Michael Davis
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, are hallucinogenic drugs that have been used by millions of people in the United States. In 2010, it was estimated that there were approximately 32 million lifetime psychedelic users in the US, with psilocybin being one of the most commonly used substances. Use of psilocybin mushrooms has increased over time, with recent studies indicating that consumption among young adults has nearly doubled in the past three years. While the effects of magic mushrooms are typically associated with positive outcomes, there are also potential risks involved, including increased heart rate, nausea, changes in mood, and panic attacks. Despite these risks, public opinion and policy shifts in some parts of the United States are moving towards decriminalization and the exploration of therapeutic applications for psychedelics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people who have used mushrooms in the US | 21 million (2010) |
| Percentage of people who have used mushrooms in the US | 9.68% (2015-2018) |
| Percentage of Americans who have tried at least one psychedelic drug | 28% |
| Percentage of Americans who have tried mushrooms | 14% (2022) |
| Percentage of people in the Western US who have tried mushrooms | 37% (2022) |
| Percentage of young adults using mushrooms | Nearly doubled in the past 3 years |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are the safest recreational drug
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, are the safest recreational drug, according to a 2017 Global Drug Survey of over 120,000 participants in 50 countries. The survey found that only 0.2% of the 10,000 people who took hallucinogenic mushrooms in 2016 needed emergency medical treatment. This rate is five times lower than that for other drugs such as MDMA, LSD, alcohol, and cocaine.
While magic mushrooms are considered the safest recreational drug, they are not completely harmless and can cause adverse reactions. One 2016 paper catalogued a range of negative side effects, including fear, paranoia, sadness, anger, confusion, loss of ego, delusions, and increased heart rate. However, the past decade has brought a growing body of research suggesting that psychedelic therapy can help treat severe psychological conditions that have resisted traditional therapy. Magic mushrooms, for example, have been shown in clinical trials to effectively treat severe depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The rate of lifetime psychedelic use is greatest among people aged 30 to 34, with 20% of people in this age group reporting having used psychedelics. Psilocybin use is more common among younger adults, while LSD and mescaline or peyote are more prevalent among older adults. Overall, there were approximately 32 million lifetime psychedelic users in the US in 2010, including 17% of people aged 21 to 64.
Public opinion and policy shifts in the United States indicate a growing acceptance of psychedelic drugs. Several cities across the US have decriminalized psilocybin, and certain states are considering legalizing its use for mental health treatment in supervised settings. While support for decriminalization is relatively low among Americans, it is much higher among those with personal experience using psychedelics.
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Young adult usage has doubled in three years
Magic mushroom usage has been on the rise in the United States, with a particular increase in consumption among young adults. According to a 2023 study, the use of hallucinogens like magic mushrooms by young adults has nearly doubled over the past three years, indicating a rapid shift in drug trends. This rise in usage among young adults may be attributed to various factors, including the perception of medicinal benefits and changing attitudes towards psychedelics.
One factor contributing to the increased usage of magic mushrooms is the perception of their medicinal benefits. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, including psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms. Clinical trials have shown promising results in using psilocybin to treat severe depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The potential for positive mental health outcomes may influence young adults to experiment with magic mushrooms, especially as mental health issues affect this demographic group disproportionately.
Additionally, changing attitudes towards psychedelics and drug policy reforms have played a role in the rising usage of magic mushrooms among young adults. There has been a significant shift in public opinion and policy regarding psychedelic drugs in the United States. Several cities, such as Oakland, California, have decriminalized psilocybin, and other states are considering similar measures. The perception of reduced risk associated with decriminalization, along with the belief that "if it's used medicinally, it's OK to use it generally," may contribute to the increased usage among young adults.
Moreover, the rise of the psychedelic revolution and the increasing availability of information about psychedelics may also impact young adult usage. With the proliferation of studies and personal accounts highlighting the benefits of psychedelics, young adults may be more inclined to experiment with magic mushrooms. This is especially true if they perceive that the risks associated with bad trips or adverse reactions are diminishing or less prevalent than previously believed. The normalization of psychedelics in popular culture and the media may also contribute to the doubling of magic mushroom usage among young adults.
While the exact reasons behind the surge in magic mushroom usage among young adults are multifaceted and complex, it is clear that a combination of factors, including the perception of medicinal benefits, changing drug policies, and increased access to information, have played a role in this trend. As the trend continues to evolve, further research and harm reduction efforts are necessary to understand and address the potential risks and benefits associated with magic mushroom usage among young adults.
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28% of Americans have tried psychedelics
A 2022 YouGov survey found that 28% of Americans have tried at least one of the seven psychedelic drugs polled. This equates to approximately 30 million people or more. The rate of psychedelic use was greatest among people aged 30 to 34, with 20% of this age group reporting lifetime use.
Psychedelics include LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin ("magic mushrooms"), mescaline, and peyote. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for therapeutic purposes and the treatment of compulsions since the 1950s. They have been shown to reduce anxious states and stressful feelings and are currently being studied for their therapeutic effects in treating mental health conditions.
Use of psilocybin mushrooms has increased since the 1970s in the US and worldwide. A 2023 study found that magic mushroom use among young adults had nearly doubled in the past three years. This increase may be attributed to a shift in public opinion and policy, with several cities across the US decriminalizing psilocybin and proposing amendments to relax federal restrictions on psychedelic-assisted PTSD treatment research.
While support for decriminalizing psilocybin is relatively low among Americans overall, it is much higher among those who have personally used the substance. Two-thirds of people who have tried psilocybin believe it should be legal.
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20% of people aged 30-34 have tried them
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, are hallucinogenic drugs that have been used for therapeutic purposes and the treatment of compulsions. They are considered the safest of all recreational drugs, with a low percentage of users needing emergency medical treatment. A 2016 paper catalogued adverse effects such as fear, paranoia, sadness, anger, and physiological symptoms such as an increased heart rate. However, most of the effects of psilocybin have been reported as positive, and it is not considered neurotoxic.
In the United States, there were approximately 32 million lifetime psychedelic users in 2010, including 21 million psilocybin users. Psilocybin use has increased since the 1970s, and a 2023 study found that its use among young adults had nearly doubled in the past three years. This trend suggests that young adults may soon be using psychedelic drugs at rates similar to those of the baby boomer generation during the hippie era.
While overall rates of lifetime psychedelic use are similar between baby boomers and younger adults, there are differences in the specific drugs used. Psilocybin is more common among younger adults, while LSD and mescaline or peyote are more prevalent among older adults. A 2022 YouGov poll found that 28% of Americans had tried at least one of the seven psychedelic drugs polled, with higher rates of psychedelic use in the Western US (37%).
Among all psychedelic drugs, psilocybin is the most commonly used, with an estimated 9.68% of US adults reporting lifetime use in a 2021 study. The rate of lifetime psychedelic use was highest among those aged 30 to 34, with a total of 20% of people in this age group reporting use. This included 26% of males and 15% of females, continuing the trend of higher psychedelic use among males than females.
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Shrooms are decriminalised in some US cities
Psychedelics, including psilocybin or magic mushrooms, have been decriminalised in several US cities. This shift in policy and public opinion suggests a growing acceptance of these substances in the United States. While the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin remain illegal under federal law, local reforms indicate a changing landscape.
The movement to decriminalise psilocybin in the US began in 2018 when President Donald Trump signed the Right to Try Act, allowing terminally ill patients access to psychedelics for treatment. In 2019, Denver, Colorado, became the first city to decriminalise psilocybin, with Oakland and Santa Cruz, California, following suit soon after. As of 2024, over two dozen cities across the country have decriminalised psychedelics to varying degrees, including Washington, D.C., Somerville, Cambridge, and Northampton, Massachusetts, Seattle, Washington, and Detroit, Michigan.
The primary argument for decriminalisation is based on the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin. Research suggests that psilocybin is non-addictive and causes fewer emergency visits compared to other illegal drugs. Additionally, psilocybin has shown promise in treating treatment-resistant depression and nicotine dependence. Decriminalisation advocates also argue that it would allow law enforcement to focus on higher-priority issues.
While there is growing support for decriminalisation, particularly among those with personal experience with psilocybin, concerns remain. Some worry about the potential risks of psilocybin use, including adverse reactions and "bad trips". Additionally, there are concerns about increasing substance use disorders if accessibility is improved. However, proponents of decriminalisation argue that education and harm reduction strategies can mitigate these risks.
As the conversation around psychedelics evolves, it is essential to approach the topic with caution and comprehensive knowledge. While decriminalisation and legalisation can offer benefits, it is crucial to balance these potential advantages with the risks associated with these powerful substances.
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Frequently asked questions
A 2010 survey found that there were approximately 32 million lifetime psychedelic mushroom users in the US, including 17% of people aged 21 to 64 years. A more recent study from 2015-2018 found that 9.68% of individuals reported lifetime use of psilocybin.
A 2017 Global Drug Survey found that out of more than 12,000 people who reported taking psilocybin hallucinogenic mushrooms in 2016, just 0.2% said they needed emergency medical treatment. This is a rate at least five times lower than that for MDMA, LSD, and cocaine.
While efforts to decriminalize psychedelics have gained momentum in certain parts of the US, Americans overall are more likely to oppose than support such measures. A significant share also remain unsure. People who have tried psychedelic mushrooms are more supportive of decriminalizing them, with two-thirds saying it should be legal.
