New Zealand Approves Medicinal Use of ‘Magic Mushrooms’ for Treatment-Resistant Depression

In a groundbreaking move, New Zealand has officially approved the medicinal use of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in “magic mushrooms”—to treat certain forms of depression.

The decision, announced on Wednesday, marks a significant shift in mental health treatment options in the country.

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour explained that regulatory changes now allow highly experienced psychiatrists to prescribe psilocybin to patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression. “Psilocybin remains an unapproved medicine, but this step empowers psychiatrists to use it as a last resort for those who have exhausted all other options,” Seymour said.

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic that can induce profound changes in perception, mood, and cognition. While traditionally associated with recreational use, recent clinical trials have highlighted its potential in healing stubborn mental health conditions.

Strict safeguards will govern the prescription process: only psychiatrists with direct experience in psilocybin clinical trials are authorized to prescribe the drug, and they must maintain meticulous records to monitor outcomes and ensure patient safety.

The approval aligns New Zealand with a growing international trend of integrating psychedelic substances like psilocybin and MDMA into mainstream medicine, particularly for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Australia notably approved medicinal psilocybin in 2023, reflecting a regional embrace of this innovative therapy.

This development offers new hope for patients grappling with depression unresponsive to conventional treatments, signaling a broader acceptance of psychedelics as legitimate medical interventions.