Short answer: Amanita muscaria, the red-and-white fly agaric mushroom, contains muscimol and ibotenic acid, which act on GABA and glutamate receptors, not like psilocybin. It is not federally controlled, but in 2024 the FDA said it is not authorized for food after mushroom gummies sickened about 180 people and were linked to deaths.
Key takeaways
- What it is: Amanita muscaria is a psychoactive mushroom (muscimol, ibotenic acid) and not a federally controlled substance.
- Medical use: none accepted in the US.
- Timing: effects start in 30 minutes to 2 hours and last 6 to 10 hours.
- Most dangerous mix: Alcohol, which can cause deeper sedation and confusion.
- Naloxone: it does not reverse this drug, but give it whenever opioids could be involved.
- Dependence risk: Low.
- Legal route: amanita muscaria is not federally scheduled as of October 2026, but state bans, FDA restrictions, and pending federal action can apply; check current status.
What is amanita muscaria?
Amanita muscaria has a long history of use in parts of Siberia and appears in folklore. Since 2022, products containing it or its extracts have been sold widely as 'legal mushroom' gummies.
Effects include drowsiness, dream-like states, confusion, distorted perception, euphoria or agitation, muscle twitching, and nausea. They are closer to a sedative or deliriant state than to a psilocybin trip.
Quick facts
| Fact | Amanita muscaria |
|---|---|
| Species | Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) |
| Active compounds | Muscimol (GABA-A agonist) and ibotenic acid (glutamate agonist) |
| Drug class | Sedative-hallucinogenic (deliriant) |
| US legal status | Not federally controlled; not authorized for use in food (FDA, 2024); banned in Louisiana |
| Forms | Dried caps, gummies, chocolates, tinctures, vapes |
| Onset | 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| Not the same as | Psilocybin ('magic') mushrooms |
How long does amanita muscaria last?
- Starts working: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Effects last: 6 to 10 hours
Timing varies with the dose, the form, how it is taken, liver and kidney function, age, and other drugs taken at the same time.
What are the biggest risks of amanita muscaria?
Poisoning: vomiting, confusion, agitation, seizures, low blood pressure, and coma, especially in children and with large amounts.
Mislabeled products: gummies marketed as 'magic' or 'legal' mushrooms have contained undisclosed or synthetic substances.
Misidentification: foragers can confuse Amanita species, including the deadly death cap (Amanita phalloides), which causes liver failure.
Warning: Do not forage wild Amanita mushrooms. Several Amanita species are deadly, and look-alikes are easy to confuse.
What should you never mix with amanita muscaria?
| Combined with | What happens | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Deeper sedation and confusion | Avoid |
| Benzodiazepines, sleep medicines, opioids | Profound sedation | High risk |
| Other hallucinogens | Unpredictable delirium | High risk |
Check any combination with the DoseUses combination checker or ask a pharmacist.
What are the signs of an amanita muscaria overdose, and what should you do?
Amanita poisoning causes vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, muscle jerking, seizures, and coma. Children are especially at risk. Call Poison Help or 911.
If someone may have overdosed
- Call 911 if the person is unresponsive, hard to wake, or breathing slowly.
- For advice when the person is awake and stable, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (US, free, 24 hours).
- If opioids could be involved, including pills not from a pharmacy, give naloxone if you have it. Naloxone does not reverse amanita muscaria, but it will not harm the person.
- Stay with the person and place them on their side if they are drowsy or vomiting.
Is Amanita muscaria addictive?
Little is known. Muscimol acts on GABA receptors like sedatives, so frequent use could plausibly cause tolerance, but no clear withdrawal syndrome has been described.
- Next dayAfter-effectsGrogginess, headache, and fatigue.
- DaysUnknownEffects of regular use are poorly studied.
- If worriedGet supportA clinician or SAMHSA's helpline can help.
See the withdrawal timelines and the full amanita muscaria withdrawal guide.
Is amanita muscaria legal?
Amanita muscaria, muscimol, and ibotenic acid are not federally controlled substances. The FDA has said they are not authorized for use in conventional food.
- State law: Louisiana banned Amanita muscaria in 2024, and other states have proposed restrictions.
Outside the United States
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| International | Not under UN control; controlled in a few countries |
Frequently asked questions about amanita muscaria
Is Amanita muscaria the same as magic mushrooms?
No. Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin; Amanita muscaria contains muscimol and ibotenic acid, with very different effects and risks.
Are Amanita gummies legal?
They are not federally controlled, but the FDA says the mushroom is not authorized for food, and some states ban it.
Can Amanita muscaria kill you?
Deaths are rare but poisoning can be serious, and confusing it with other Amanita species can be fatal.
What happened with Diamond Shruumz?
In 2024 these gummies were linked to about 180 illnesses and investigated deaths, leading to a recall.
Does Amanita show up on drug tests?
Standard drug tests do not detect muscimol.
Sources
- FDA Alerts Industry and Consumers About the Use of Amanita muscaria or its Constituents in Food, US Food and Drug Administration, December 2024.
- National Helpline, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- FindTreatment.gov, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- International drug control conventions, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
This guide summarizes the sourced DoseUses Amanita muscaria profile, written from FDA labels, DEA rules, and federal health agencies. It is educational and is not medical advice. Last updated October 5, 2026.
