Psilocybin Use Surges in the U.S. But Federal Restrictions Remain a Major Barrier, AMA Study Finds
A new scientific review released by the American Medical Association (AMA) highlights a dramatic increase in psilocybin use across the United States in recent years. Researchers point to both the growing decriminalization movement and “promising clinical trial results” as factors driving the surge, while warning that federal laws continue to impede scientific understanding of the psychedelic substance.
Public Enthusiasm Outpaces Regulatory Oversight, Raising Health Concerns
The AMA paper, published Wednesday in JAMA Psychiatry, stresses that, similar to early cannabis reform, “public access and enthusiasm are outpacing regulatory oversight and scientific understanding, posing potential risks to public health.” Researchers analyzed data from January 1 to December 31, 2024, reviewing epidemiological and pharmacological studies alongside trends in jurisdictions that have decriminalized psilocybin.
The study found the sharpest increases in use among adults aged 19 to 50, coinciding with a notable rise in poison control calls related to psychedelics. In decriminalized regions, psilocybin mushroom potency varies more than 20-fold, and minor tryptamines are inconsistently distributed across strains.
“The expanding use of unregulated psilocybin mushrooms, combined with high variability in composition and common co-use with other substances, raises urgent public health concerns,” the authors wrote. They emphasized the need for “real-world research on psilocybin use, including public education, potency testing, and age-specific risk assessment,” noting that current clinical trials provide insufficient guidance for harm reduction or policy-making.
Federal Restrictions Continue to Limit Research Opportunities
Psilocybin remains a Schedule I substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act, presenting significant barriers to researchers. While synthetic psilocybin is more accessible for clinical trials, studying naturally occurring mushrooms has been historically difficult.
“The purpose of this review is not to advocate for stricter laws or enforcement,” researchers said. “It is to underscore the urgent need for research programs addressing the public health implications of a social environment already promoting greater psilocybin use.”
The Scottsdale Research Institute recently became the first federally approved producer of natural psilocybin for study purposes, and the first grants to support research on real-world mushroom consumption were approved in Arizona last month. Despite these steps, authors warn, “very little is known about the acute or long-term effects of naturally occurring psilocybin as consumed by the public,” highlighting Schedule I classification as a major obstacle.
Parallels Between Cannabis and Psilocybin Policy Highlight Research Gaps
The review draws direct comparisons between early cannabis reform and current psychedelic trends. Both substances are increasingly accessible, widely accepted by the public, and yet under-researched due to restrictive federal regulations. Researchers warn that, as with cannabis, the rapid expansion of psilocybin use outpaces scientific knowledge, potentially creating public health risks.
“Much like cannabis, psilocybin carries both risks and potential benefits, which may differ depending on age, health status, and context of use,” the study notes.
Government and Legislative Efforts Signal Growing Interest in Psychedelic Therapies
Recent federal attention underscores a slow but tangible shift toward supporting research. In August, the DEA requested a scientific review of psilocybin, responding to a long-pending rescheduling petition. Under the Biden administration, guidance has been issued to facilitate research into certain psychedelics, although regulatory approvals remain limited.
Veteran-focused initiatives are also gaining traction. In May, VA Secretary Doug Collins highlighted his interest in psychedelic therapies for veterans, and Reps. Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Lou Correa (D-CA) introduced legislation allocating $30 million annually to establish psychedelics-focused “centers of excellence” at VA facilities. These centers would allow veterans to access treatments involving psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine.
Meanwhile, former President Trump’s surgeon general pick, Casey Means, has publicly shared her own positive experiences with psilocybin, reflecting a growing bipartisan curiosity about potential therapeutic applications.
Risks of Unregulated Use Highlight Need for Real World Research
Despite mounting legislative interest, the AMA review emphasizes that public consumption is happening in largely uncontrolled conditions. Data indicates inconsistencies in potency, variability in minor tryptamines, and co-use with other substances, which could exacerbate potential harms.
Researchers argue that pivoting from clinical efficacy trials of synthetic psilocybin to studies on natural mushrooms is a public health priority. “Given the sharp increase in consumer interest and the lack of generalizable research on naturally occurring psilocybin mushrooms, it is critical for scientific communities and funding agencies to expand the scope of study beyond synthetic compounds,” the review states.
Psilocybin Policy and Research Are at a Crossroads
The AMA review paints a picture of a psychedelic landscape similar to early cannabis reform: public enthusiasm and access are advancing faster than scientific understanding. Federal regulations, particularly Schedule I classification, continue to pose a significant barrier to understanding both the therapeutic potential and risks of psilocybin mushrooms.
Researchers stress that future efforts must prioritize real-world studies, public education, and evidence-based harm reduction strategies. They conclude that only by addressing these knowledge gaps can policymakers, medical professionals, and consumers navigate the expanding psilocybin landscape safely and responsibly.
For more insights on psychedelic research, federal policy, and public health guidance, contact info@cannabisriskmanager.com.
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