentioning lab testing, potential consequences).

DISCUSSION: Study findings help characterize a little-known market with considerable health implications.