Increase in Psilocybin Use Noted Across All Age Groups Post-Decriminalization

Recent research indicates a significant rise in psilocybin usage across various age demographics following its decriminalization in 2019. Conducted by researchers at Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety in Denver, this multisource observational study analyzed data from five nationally representative datasets: 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), and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS).

The findings, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, reveal that prior to 2019, the prevalence of psilocybin use remained relatively stable. However, after its decriminalization, there has been a marked increase in lifetime use among both adults and adolescents. Notably, the study found that past year usage surged by 44% among young adults aged 18 to 29 and a staggering 188% among older adults. Furthermore, the prevalence of psilocybin use among 12th graders rose by 53%, reaching 2.5% in 2023.

The study highlighted that adults suffering from mental health issues or chronic pain conditions were the most likely to use psilocybin. Additionally, reports of psilocybin exposures to U.S. poison centers surged dramatically--by 201% in adults, 317% in adolescents, and an astonishing 723% in children.

In 2023, the rate of psilocybin use among adults surpassed estimates for other substances, including cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, and illicit opioids. This trend underscores the necessity for public health officials and healthcare providers to address the growing rates of psilocybin consumption in their future policy-making and intervention strategies.

The study's results advocate for a comprehensive understanding of psilocybin's emerging role in therapeutic contexts, especially for individuals with coexisting mental health or physical conditions. The significant increase in usage patterns points to a shifting landscape regarding public perception and acceptance of psilocybin and other psychedelics as potential treatment options.