Incident highlights urgent need for safe, legal access to sub-perceptual psychedelic use
MEDIA CONTACT:
Brad Burge | brad@integrationcommunications.com
Brad Burge | brad@integrationcommunications.com
The Microdosing Collective, the nation's first non-profit dedicated to advancing the right to microdose, today addressed the recent recall of Diamond Shruumz products and the associated health incidents. This situation underscores the urgent need for a regulated microdosing industry that prioritizes consumer safety and well-being.
The Diamond Shruumz recall follows reports of severe health incidents linked to their edible products, including seizures, loss of consciousness, and respiratory failure. These cases have led to hospitalizations and potential fatalities. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state health departments are investigating, with early testing indicating high levels of muscimol, a mushroom-derived toxin, as a possible cause. Authorities have recalled all Diamond Shruumz products and advise consumers to destroy any in their possession.
"The Diamond Shruumz recall tragically highlights the risks posed by uncontrolled, black market psychedelic products," said Paul Austin, Co-Founder of the Microdosing Collective. "It's a stark reminder that our current drug policies treat all quantities of a substance equally - they don't distinguish between sub-perceptual, sub-intoxicating, potentially therapeutic doses and larger, more risky amounts. This lack of nuance in regulation leaves consumers vulnerable."
The Microdosing Collective strongly condemns the production and distribution of unregulated psychedelic products. This incident reinforces the organization's mission to establish a legal framework for microdosing psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, as wellness supplements.
"We estimate that about four million people in the U.S. are actively microdosing, with the market valued at around $100 million," stated Joshua Kappel, Co-Founder and drug policy attorney. "Yet none of these products are legal or guaranteed to be safe. It's time for policies that reflect the reality of microdosing as a potential tool for both wellness and mental health relief."
Dr. Evan Lewis, neurologist and advisor to the Microdosing Collective, offered insight into the neurological implications of microdosing: "Compared to high dose regimens, sub-perceptual dosing of psychedelics is fundamentally different. Evolving research suggests that microdosing, when done correctly, has the potential to modulate neural networks in subtle ways that might impact cognitive flexibility and emotional resilience. However, without proper oversight and standardization, we risk missing these nuanced effects or worse, exposing users to unforeseen risks. A regulated framework would support safe use and provide the necessary scaffolding for the production of sound neurological research regarding the short and long-term effects of microdosing on brain health and function."
"Pharmaceuticals like SSRIs and ADHD medications are increasingly failing to provide sustained mental health benefits,” said Alli Schaper, Co-Founder. “Over the past three years, the Microdosing Collective has hosted educational events for over 6,000 attendees, received funding from more than 75 organizations, and built a community of thousands who share remarkable stories of how microdosing has improved their well-being.”
The Collective emphasizes that microdosing, by definition, involves sub-perceptual doses that don't alter consciousness. This unique characteristic requires tailored regulatory approaches distinct from those governing higher, consciousness-altering doses.
The Microdosing Collective is calling for:
- State-specific regulatory frameworks that differentiate based on dosage, recognizing the unique nature of microdosing;
- Legal frameworks that allow adults to obtain safe microdosing products for personal use;
- Increased support for research into the benefits and risks of low-dose psychedelics;
- Consumer protection measures in the microdosing market;
- Education to reduce misconceptions about microdosing and its potential benefits and harms;
- Collaboration between policymakers, health experts, and industry to develop a safe access policy framework.
"We're at a pivotal moment," Austin concluded. "With the right approach, we can harness the potential of microdosing while ensuring public safety. It's time for forward-thinking policies that reflect scientific understanding and prioritize mental health."
The Microdosing Collective remains committed to its vision of a world where sub-perceptual supplementation of psychedelics is safe, legal, and accessible to everyone, fostering better mental health and optimal well-being.
About the Microdosing Collective
The Microdosing Collective is the only 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization in the United States dedicated to educating the public about the right to microdose. Founded in 2022, it focuses on establishing a legal framework for microdosing psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, as a wellness supplement. The organization is committed to educating the public, supporting research, and advocating for policy changes to create a safer, more accessible microdosing landscape.