Magic Mushroom Vape Abuse Among Teens Raises Concern Among Authorities

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.

Abuse of magic mushroom vapes among teens as young as 13 has raised concerns, said National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) director Datuk Ruslin Jusoh

Citing figures from six Puspen addiction rehabilitation centres nationwide as of March this year, Ruslin said seven cases out of 61 male inmates undergoing rehabilitation for magic mushroom vape abuse were aged 13 to 18, reported the New Straits Times.

The others are aged between 19 and 39.

This figure is a sharp increase compared to the 30 cases recorded last year, highlighting a growing trend of younger users.

Only four cases involving users aged 13 to 18 were recorded last year, he said.

He also highlighted the emergence of a new trend where mushroom vapes are mixed with other illicit substances such as methamphetamine

These mixed drugs, which are inhaled as flavoured vape liquids, make it difficult for conventional urine test kits to identify what substances have been consumed.

This cocktail of drugs has also complicated detection and monitoring efforts by police.

Magic mushroom vapes can induce intense hallucinations more rapidly than other drugs

According to a NADA Facebook post, these vapes, often marketed as "natural" and safe to consume, are not made from actual hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Instead, they are made from synthetic cannabis, which can lead to hallucinations as well as more dangerous side effects.

He said these hallucinations can lead to dangerous behaviour and criminal acts, as a user's senses are altered, including emotional state and perception of time.

He said NADA would continue to enhance detection efforts in response to increasingly sophisticated synthetic drug trends.

Rusli reminded the public to report suspected illegal drug activity, as well as to come forward if family members were involved.

The intent is not to punish, but to provide treatment, he said.