Overview

• Law enforcement seizures of psilocybin mushrooms in the U.S. have more than tripled in the past five years, rising from 498 pounds in 2017 to 1,861 pounds in 2022.
• The increase in seizures reflects a growing public interest in psilocybin for therapy and recreational use, amidst a surge in positive media coverage and research suggesting its potential mental health benefits.
• Despite the therapeutic potential, psilocybin remains illegal at the federal level, though some states and cities have moved towards decriminalization.
• Researchers emphasize the need for education on the risks of unsupervised psilocybin use, including the possibility of adverse effects such as bad trips, anxiety, and confusion.
• The National Institute on Drug Abuse calls for more data to inform public health strategies, as the cultural, media, and legal landscape around psychedelics continues to evolve.