ToxIC NOSE Report #21 | The Rise of Psilocybin-Infused Chocolate Bars

The ToxIC NOSE (Novel Opioid and Stimulant Exposure)
Report #21 from ToxIC’s Rapid Response Program for Emerging Drugs of Abuse

The Rise of Psilocybin-Infused Chocolate Bars

Samantha Gaetani, MD & Kim Aldy, DO, MS, MBA

ToxIC and the Opioid Response Network investigate the rise of psilocybin use in chocolate confections, vape cartridges, and gummy snacks. Because the concentration of psilocybin in one dried mushroom can vary greatly, psychoactive effects on an individual can be unpredictable. These products are often unregulated and provide inconsistent dosing, leading to adverse effects associated with their use. Toxicity includes psychomotor agitation, psychosis, altered mental status, tachycardia, hypertension, worsening depression, and many other reported effects.

Psilocybin containing mushroom chocolate bars and related edible products can cause serious adverse effects that may require hospitalization and medical intervention. These products are often marketed in forms that are appealing to children and adolescents, increasing the risk of unintentional or experimental use. Public education is essential to raise awareness of the dangers associated with these products, including severe agitation and altered mental status, which may result in traumatic injury or death.