Major update on Victoria’s fatal mushroom poisoning as expert lifts the lid on the deadly fad sweeping the nation – and issues dire warning

A fungus expert has revealed why so many Australians use magic mushrooms after a mother-of-two died of suspected poisoning at an alternative health clinic.

Rachael Dixon, 53, became seriously ill and later died of a suspected heart attack after drinking a mushroom tonic at Soul Barn in Clunes, near Ballarat, western Victoria, about noon on Saturday night.

The investigation into the death of the Melbourne mother of two sons, who was herself a doctor, continues.

Natalie Barr asked Dr. Alistair McTaggart of Symbiotika Lab why people were so eager to get their hands on magic mushrooms.

‘I think because of the hype around the [reported] improvements [people’s] mental health,” the mycologist told Sunrise on Thursday.

He said magic mushrooms actually contain an evolutionary form of snail poison, made up of a range of psychedelic compounds, including psilocybin.

“When people and celebrities take mushrooms, instead of being like a slug and getting poisoned, we have these amazing benefits,” he explained.

“So maybe we have an epiphany, or we increase our empathy, or maybe we look at a problem we’ve been working on with a new perspective.

‘Psilocybin is classified as a breakthrough therapy for the treatment of mental disorders, anxiety, addiction, depression and PTSD.

“People are getting really interested in trying magic mushrooms to see what all the fuss is about.”

But he stressed that magic mushrooms are illegal in Australia and are classified in Australia as a Schedule 9 prohibited drug, legally similar to heroin.

“You can be punished by some pretty draconian laws for owning it,” he said.

‘The TGA announced that psilocybin would be downgraded to a Schedule 8 for treatment-resistant depression.

‘But [magic mushrooms] it is still illegal to possess.”

The mycologist said that despite this, there was still a “large community” that used magic mushrooms recreationally.

“As a community, we need to recognize that there is a growing and growing number of people interested in magic mushrooms who are unlikely to be accommodated in a clinical and therapeutic space,” he said.

Michelle Mullins, the owner of alternative health clinic Soul Barn, revealed that a private event was being held at the clinic when Ms Dixon fell ill and died.

“There are no words to express the deep sadness and shock we feel here at Soul following the tragic incident that occurred on April 13,” her statement read.

‘Soul Barn rents out workshop space to external companies and facilitators.

“The event that took place on April 13 was a private event and those facilitating the event do not work for or represent Soul Barn in any way. None of our regular therapists, staff or facilitators were present at any time during this event.”

Mrs Dixon’s heartbroken son Matthew wrote on Sunday: ‘To the most loving, most caring person I have ever known, I cannot thank you enough for everything you have ever done for me and all the support you have given me .

“Words can’t describe how much I will miss you, I wish I could give you one last hug.”

Ms Dixon’s sister, Penny Muller-Dixon, added: ‘Words cannot express the heartbreak we are all feeling’ in a statement on social media.

“Matthew, your New Zealand family loves you, we’ll see you soon. Life is so f*cking short, hug and love the people around you,” she wrote.

Ms. Dixon and two other Soul Barn customers were rushed from the wellness center to hospital after the possible poisoning.

The two other patients were released from the hospital on Tuesday.

One of the lines of inquiry that police will investigate is whether the trio consumed a drink containing magic mushrooms.

It is currently mushroom season in southern Australia and Clunes, located about 30 kilometers north of Ballarat, is surrounded by forests.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia that detectives from the Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit were investigating the death.

“It is believed a woman was at a Fraser Street retreat when she became ill after ingesting a drink at around 12pm,” she said in a statement.

‘The investigation is ongoing and police will prepare a report for the coroner.’