The use of psilocybin — commonly known as “magic mushrooms” — has seen a sharp increase across the United States in the past five years, according to a new study. Usage has risen by 188% among adults over 30 and by 44% among those aged 18–29 since 2019, when some states began relaxing laws around the substance.
The study found that psilocybin is now used more frequently than other illicit drugs such as cocaine or LSD, particularly among individuals with mental health conditions or chronic pain. However, experts warn that unsupervised use is troubling, with a notable rise in poison control calls and emergency room visits.
Specialists emphasise the risks of severe side effects, especially without medical oversight, which can include psychological disorders or, in rare cases, death. At the same time, they note that psilocybin shows promise in controlled therapeutic settings for conditions like depression and PTSD. However, experts caution against its unsupervised use due to potential psychological risks. The evolving legal landscape, with some states legalising or decriminalising psilocybin, adds complexity to the issue
The study analysed data from five national surveys and found that most users consume psilocybin for recreational rather than therapeutic purposes, increasing the risk of harm. Experts are calling for further research and stress the importance of ensuring safe conditions for use.
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