Prevalence and Correlates of Past-Year Psilocybin Use in the U.S., 2024, USA

AbstractIntroduction Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushroom species, has gained substantial clinical, scientific, and cultural attention in recent years. Despite this growing interest and evolving policy landscape, nationally representative estimates of recent psilocybin use in the United States remain limited. Understanding the current prevalence and demographic and behavioral correlates of use is critical for informing prevention, harm reduction, and public health responses. The present study examined the prevalence and correlates of past-year psilocybin use among U.S. adolescents and adults.

Methods: Data were drawn from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), a nationally representative survey of the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population aged 12 years and older. The analytic sample included 58,633 respondents. Weighted descriptive and multivariable analyses estimated the prevalence of past-year psilocybin use and its association with demographic and substance use correlates. Analyses were conducted in 2026.

Results: An estimated 2.78% (95% CI: 2.56–3.02) of individuals in the U.S. reported past-year psilocybin use. Increased odds of use were higher among males, young adults, non-Hispanic White individuals, and those with higher household incomes. Past-year use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and LSD was each significantly associated with psilocybin use.

Conclusions: Psilocybin use in the United States is most observed among young adults, males, and individuals with higher incomes, and it often occurs alongside the use of other substances. These patterns underscore the need for continued surveillance to track emerging trends and to inform public health strategies as policy landscapes and societal attitudes toward psychedelics continue to evolve.