Mushroom Magic: Mycological Marketing Landscape

‘Magic’, ‘micro dose’, and ‘functional’ mushroom brands are increasingly advertising  on Instagram resulting in potential consumer confusion. This post primarily focuses on brands marketing products containing psychedelic or psychoactive substances. Additionally, there are a variety of legitimate of functional mushroom brands containing ingredients such as cordyceps, lions mane, and reishi utilizing terms like “micro dosing”, “functional”, and “magic” further increasing difficulty in navigating a challenging mycological marketplace. The following blog post primarily focuses on active ingredients in products currently being marketed, and where DankeSuper products fit within the overall landscape.

Amanita Muscaria

Amanita Muscaria Mushrooms in the Wild

One of the most common legal mushrooms being marketed as psychedelic is the Amanita muscaria commonly known as the fly agaric mushroom. It is a distinctive and iconic fungus recognized by its bright red cap with white spots well-known in popular culture for its depiction in fairy tales and folklore (Alice in Wonderland or Flying Reindeer). However, it is quite different from psilocybin mushrooms, which are traditionally what are thought of as ‘magic’, and belong to the genus Psilocybe.

While not as deadly as some other Amanita species (e.g., Amanita phalloides the death cap), Amanita muscaria can still cause unpleasant and potentially dangerous side effects. The primary toxins are ibotenic acid and muscimol. Symptoms of Amanita toxicity include nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, dizziness, confusion, delirium, twitching, and in rare cases seizures. At high doses, Amanita risks causing more severe neurological effects, and proper preparation is required to convert toxic ibotenic acid into less toxic muscimol. Improper preparation of amanita increases risk of adverse side effects, and makes consumption a relatively dangerous proposition.

Synthetic Psychedelics

Synthetic psychedelics are lab-made compounds designed to mimic the effects of naturally occurring psychedelics like psilocybin (from mushrooms) or LSD. While they may offer similar experiences, they carry unique risks due to their unregulated production, variable potency, and unknown safety profiles. Synthetic psychedelic products are commonly sold in the United States under the guise of “legal psychedelic” products either containing Amanita or nefariously ill defined “proprietary mushroom blends”. A 2022 DEA report noted a material rise in synthetic compounds in the United States particularly NBOMe compounds and tryptamines (e.g., 5-MeO-DMT). Notably, these were some of the same compounds found to be prevalent in deadly Diamond Shruumz products.

Diamond Shruumz damage the nascent mushroom industry by marketing synthetics as proprietary amanita or psilocybe blends

Psilocybin Mushrooms

Unlike Amanita or synthetics, psilocybin mushrooms are not considered toxic to the body, but can cause psychological distress, such as anxiety or paranoia, especially in high doses or in unprepared individuals. Additionally, psilocybin mushrooms exhibit significant therapeutic potential to treat depression, PTSD, and other mental health disorders.

DankeSuper Iceberg (First Flush), a psilocybe cubensis variety related to Albino Penis Envy

Therapeutic Benefits of Psilocybin Mushrooms

Psilocybin, the active compound in "magic mushrooms," has shown significant promise in clinical research for mental health and neurological conditions. Key therapeutic benefits include:

1. Treatment-Resistant Depression

• Studies (e.g., Johns Hopkins, Imperial College London) demonstrate that psilocybin therapy can induce rapid, sustained reductions in depressive symptoms, even in cases resistant to traditional antidepressants.

• Effects often arise from increased neuroplasticity and altered connectivity in brain networks linked to mood regulation.

2. Anxiety and End-of-Life Distress

• Psilocybin-assisted therapy has alleviated existential anxiety in terminally ill patients, fostering acceptance and emotional peace.

3. PTSD and Trauma

• Early research suggests psilocybin may help reprocess traumatic memories and reduce hyperarousal symptoms.

4. Addiction

• Trials show promise in treating nicotine, alcohol, and cocaine addiction by disrupting maladaptive patterns and enhancing introspection.

5. Cluster Headaches

• Anecdotal reports and small studies indicate psilocybin may reduce the frequency and intensity of these debilitating headaches.

6. Enhanced Emotional Openness

• Users often report increased empathy, creativity, and a sense of interconnectedness, which can aid therapeutic breakthroughs.