The recent death of Rachael Dixon, a woman from Ringwood North, after ingesting a drink containing mushrooms at a wellness venue has sparked concerns from experts about the safety of mushrooms and mushroom products. While mushrooms like psilocybin mushrooms have garnered attention for their potential use in mental health treatments, experts emphasize the risks involved in consuming them, especially due to the possibility of accidental ingestion of toxic varieties.
Professor Suresh Sundram from Monash University highlighted the low toxicity of psilocybin and explained that adverse events from its consumption usually occur while under the influence of the compound, stating that sudden deaths are more likely due to contaminants. Dr. Jonathon Karro from St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne echoed this sentiment, mentioning that psychedelic mushrooms rarely cause death themselves but may lead to fatal outcomes indirectly, such as accidents caused by altered perception.
As interest in mushroom wellness products grows, mushroom farmer John Ford noted the rise in popularity of medicinal mushrooms like Lion's mane for their perceived health benefits, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has started regulating products with therapeutic claims related to medicinal mushrooms to ensure consumer safety. Despite the potential benefits, experts like Dr. Karro continue to advise against foraging for mushrooms due to the risks of mistaking toxic varieties for edible ones, underscoring the importance of caution and expertise in handling wild mushrooms.