One of the largest cannabis companies in Jamaica plans to expand into the country’s legal psilocybin market by selling psychedelic mushroom chocolate bars.
Kaya Group (OTC: NUGL) announced Tuesday that its subsidiary Kaya Extracts will introduce two new products containing psilocybin including chocolate bars that contain 1000 milligrams of psilocybin and can be broken into four pieces of 250 milligrams each. The pieces can then be further divided for microdosing, which involves taking small doses of a psychedelic substance in a controlled manner.
Each bar will be made of Jamaican dark and white chocolate and wrapped individually.
Psilocybin has gained interest for its potential to treat conditions like depression, anxiety and addiction. The company said the chemicals in chocolate may enhance the effects of psilocybin and help create positive associations with microdosing.
While psilocybin remains illegal in most Western nations, it has never been outlawed in Jamaica.
Psilocybin has been used in Jamaica for centuries in spiritual and religious practices and some research shows it may reduce symptoms of some mental health issues by inducing introspection and new perspectives.
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The global psychedelic drug market was worth $2.6 billion US in 2022 and is projected to reach $7.1 billion by 2032, according to analyst reports. Australia and Thailand allow or may soon allow psilocybin, potentially opening opportunities for export.
“Jamaica has a rich heritage of using natural substances for medicinal and spiritual purposes, and psychedelics are proving beneficial for Jamaica’s tourism industry,” Kaya CEO Bali Vaswani said in a statement.
“We will continue our commitment to conducting rigorous research and adhering to the highest safety and quality standards as we work with the Jamaican community to bring the transformative power of psilocybin to those who can benefit from it. Kaya’s Psychedelic Mushroom Chocolate bars will exceed everyone’s expectations.”
Kaya operates three Kaya Herb House dispensaries and a wellness centre in Jamaica focused on cannabis and natural health products. It offers farm tours, a consumption lounge, pizzeria and bar at its locations.
The company said it aims to position psychedelic tourism experiences with the health and wellness sector. But psilocybin remains an illegal substance in most countries, limiting the potential for international exports. The company said more research is still needed, but initial results show promise for regulated psilocybin use.
While Kaya markets itself as a leader in Jamaica’s hospitality and tourism industries, its primary focus appears to be retail cannabis and wellness products.
