Walk into almost any wellness store these days and you’ll find them: mushroom gummies, powders, coffees, and supplements promising everything from improved focus to better sleep. But while mushrooms are having a wellness moment, most of these products have little in common with the psychedelic varieties currently making headlines at the Minnesota State Capitol.
The key difference is psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in so-called “magic mushrooms.” Psilocybin is illegal in Minnesota outside of approved research settings; though this spring, lawmakers approved a bipartisan provision establishing a three-year pilot program to start this fall for supervised therapeutic use.
The mushroom products already lining store shelves are typically made from non-psychedelic, or “functional,” mushrooms. Popular varieties include lion’s mane, which is often marketed for cognitive support and focus; reishi, traditionally associated with relaxation and stress management; cordyceps, which some consumers use to support energy and athletic performance; turkey tail, commonly promoted for immune-system support; and chaga, an antioxidant-rich mushroom frequently used in teas, coffees, and wellness supplements.
Mike Kempenich, founder of Minnesota mushroom and wild foods company Gentleman Forager, says their growing popularity reflects consumers’ desire for approachable wellness products. “People are looking for daily wellness products that feel more natural and less aggressive than energy drinks, heavy caffeine, or highly processed supplements,” he says.
While functional mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, scientific research into their health benefits is still evolving. Some early studies show promise, particularly around lion’s mane and cognitive health, but experts caution that many marketing claims currently outpace the available evidence.
Kempenich says one of the biggest misconceptions is assuming every mushroom product offers the same benefits—or that all mushrooms are psychedelic. “A lion’s mane product, a chaga product, a reishi product, and a psilocybin mushroom are completely different things.”
He laughs at the question he hears most often: “The joke I hear all the time is, ‘So, is this the fun kind?’ The answer is no—your lion’s mane beverage is not going to make the walls breathe.”
As interest grows, Kempenich encourages consumers to read labels carefully rather than assuming every mushroom supplement is created equally. “Consumers should look at what species is being used, how much is in the serving, what part of the mushroom is being used, and whether the company is being realistic about what the product can and cannot do,” Kempenich says. “If a product sounds like it fixes everything, that is usually a sign to be skeptical.”
Functional mushroom gummies, beverages, and capsules are available pretty much everywhere from specialty health stores to major retailers, but Kempenich believes the category is still finding its footing. “I think we are still in the Wild West stage of functional mushrooms. There are good companies doing thoughtful work, and there are also companies capitalizing on a trend and selling products that are closer to snake oil than science.”
As researchers continue studying both psychedelic and non-psychedelic mushrooms, one thing is clear: Fungi have moved well beyond the forest floor and firmly into the wellness mainstream. Whether they’re being discussed in legislative hearings, clinical trials, or supplement aisles, mushrooms are having a moment.
