KUALA LUMPUR: The Magic Mushroom line of vape products contains synthetic drugs and users have experienced mental delirium and severe abnormal behaviour, says the National Poison Centre of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
After conducting tests on several samples of the product, the centre detected no traces of psilocybin, a naturally-occurring psychedelic prodrug found in more than 200 species of fungi.
(A prodrug is a compound that is initially pharmacologically inactive but is metabolised or converted within the body, rendering it into a pharmacologically active drug.)
“These samples were found to contain synthetic drugs, which are more dangerous and can cause severe symptoms of poisoning and potentially be fatal,” it said in a Facebook post on Friday.
The centre said this showed that vape devices were easily manipulated, and uncontrolled use of vapes could lead to the abuse of dangerous drugs, including new synthetic substances such as ketamine, phencyclidine and amphetamine-like compounds.
“Do not be fooled by promotions of ‘Magic Mushroom’ vape as a flavour or claims that it is harmless,” it said while urging users to inform medical officers of their use of vape if they experience unexpected or severe symptoms after using the product.
The centre said the increasing use of vape products containing dangerous drugs was worrying especially when school students were involved.
“The government needs to immediately enforce legal control for the sake of public health,” it added.
