The use of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in “magic mushrooms,” has increased significantly across the United States since 2019, according to a new national study led by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety.
Published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the study reports rising usage across all age groups, with young adults and people over 30 showing the largest increases.
According to co-lead author Dr. Karilynn Rockhill of the Colorado School of Public Health, the growth in psilocybin use appears to align with policy changes in several U.S. states that have moved to decriminalize or legalize the substance.
Key findings include:
Lifetime psilocybin use among adults grew from 10% in 2019 (about 25 million people) to 12.1% in 2023 (over 31 million people).
Among young adults aged 18–29, past-year use jumped 44%.
Adults over 30 saw an even steeper increase, with a 188% rise in past-year use.
Researchers also noted a strong link between psilocybin use and mental health or chronic pain issues. Many people reporting use also had conditions like depression or anxiety.
More Emergency Calls, Especially Among Teens and Kids
Psilocybin-related calls to poison centers increased sharply between 2019 and 2023:
- 201% increase in adults
- 317% increase in teens
- 723% increase in children
These spikes have raised concern among healthcare professionals, especially since psilocybin is now more commonly used than drugs like cocaine, LSD, meth, or illegal opioids, according to 2023 data.
“What surprised us most was how fast these numbers changed and how often users had health conditions,” said Rockhill. “The growing belief in psilocybin’s mental health benefits may be pushing people to try it on their own.”
A Shift in Public Attitudes
Though psilocybin remains unapproved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), researchers say more people view it as a possible treatment for conditions like PTSD, depression, and addiction.
Dr. Joshua Black, co-lead author and senior scientist at Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety, warned that the shift in public opinion comes with challenges.
“People need clear information on risks and safety, and health systems must be ready to respond,” he said.
Problems with Tracking and Reporting
One issue highlighted by the study is the gap in how hospitals track psilocybin-related problems. While poison center calls have risen dramatically, hospital emergency records show very few cases.
“If we can’t track what’s really happening, we can’t respond in a way that protects public health,” said Black. He emphasized the need for better medical coding systems and education as more states consider legal changes.
Study Based on Multiple National Data Sources
The research used data from five major national surveys from 2014 to 2023, including:
- The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)
- The Survey of Non-Medical Use of Prescription Drugs (NMURx)
- Monitoring the Future (MTF)
- The National Poison Data System (NPDS)
- The National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS)
The study was done in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), though the authors note the findings reflect their own views.
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