Recalled microdosing product linked to death in North Dakota, 48 illnesses nationwide • Daily Montanan

A person in North Dakota died after consuming recalled microdosing candies that are linked to illnesses across the country, the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday.

The death is under investigation by state agencies, the poison control center and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA published a recall on June 28 of some Prophet Premium Blends Diamond Shruumz products. The products include microdosing chocolate bars, infused cones and micro-dose and mega-dose/extreme gummies.

The products are marketed as containing a proprietary blend of mushrooms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of July 1, 48 illnesses, including 27 hospitalizations, have been reported in 24 states, according to the CDC. North Dakota is the only state where a death is being investigated, the agency said. One person has been reported getting sick, according to the CDC.

North Dakota officials are warning the public because the recalled products could still be available for sale online, in stores that sell hemp-derived products, or in smoke and vape shops, said Michelle Dethloff, director of the infectious diseases and epidemiology unit.

The products are not illegal in North Dakota but they are not licensed or regulated by the state, Dethloff said.

Retail locations in Montana, including two places in Yellowstone County, were selling the products, and they’re available online.

State officials would not provide specifics about when or where in North Dakota the death occurred or the person’s age, citing privacy reasons. The person who died is an adult, Dethloff said. The exact cause of death remains under investigation.

The cases of illness reported nationwide have been severe, Dethloff said. Symptoms reported include seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness, abnormal heart rates, high or low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting.

People who suspect poisoning can call the Poison Center at 800-222-1222.

This story was originally produced by the North Dakota Monitor which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network, including the Daily Montanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. 

Darrell Ehrlick in Montana contributed to this report.