Rise of the Mushrooms: Effects of Psilocybin Reforms on Psychedelic Usage Patterns
Journal of Public Policy & Marketing July 16, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/07439156251360774 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | United States residents |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Marketing Advertising |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin reforms are associated with a substitution pattern from LSD and MDMA to psilocybin, suggesting a possible public health benefit. |
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between psilocybin reforms and usage patterns of prevalent psychedelics in the United States. Given decriminalization efforts in several cities and legalization in Oregon, the author analyzes drug use panel data from University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future project to assess changes in self-reported use of psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, commonly referred to as Molly or Ecstasy). The findings reveal a substitution pattern from LSD and MDMA to psilocybin associated with psilocybin reforms. Given the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin and its lower associated risks than LSD and MDMA, the findings suggest a possible public health benefit associated with psilocybin reforms. Moreover, with the increased interest from venture capitalists in the psilocybin-related drug market, this study discusses important topics such as consumer safety and advises caution.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression: fMRI-measured brain mechanisms. Patients with treatment-resistant depression | 2017 | Observational cohort | n = 19 |
| Psychedelic effects of psilocybin correlate with serotonin 2A receptor occupancy and plasma psilocin levels Healthy volunteers | 2019 | Observational cohort | n = 8 |
| Increased spontaneous MEG signal diversity for psychoactive doses of ketamine, LSD and psilocybin Humans | 2017 | Observational study | |
| Classic psychedelic use is associated with reduced psychological distress and suicidality in the United States adult population. USA adult respondents from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2008-2012) | 2015 | Observational cohort | n = 190,000 |
| Prediction of Psilocybin Response in Healthy Volunteers Healthy volunteers | 2012 | Observational cohort | n = 409 |
Citations in the library
Cites 17
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
and 12 more in the library