Rapid Increase in Seizures of Psilocybin Mushrooms Raises Concerns, NIH Study Finds
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms,” have been making headlines recently due to a dramatic increase in law enforcement seizures in the United States. According to a new study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the number of seizures of psilocybin mushrooms has risen significantly between January 2017 and December 2022. The study, led by researchers at NYU Langone Health and the University of Florida, sheds light on the growing popularity and availability of these psychedelic substances.
The researchers analyzed data collected through the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, which aims to reduce drug trafficking and misuse. They found that the number of law enforcement seizures of psilocybin mushrooms increased from 402 in 2017 to 1,396 in 2022. Additionally, the total weight of psilocybin mushrooms seized by law enforcement rose from 226 kg (498 lbs) in 2017 to 844 kg (1,861 lbs) in 2022.
The study revealed that the majority of seizures occurred in the Midwest, accounting for 36% of all seizures, followed closely by the West with 33.5%. The West also had the highest total weight of seizures, representing 42.6% of all seizures, followed by the South with 41.8%. Interestingly, the total weight of seizures peaked in 2021 at 1,542 kg (3,400 lbs).
While these law enforcement seizures do not necessarily reflect the prevalence of psilocybin mushroom use, they do serve as an indicator of the availability of illicit drugs. Psilocybin mushrooms belong to a broader category of drugs known as psychedelic and dissociative drugs, which can temporarily alter a person’s mood, thoughts, and perceptions. Although self-reported data on the prevalence of their use is limited, research suggests that the use of hallucinogenic drugs like psilocybin has increased among adults aged 35-50 in recent years.
NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow emphasizes the importance of data in shaping informed public health strategies. She states, “We are in the middle of a rapidly evolving cultural, media, and legal landscape when it comes to psychedelics, and we need data to help shape informed and appropriate public health strategies.” As the popularity of psychedelic substances continues to grow, it is crucial to understand their availability, patterns of use, and associated health effects.
It is worth noting that psilocybin is not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of any condition or disease. However, there has been increasing research interest in the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelic and dissociative drugs, including the treatment of mental health disorders. This research is conducted within a therapeutic structure that includes a preparatory session with a clinician, a controlled environment during the drug experience, and follow-up sessions.
Despite these controlled settings for research purposes, most people who use psychedelic drugs like psilocybin do so outside of medical or research settings. They may do it for recreational purposes or based on the belief that it will improve their well-being or allow for spiritual or self-exploration. However, there are risks associated with the recreational use of psilocybin mushrooms, such as “bad trips” characterized by distorted thinking, perceptual changes, and intense feelings of fear and anxiety.
Short-term side effects of psilocybin use can include raised blood pressure and heart rate, agitation, confusion, vomiting, or nausea. In some cases, these side effects can be severe and require medical attention. It is important to note that possession of psilocybin has become increasingly decriminalized at the state level in recent years, which may contribute to the nonmedical or recreational use of these substances.
The authors of the study caution that the states and regions where seizures are reported do not necessarily reflect the intended destinations for the seized psilocybin mushrooms. Law enforcement efforts and vigilance may vary across different areas, leading to variations in seizure rates. Additionally, the study does not account for the form in which psilocybin mushrooms were seized, which can significantly impact the recorded weight of each seizure.
This study provides valuable insights into an area that has been largely overlooked in national surveys and studies. Linda B. Cottler, principal investigator of the National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS), emphasizes the importance of these findings in shedding light on psilocybin use. She states, “Most national surveys and studies don’t capture self-reported data on psilocybin use specifically, so these findings help shed important light on an area where we’ve been largely left in the dark.”
As the popularity of psilocybin mushrooms continues to rise, it is crucial to educate individuals about the risks associated with their use. Joseph
