US Poison Center Encounters for Psilocybin-Related Exposures: 2013-2022
Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open – August 30, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psilocybin-related calls to poison control centers surged threefold between 2013 and 2022, with nearly all incidents occurring since 2019. This sharp rise involving the hallucinogen psilocybin, an alkaloid, stands out in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, as other substances didn't show a similar pattern. While overall numbers remain low, this trend highlights a growing need for vigilance in Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis. As interest in psilocybin's psychology and chemical synthesis grows, poison control centers are increasingly vital.
Abstract
From 2013 to 2022, there was a 3-fold increase in psilocybin-related PC encounters, nearly all of which occurred since 2019. A similar pattern was not observed with other substances. Although the number of encounters remains low, this trend could continue as psilocybin use increases.