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.