Seizures of Psilocybin Mushrooms Surge in U.S. Amid Growing Interest

The tripled rate of law enforcement seizures reflects increased public curiosity and research into potential mental health benefits, despite federal illegality.

• 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.

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