A study led by researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has found that millions of Americans are using psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in'magic mushrooms'. The research, conducted in partnership with New York University Grossman School, found that approximately 2.8% of American age 12, or approximately 8 million people, reported using the substance within the past year. The findings were based on data from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, marking the first time the survey included psilcybin-specific questions. The study found usage rates varied across different groups, with young adults ages 18 to 25 being more likely to use psilocbin compared to middle-aged adults and men more likely than women. However, researchers warned that using the drug outside of supervised clinical settings may carry some risks, particularly for those with severe psychological distress and potential interactions with antidepressants. The research highlights the need for continued research, particularly long-term studies tracking mental health outcomes.