The psilocybina psychedelic compound found in certain fungus hallucinogenshas surpassed MDMA in popularity in the United States, according to a report by RANDa laboratory of ideas and a group of academic experts in analysis and policy formulation.
The survey revealed that 12% of participants had used psilocybin at some point in their livesand it is estimated that 8 million adults in the US consumed it in 2023.
Psychedelic substances, including psilocybin and MDMA, have been promoted as potential treatments for various mental health conditions..
However, the ever-changing political landscape for these psychedelics has received less attention.
The RAND report suggests that Federal policymakers must decide whether they want psychedelics to follow the cannabis model or take another path.
The researchers warn that If efforts to expand the nonclinical supply of psychedelics don’t go well, there could be a backlash that cripples research and potential therapeutic uses..
The report also highlights that, unlike cannabis and other drugs, users of psychedelics typically do so infrequently.
Among those who reported using psilocybin in the past year, 47% reported microdosing the last time they used it.
While psilocybin is the most popular psychedelic substance in the US, its use is driven primarily by infrequent users.
As the policy landscape for psychedelics changes, policymakers must carefully consider how to regulate these substances.
