Psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound that is found in certain mushrooms, is not relegated at all to the underground anymore. What people once associated with counterculture as well as fringe experimentation quickly becomes a mainstream phenomenon within mental health, wellness, also even entrepreneurial circles.

According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 31 million Americans have tried psilocybin. That’s 12.1% of U.S. adults, up from just 10% a few years prior. The 2024 Monitoring the Future survey shows psilocybin use among high school seniors has doubled since 2019, with 6% reporting use in the past year. Young adults aged 19–30 are leading the charge, but use among adults over 30 is increasing as well.

As depression, anxiety, and PTSD rates soar, many Americans seek relief in psilocybin. Even though clinical research can promise results, people use research it in today’s world mostly outside of medical settings and without any structured safeguards.

Since 2019, cities like Denver, Oakland, and Seattle and states like Oregon have moved to decriminalize Psilocybin use. These legal shifts make exploring psychedelics easier with less prosecution fear.

Psilocybin is gaining acceptance in mainstream America due to its coverage on documentaries, podcasts and in business with the rise of psychedelic start-ups. All of which contributes to its cultural legitimacy. Influencers and thought leaders are driving at curiosity while public investment is also increasing.

With great exposure comes greater risks. Psilocybin-related poison control calls have now surged. In 2024, the Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety Center released a report with findings illustrating that calls among adults are up by 201%, among teens, 317%. A staggering 723% increase affects children beneath 12. Accidental ingestion is a true concern, especially in those households that are lacking proper storage methods.

In addition, outdated medical coding persists in many hospitals. Therefore, hospitals cannot accurately track incidents related to psilocybin. This leaves gaps in our understanding—and in our ability to respond.

Federal law still classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I substance, but local reform is advancing rapidly. Oregon now has a supervised therapy program, and Colorado has passed sweeping changes.

The question has become: Can we balance access with safety?

As psilocybin use becomes more common, the need for honest, nuanced conversations becomes even more urgent. Stay tuned as we continue to follow this evolving development.