Rising Psilocybin Use Across All Age Groups Following 2019 Decriminalization

A comprehensive observational study has shown a significant increase in psilocybin use across various age groups in the United States since its decriminalization in 2019. Researchers analyzed data from multiple nationally representative sources, including the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and the Monitoring the Future survey, to assess trends from 2014 through 2023. The findings indicate that prior to 2019, psilocybin use remained relatively stable, but after its decriminalization, there was a marked rise in its prevalence among both adults and adolescents.

The study revealed that lifetime use among all age groups escalated, with a particularly sharp increase in past-year use—44% among young adults (18–29 years old) and 188% among older adults. Among high school seniors, past-year use rose by 53% since 2019, reaching a prevalence of 2.5% in 2023. Individuals with mental health conditions or chronic pain were more likely to use psilocybin, highlighting its growing role in populations with complex health needs. Additionally, reports of psilocybin exposures to U.S. poison centers surged by 201%, 317%, and 723% in adults, adolescents, and children, respectively.

Notably, in 2023, the rate of psilocybin use among adults exceeded many other illicit substances such as cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, and opioids, emphasizing its increasing prominence. This upward trend underscores the importance for public health officials and healthcare providers to consider the implications of rising psilocybin use in policy development and health interventions. The study’s findings, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, suggest that legal and societal shifts regarding psilocybin are influencing usage patterns across the population.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-psilocybin-age-groups-decriminalization.html