The use of psilocybinthe hallucinogenic chemical found in the so -called “Magical fungi”ha significantly increased throughout the United States since 2019according to a new study led by researchers from the Anschutz Medical Campus from Colorado University and Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety (United States). The work is published in the magazine ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE.
The researchers discovered that the use of psilocybin increased in all age groupsand the greatest increase was recorded between young adults and older adults. “We discovered that, since 2019, the number of people who consume psilocybin has increased dramatically,” says Karilynn Rockhill, doctor of philosophy, main co -author of the study and researcher at the Colorado Public Health School. “This It seems to coincide with the time when some US states They began to decriminalize or legalize it».
Some of the most significant findings include that consumption throughout life among adults increased from 10% in 2019 (around 25 million people) at 12.1% in 2023 (more than 31 million people). On the other hand, consumption during the last year increased 44% among young adults (from 18 to 29 years old) and a 188% among adults over 30 years.
Likewise, it was observed that the use among students of 12th grade was 53% higher in 2019 compared to 2023. In this line, people with mental health problems or chronic pain tThey were more likely to inform the use of psilocybin. In addition, calls to poisoning centers related to psilocybin increased dramatically: 201% in adults, 317% in adolescents and 723% in children between 2019 and 2023. Finally, it is highlighted that, in 2023, more adults consumed psilocybin than drugs such as cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine or illegal opioids.
Self -treatment with psilocybin
«What really We were surprised was the speed with which these figures changed And the number of people who consumed psilocybin with conditions such as depression, anxiety or chronic pain, ”says Rockhill. «New laws or growing interest in their possible benefits for mental health could be promoting people to resort to psilocybin as a form of self -treatment ».
Psilocybin has been studied as possible treatment for conditions such as post -traumatic stress disorder, depression and substance consumption disorders, although still It is not approved by the United States Food and Medicines Administration (FDA).
«Public opinion about psilocybin is changing. However, this means that we must also ensure that people understand the risks, know how to use it safely if they wish and that health systems are prepared, ”reflects Dr. Joshua Black, main co -author and senior scientific of Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety, a Denver Health division.
The study also revealed a deficiency in the effectiveness of current systems of medical coding for monitoring problems related to psilocybin in emergency services. While calls to toxicology centers have increased considerably, very few cases are recorded in the outpatient data of hospitals. “If hospitals and public health systems do not see the complete panorama, they cannot respond properly,” Black concludes. «Improving monitoring tools and education is crucial as they consider more states regulate or legalize psilocybin».
