Amanita Gummies & the Testing Problem: What COAs Don't Tell You

(written by Dr. Regina Moore)

Hey folks, we’ve been meaning to address the ongoing concerns around amanita gummies and similar "off-the-shelf" products. Over the years, we’ve tracked the rise of these trends, and in April 2023, we published a press release after testing some of these products following reports that users’ experiences didn’t match up with what was advertised. https://www.patreon.com/posts/139268687

Since then, the issue has gained more attention, culminating in the FDA recalling all "Diamond Shruumz" brand products in June 2024. While this example highlights specific concerns with one brand, the broader problem is similar across many products.

The Key Issue:
These products often aren’t what they claim to be. What’s in them? It varies—sometimes drastically—from batch to batch. Psychedelics have become big business, and legal loopholes around substances like amanita make them a prime target for companies looking to profit without accountability. These are not small-scale artisans standing behind their products; they’re large companies willing to push the limits.

For Our Community:
This affects amanita's reputation. As the FDA noted, muscimol (the active compound in amanita) wasn’t found in all Diamond Shruumz products, nor did it explain the reported symptoms in many cases. Yet, the association with amanita remains, despite the inconsistency of the ingredients.

Interestingly, the FDA has barely addressed ibotenic acid in their testing—whether they’re not finding it or not testing for it is unclear. The only mention is that "ibotenic acid and muscimol were detected in the raw ingredient reportedly used in some Diamond Shruumz products." This raises more questions than answers.

Certificates of Analysis (COAs):
While some brands publish COAs, these often don’t match what independent or FDA testing reveals. This casts doubt on their validity, especially when COAs are outdated or lack random product sampling.

Graphics:

I’m sharing some edited slides from an upcoming presentation to national pharmacy leadership, I'll be presenting at the regional NABP/AACP meeting. Hopefully the graphics help present this issue in a digestible way for you all.

Stay informed, and remember: without transparency and consistent testing, it’s hard to know what you’re really getting.