Rise of the Mushrooms: Effects of Psilocybin Reforms on Psychedelic Usage Patterns

Psilocybin reforms in the United States, including decriminalization in several cities and legalization in Oregon, are associated with a shift in psychedelic use: people substitute LSD and MDMA with psilocybin. Analysis of panel data from the Monitoring the Future project shows this substitution pattern. Because psilocybin has potential therapeutic benefits and lower associated risks than LSD and MDMA, the findings suggest a possible public health benefit from these reforms. The paper also discusses consumer safety concerns amid growing venture capital interest in the psilocybin drug market and advises caution.

Study at a glance

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.