5 Science-Backed Reasons to Legalize Magic Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms or "shrooms" containing the psychoactive compound psilocybin are still illegal, despite the growing evidence supporting the benefits of psilocybin. Magic mushrooms remain illegal in many countries as well and it's classified as Schedule I substances in the United States. Here are five science-backed reasons why magic mushrooms should be legalized, focusing on the potential mental health benefits, addiction treatment, end-of-life anxiety relief, personal growth, and low potential for harm.

Mental Health Benefits

The therapeutic potential of psilocybin for mental health has gained significant attention in recent years. In a randomized double-blind trial conducted by Griffiths et al. (2016), psilocybin was found to produce substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety among patients with life-threatening cancer. This study showed that a single high dose of psilocybin led to improvements in patients' psychological well-being lasting for several months.

Similarly, a study by Carhart-Harris et al. (2021) explored the potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy for treating major depressive disorder. The trial compared psilocybin treatment to a conventional antidepressant, escitalopram, and found that psilocybin demonstrated rapid and sustained antidepressant effects. These findings suggest that psilocybin may offer a promising alternative to conventional antidepressants for treating mental health disorders.

Addiction Treatment

In addition to its potential mental health benefits, psilocybin has shown promise as a treatment for addiction. A study by Johnson et al. (2014) explored the use of psilocybin-assisted therapy for smoking cessation. The researchers found that, after a 6-month follow-up, 80% of participants in the psilocybin-assisted therapy group were abstinent from smoking, compared to a historical success rate of 35% for conventional treatments.

Another study by Bogenschutz et al. (2015) investigated the use of psilocybin for alcohol use disorder. The study participants reported reduced alcohol consumption after psilocybin-assisted treatment, with the improvements being sustained over a 36-week follow-up period. The promising results from these studies suggest that psilocybin has significant potential for treating various forms of addiction.

End-of-life Anxiety Relief

Facing a terminal illness can be an extremely distressing experience, often accompanied by existential anxiety and depression. Psilocybin has been shown to alleviate these symptoms in terminally ill patients. A study by Ross et al. (2016) demonstrated that a single dose of psilocybin significantly improved existential distress, anxiety, and depression among terminally ill cancer patients.

These improvements were sustained for at least seven weeks, with some patients experiencing benefits lasting for several months. Psilocybin's ability to offer relief from end-of-life anxiety and depression highlights another critical reason for its legalization.

Potential for Personal Growth

Psilocybin-induced experiences have been associated with increased personal insight, self-awareness, and empathy. MacLean et al. (2011) reported that mystical experiences caused by psilocybin led to long-term positive changes in the personality domain of openness. Openness is linked to creativity, aesthetic appreciation, and curiosity, indicating that psilocybin may offer opportunities for personal growth and development.

Low Potential for Harm

Compared to other substances, magic mushrooms have been found to have a relatively low potential for harm and abuse. In a study by Nutt et al. (2010), the authors compared the harms of various substances, ranking psilocybin low in terms of harm compared to other drugs such as alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis. Furthermore, a review by Johnson et al. (2017) concluded that the risk of serious adverse events is low when psilocybin is administered in controlled, clinical settings. This evidence suggests that, when used responsibly and under proper guidance, magic mushrooms pose a relatively low risk to users.

Conclusion

In light of the growing body of scientific evidence, it is time to reevaluate the legal status of magic mushrooms. The five science-backed reasons presented here —mental health benefits, addiction treatment, end-of-life anxiety relief, potential for personal growth, and low potential for harm—underscore the potential benefits of legalizing magic mushrooms.

Legalizing magic mushrooms would facilitate further research and controlled use in clinical settings, helping to unlock the full therapeutic potential of psilocybin. By doing so, we can offer new avenues for treating mental health disorders, addiction, and end-of-life anxiety, as well as promote personal growth and development. Ultimately, the case for legalizing magic mushrooms is a case for compassion, understanding, and evidence-based policymaking.