Mind-Altering Chemical Found in Chocolate Bars, California Health Officials Warn

Psilocybin, or "magic mushrooms," in an undated photo provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in Washington on May 7, 2019. DEA/Handout via Reuters

Californians were warned on Nov. 22 not to eat PolkaDot brand Mushroom Magic Blend chocolate bars over concerns that the chocolate contains psychoactive drugs.

The PolkaDot chocolate bars were labeled as containing an unsafe food additive called amanita muscaria, a type of mushroom, the Department of Public Health said in a statement.

Laboratory testing determined that the bars contained an additional synthetic psychoactive drug, according to the state.

The bars were sold by the San Diego-based PolkaDot Shruumz to smoke shops and online, and were distributed throughout California and other states.

More than $3 million worth of the candy was embargoed and voluntarily destroyed, the state reported.

“The responsible firms may be subject to further enforcement action including civil or criminal penalties pending additional investigation by the state’s health department and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department,” according to the statement.

The adulterated chocolate bars are 2.1 ounces each and were produced in multiple flavors, including Belgian milk chocolate caramel peanut twist, Belgian milk chocolate intense dark, and Belgian milk chocolate Maui coconut twist.

“The California Department of Public Health appreciates the joint investigative work conducted with the San Diego County sheriff’s office,” state Public Health Officer Thomás Aragón said. “Partnerships like this play a big role in the [department’s] efforts to protect the public from foods that may be unsafe.”

On Nov. 22, the company appeared to still be selling the chocolate bars on its website for $20 each.

Representatives from the company did not return requests for comment by publication time.

Anyone experiencing any ill effects after eating the chocolate bars should consult their health care providers, according to the state.

Anyone finding the products for sale is advised to call the health department’s hotline at 800-495-3232, or submit a report.

California health officials warned the public that three flavors of PolkaDot Mushroom Magic Blend chocolate bars contain psychoactive drugs. California Department of Public Health

Possessing “magic mushrooms” and psychedelic mushrooms is illegal in California. Possessing small amounts for personal use may lead to misdemeanor fines and jail time.

The state’s lawmakers attempted to pass a bill to legalize some naturally occurring psychedelics in 2023, but the bill was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Senate Bill 58, proposed by state Sen. Scott Wiener, who represents San Francisco, would have allowed people ages 21 and older to possess, transport, or plant a certain amount of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin, or “magic mushrooms” for personal use starting on Jan. 1, 2025.

In his veto message, the governor said medical research has demonstrated that treatment with such hallucinogens can help “relieve people suffering from certain conditions, such as depression, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other addictive personality traits,” but that regulations and guidelines should come before legalization.