Exploratory review of psilocybin usage and awareness amongst college students and potential consumer goods tradeoffs resulting from increased usage

College students report using psilocybin for both medicinal and intoxicating purposes, with some surprising consumption traits emerging from survey data. The exploratory review concludes that psilocybin may increasingly compete with over-the-counter and prescription drugs, as well as alcohol products, as natural remedies gain acceptance and intoxicating effects attract users. Awareness and preferences among students suggest potential growth in societal use.

Study at a glance

Abstract

As the consumers push towards use of natural substances for whole body health increases, and as the dependence upon prescription drugs shows no abatement, substances such as psilocybin (magic mushrooms) have emerged as acceptable methods to treat ailments previously addressed by prescription drugs. In addition to medical solutions provided naturally, many of these substances (primarily Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and psilocybin) have intoxicating effects, which opens an alternate usage avenue, especially amongst college students. Combining natural remedies with possible additional intoxicants, psilocybin could be primed to impact both over-the-counter and prescription drugs, plus consumers products used today for intoxicating impacts: beer, wine, spirits, and seltzers. This study asked college students about awareness, usage, preferences, and tradeoffs, regarding psilocybin. Survey results showed some surprising uses and consumption traits, and the exploratory review ultimately comes to conclusions and potential growth of psilocybin in society.