Not as it seems: Magic mushrooms are fungi that contain the psychedelic compounds psilocybin or psilocin, which can alter perception and mood. Authorities say no confirmed cases involving psilocybin or magic mushrooms have been detected in vapes. — Canva
PETALING JAYA: Drug-laced vape liquids are being falsely marketed as “magic mushroom” products – typically known as natural fungi containing the hallucinogen psilocybin – when many actually contain synthetic drugs like cannabinoids or MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy).
According to Monash University Malaysia consultant addiction psychiatrist Assoc Prof Dr Anne Yee, most users – and even sellers – do not actually know what these vapes, also known as Kpods, contain.
“Many believe it’s a ‘mushroom’ drug, but that’s the problem. Vapes are just devices; people don’t truly know what’s in them.
“Dealers will say anything to make a sale,” she said.
Police data showed that most seized Kpods actually contained synthetic cannabinoids or ecstasy.
In 2023, about 65% of vape liquids and devices seized tested positive for these substances.
According to Narcotic Crime Investigation Department Legal and Investigation assistant director ACP Chandra Segaran Subramaniam, no confirmed cases involving psilocybin or magic mushrooms have been detected in vapes.
“People continue to claim ‘magic mushroom’, yet there is no supporting evidence.
“All cases involve synthetic substances,” he said.
These findings are supported by chemical analyses from the National Poison Centre at Universiti Sains Malaysia.
“To date, we have not detected any mushroom-derived hallucinogens, such as psilocybin or psilocin, in the vape samples analysed,” said science officer Dr Normaliza Abdul Manaf.
“However, we have identified synthetic psychoactive substances, particularly those classified as New Psychoactive Substances, in certain drug vapes.
“These may produce hallucinogenic-like effects but are not natural mushroom-based compounds.”
According to Assoc Prof Yee, magic mushrooms could have become popular due to a Yale University study that suggested psilocybin – a component of such mushrooms – could help in treatment-resistant depression.
Vape stockist Din (pseudonym), 26, said he is regularly approached by sellers promoting drug-infused vapes.
“They come to the shop offering testers,” he said, adding that they don’t disclose the nature of the drug.
“I used to assume they were mushroom drugs because they were popular.
“They invited me to try it and said to call them if I was interested, but I declined.”
Former chef Nur Maisarah (pseudonym), 42, unknowingly tried a Kpod given to her by friends.
The liquid tasted no different from her usual fruity nicotine vape, she said.
“After about five puffs, I felt cold.
“When people spoke near me, their voices sounded distant. It felt like I was floating on clouds, and it scared me.
“That was when I realised I was hallucinating,” she said.
The effects lasted up to two hours.
Assoc Prof Yee, who also practises at a private hospital in Johor Baru, said clinical assessments are crucial because patients are often unsure of the substances they have consumed.
“We assess patients based on their symptoms and accounts to identify possible substances,” she said.
“Most patients who come to us are already seeking help and are honest about their use because they’re afraid they might be treated wrongly if we don’t know what drug is involved.”
Urine tests, she added, are conducted only when confirmation is necessary.
“If it’s just nicotine, you won’t see dissociation.
“Anything beyond that is considered drug-laced,” she said.
The effects of psilocybin include altered perception of time and senses, euphoria, intensified emotions, and visual hallucinations.
Those who take etomidate can experience drowsiness, sedation, muscle spasms, loss of motor control, altered perceptions and psychosis – the so-called “zombie-like” symptoms featured in viral videos.
Cannabinoids can cause euphoria, relaxation, impaired memory and coordination, hunger, dry eyes, dry mouth, anxiety and paranoia.
The effects of vaping MDMA are unpredictable, as it does not evaporate well and is frequently contaminated with other potentially harmful substances.
