US law enforcement seizure of magic mushrooms grew 369% in five years

07 Feb 2024 --- US law enforcement seizures of magic mushrooms containing psilocybin rose from 402 seizures in 2017 to 1,396 in 2022, according to a recent study. The total weight of psilocybin mushrooms seized increased by 2749%, from 226 kg in 2017 to 844 kg in 2022. The researchers note that seizures represent an indicator of the availability of illicit drugs, though they do not necessarily reflect actual use. 

“Our findings, which uncover an increase in confiscations of psilocybin, suggest that popularity and availability of this psychedelic may be increasing,” comments study lead author Joseph Palamar, Ph.D., associate professor at NYU Langone Health. 

“Although psilocybin is by no means the most dangerous drug, adverse effects do happen, so heightened prevention efforts and harm-reduction education may be necessary.” 

The research, funded by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health, found that the total weight seized peaked in 2021 at 1,542 kg. 

While psilocybin, a naturally occurring compound in some fungi, is not approved by the FDA to treat conditions or diseases, there has been growing research and clinical trials on its potential in treating conditions such as alcohol use disorder, post-traumatic stress and depression. 

Drug trafficking 
Published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, the study uses data collected through the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program, which aims to measure and reduce drug trafficking and misuse. 

The research team analyzed 4,526 psilocybin seizure reports from 2017-2022, categorizing the annual number of confiscations and weight of seized drugs per state. Next, they organized the data into four regions — Northeast, West, South and Midwest. The authors found significant increases in all four areas. 

In terms of weight, the West accounted for the most significant seizures (1,864 kg or 43% of total confiscated weight), followed by the South (1,831 kg or 42%). 

Palamar adds that the West’s environmental conditions — well suited to grow psilocybin mushrooms — may help explain this finding. He adds that restrictions around psilocybin have loosened in several US cities, specifically in the Midwest and West, which both accounted for the largest share in the number of seizures. 

According to the study lead, law enforcement seizures are not a perfect indicator of drug availability or use. Moreover, a confiscation in a particular state does not mean the psilocybin was intended for use in that state. 

The authors note that the reports do not indicate to what extent psilocybin mushrooms were seized in “wet” or “dry” form, which could significantly impact the recorded weight. They add that this complicates translating weight measures into possible doses. 

The growing psilocybin mushroom seizures are an indicator of its availability (Image credit: National Institute on Drug Abuse).Psilocybin research 
In recent years, a growing number of studies have examined the effects of psilocybin and other psychedelics on a wide range of conditions. For example, a clinical trial found that psilocybin treatment clinically and significantly reduced depressive symptoms and functional disability without serious adverse events. In another study, the compound outperformed antidepressants. 

However, while these experiments are conducted within a therapeutic structure, including support by a clinician and a controlled environment, most people using psychedelics do so outside of medical or research settings. The use of psilocybin mushrooms, also dubbed “shrooms,” has been associated with adverse effects, such as distorted thinking, perceptual changes, putting oneself in physical danger and intense feelings of fear, anxiety and confusion. 

Moreover, people may experience short-term side effects, for example, raised blood pressure and heart rate, agitation, confusion, vomiting or nausea, which may require medical attention. 

Palamar cautions: “Research studies suggesting its effectiveness in treating mental health issues and extensive positive media coverage may lead some people to seek ‘shrooms’ outside of medical contexts. People who use psilocybin outside of medical supervision need to be educated about risks associated with use.”

Research and support for magic mushroom use outside the US are also increasing. Earlier this year, researchers detailed that 79% of Canadians support the use of psilocybin to treat existential distress in patients at end-of-life in an online survey. Meanwhile, the EU will fund new research into psychedelic therapy for palliative care patients. 

Tracking psychedelic use 
According to Palamar, more research is needed to determine whether increasing US decriminalization efforts around the psychedelic compound and other drugs affect the use and number of seizures. 

“These results highlight the need to understand better not only how the availability and popularity of psilocybin is changing and why, but also how the drug affects those who use it recreationally.” 

While self-reported data on psychedelic use is limited, earlier research indicates that psilocybin is the most consumed plant-based psychedelic use in the US. 

“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,” concludes Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. 

“Moving forward, we must continue to track data on the availability of psychedelics, patterns in use, and associated health effects to guide efforts in promoting accurate education and reducing potential harms among people who do plan to use psychedelic drugs.”

By Jolanda van Hal