Mushroom poisonings in California show foraging can be deadly. A doctor explains what to know | CNN

Mushrooms are becoming popular due to online communities and social media marketing products for mood enhancement, sleep and psychedelic experiences. But foraging for wild mushrooms always poses a danger since some toxic mushrooms resemble edible ones to all but the well-trained eye. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a report on May 28 about an outbreak of Amanita mushroom poisonings in California that resulted in three liver transplants and four deaths. Forage for food — without killing your guests What are Amanita mushrooms? Why are some people using them, and how common is this trend? Why are some specimens deadly and others used for psychoactive effects? And what should people know before consuming wild mushrooms or mushroom-based products? To help with these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously was Baltimore’s health commissioner. CNN: What are Amanita mushrooms, and what prompted this CDC warning? Dr. Leana Wen: Amanita is a large genus of mushrooms that includes hundreds of species. Some are highly toxic and can be deadly. Ot