What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: THC.

Where was this research published?

Published in Substance use & misuse on September 19, 2026.

Online Amanita products show varied marketing and safety controls

Q: What did this research study find?

The April 2025 review of **13 online retailers** found that **8 (61.5%)** used age-gating and **8 (61.5%)** imposed state-based shipping restrictions.

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

Substance use & misuse • September 19, 2026 • Related

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AI Summary

This observational online retail assessment asked how Amanita muscaria products were marketed and sold in April 2025. Researchers reviewed the 13 most-trafficked websites they identified, rather than studying people or testing treatment effects. The products are relevant to public health because A. muscaria can cause serious poisoning, including delirium, coma, and death, and the FDA considers A. muscaria, its extracts, and certain constituents unapproved additives that do not meet the Generally Recognized as Safe standard for foods.

The assessment found that 8 of 13 websites (61.5%) used age questions and the same number had state-based shipping restrictions, while 9 (69.2%) offered discounts. Gummies were sold by 12 websites (92.3%), and chocolate bars by 5 (38.5%); some products also contained THCP and delta-9 THC. Marketing commonly included claimed effects, dosing instructions, and safety-related statements. Because this abstract reports a website snapshot—not laboratory verification, consumer behavior, or clinical outcomes—it cannot establish the actual contents, safety, or health effects of products sold more broadly. This is an abstract-based summary and does not claim to have reviewed the full text.

💡 Key Findings

The April 2025 review of 13 online retailers found that 8 (61.5%) used age-gating and 8 (61.5%) imposed state-based shipping restrictions.

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95%

Amanita muscaria gummies were offered by 12 websites (92.3%), while chocolate bars were offered by 5 (38.5%); some products also contained THCP and delta-9 THC.

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95%

Marketing was widespread: 11 websites provided product descriptions and safety-related claims or warnings, while 10 (90.9%) included dosing instructions.

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95%

The study characterizes a little-known market with considerable health implications, but its website-based snapshot cannot establish product safety, actual ingredient contents, consumer use, or health outcomes.

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90%

📄 Original Abstract

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. Retail of intoxicating and potentially harmful Amanita muscaria mushrooms has grown. In April 2025, we examined the online retail of Amanita muscaria products among the 13 most-trafficked websites. We found 62% age-gated websites and 69% offered price discounts. The average price of the cheapest A. muscaria gummy was $29.74 (range: $11.99-$36.99), and the average amount of A. muscaria contained in gummies was 4,182mg (range: 2,000mg-8,000mg). Study findings help characterize a little-known market with considerable health implications.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Substance use & misuse
Published: September 19, 2026
PMID: 42762199
DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2026.2734264

Authors (5)

Cassidy R LoParco Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Kayla K Tillett College of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
Matthew E Rossheim College of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
Sarah A Okey Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, Olympia, Washington, USA.
Carla J Berg Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.