Chocolate mushroom bar: The Rise of Psilocybin Bars

In a surprising turn of events, it has come to light that certain smoke shops in New York City are openly selling chocolate bars infused with psilocybin, the hallucinogenic component found in magic mushrooms. The Post recently investigated this phenomenon and discovered that several storefronts in the East Village and Chinatown are offering these bars to customers seeking a psychedelic experience, despite the fact that psilocybin is a Schedule 1 illegal narcotic.

The bars, marketed as Mindful Magic Bars and Polka Dot bars, claim to contain several grams of psilocybin and are priced between $50 and $90. The Post visited five different shops and found that most of them kept the bars hidden behind the counter or in zippered bags, only bringing them out upon customer request. Interestingly, many of these shops openly sell weed candies and vape pens, taking advantage of the recent legalization of marijuana in New York State.

While marijuana may now be legal for recreational use in the state, the consumption and sale of psilocybin remains illegal. Shop owners who are found to be selling these psychedelic chocolate bars could face felony charges. However, employees interviewed by The Post expressed little concern about potential legal repercussions, as they believe authorities are not actively monitoring these establishments.

The popularity of these psilocybin bars is concerning, especially considering the potential risks involved. Some individuals who have tried them have reported intense experiences and negative side effects. One employee described it as the “stupidest decision” he had ever made, regretting the impact it had on him despite having a high tolerance for marijuana. Another customer mentioned feeling uneasy and expressed concern about the nature of the product.

While research has suggested that micro dosing psilocybin could have potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating alcohol addiction, there is a clear distinction between regulated medical usage and the casual consumption of sugar-coated hallucinogens. Luke Nasta, founder and CEO of Camelot Counseling Centers, emphasizes the importance of considering an individual’s psychological state before engaging in any psychoactive drug use. For those with underlying psychological conditions, the effects of such substances can be unpredictable and may exacerbate existing issues, potentially leading to extreme behavior.

In New York State, legislators have been pushing to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize its medical use. However, the sale of unregulated psilocybin products, like these bars, poses risks to public health and safety. It is crucial for authorities to address this concerning trend and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to regulate the sale and consumption of psilocybin-containing products. Furthermore, public education and awareness campaigns should be implemented to inform individuals about the potential risks associated with consuming these substances without medical supervision.

As this issue unfolds, it remains to be seen how authorities will respond to the open sale of psilocybin bars in smoke shops across the city. Striking a balance between personal freedom, public safety, and responsible drug usage is paramount to safeguarding the well-being of individuals and communities as the discussions surrounding the legality and potential benefits of psilocybin continue.