Everyone’s on Mushrooms: Psilocybin Use Soars Amid Legal and Cultural Shifts
Psilocybin use in the United States has surged dramatically since 2019, marking a turning point in both public perception and behavior. What was once a niche substance is now more widely used than cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, or illegal opioids—an astonishing rise that has public health experts watching closely.
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A Breakdown of the Data
| Key Takeaways | Details |
|---|---|
| Sharp Increase Since 2019 | Lifetime use among adults rose from 10% in 2019 to 12.1% in 2023. |
| Younger Adults Driving Uptick | Past-year use jumped 44% for ages 18–29, and 188% for those 30 and older. |
| High School Use Also Rising | Past-year use among high school seniors rose 53% since 2019. |
| Used More Than Other Illicit Drugs | In 2023, psilocybin use outpaced cocaine, LSD, meth, and illegal opioids. |
| Tied to Mental and Physical Health Conditions | People with depression, anxiety, or chronic pain were more likely to use it. |
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A Rapid Rise in Psychedelic Use
Before 2019, rates of psilocybin use remained relatively flat. That changed quickly after Denver became the first U.S. city to decriminalize the compound in May of that year. Since then, a wave of reforms and public interest has coincided with a surge in actual use.
Lifetime use of psilocybin among adults jumped from 10 percent in 2019—roughly 25 million people—to 12.1 percent in 2023, or more than 31 million Americans. The increase is even more striking among older adults. Between 2019 and 2023, past-year use climbed 188 percent for those aged 30 and up. Among 18-to-29-year-olds, it rose 44 percent.
High school seniors have also shown a notable uptick, with 53 percent more reporting past-year use compared to just four years earlier.
Health Factors and Broader Implications
Psilocybin is being used by a growing number of people living with chronic pain and mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. While the therapeutic promise of psychedelics has drawn widespread attention, much of the use remains unregulated.
The growth in use underscores the urgency of developing responsible frameworks. As access expands, experts stress the importance of education, policy, and care structures that can support safe and informed use.
The numbers tell a clear story: America is in the midst of a psilocybin moment. What happens next will depend not just on legality, but on how institutions respond to a rapidly shifting landscape.
Eric white
April 27, 2025 at 10:48 amDid a lot of it 20 years ago.