Legalising mushrooms could reduce drug harm in New Zealand

What can we learn from Golden Teacher mushrooms?

How legal psilocybin could reduce drug harm in New Zealand

Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound found in some mushrooms that can induce profound changes in perception, mood, and cognition. It has been used for centuries by various cultures for spiritual and healing purposes. In recent years, scientific research has shown that psilocybin has promising potential for treating various mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. However, psilocybin remains illegal in most countries, including New Zealand, where it is classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

In this article, we will make a case for legalizing psilocybin in New Zealand based on the evidence of its benefits for mental health, addiction, and drug market displacement. We will draw on the examples of legal party pills and cannabis in New Zealand, as well as the experiences of other countries that have reformed their drug laws to allow for more humane and evidence-based approaches. We will argue that legalizing psilocybin could reduce the harm and cost associated with illicit drug use, improve the well-being and quality of life of many New Zealanders, and foster a more compassionate and progressive society.

Psilocybin for mental health and addiction

One of the main reasons to legalize psilocybin is its potential to help people with mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. Psilocybin has been shown to have rapid and lasting effects on mood, cognition, and brain function. It can induce mystical or spiritual experiences that can enhance meaning, purpose, and connectedness. It can also facilitate psychological flexibility and openness to change.

Several clinical trials have demonstrated that psilocybin can be a safe and effective treatment for various mental health conditions when administered in a controlled setting with professional guidance. For example:

A study by Johns Hopkins University found that psilocybin produced large and sustained reductions in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer.¹
A study by Imperial College London found that psilocybin was more effective than a conventional antidepressant (escitalopram) in treating major depressive disorder.²
A study by Yale University found that psilocybin enhanced the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for smoking cessation.³
A study by New York University found that psilocybin reduced cravings and problematic alcohol use in alcohol-dependent individuals.⁴
A study by the University of Alabama found that psilocybin reduced cocaine use and improved treatment retention in cocaine-dependent individuals.⁵

These studies suggest that psilocybin could offer a novel and valuable option for people who suffer from mental health issues that are not adequately addressed by current treatments. Psilocybin could also help people who struggle with addiction to overcome their dependence on harmful substances and address the underlying psychological drivers of their substance use.

Psilocybin for drug market displacement

Another reason to legalize psilocybin is its potential to reduce the demand for other drugs that are more harmful or costly. This phenomenon is known as drug market displacement or substitution effect. It occurs when people switch from using one drug to another drug that is more available, affordable, or preferable. Drug market displacement can have positive or negative consequences depending on the relative harms of the drugs involved.

In New Zealand, there are some examples of drug market displacement that have had positive outcomes. For instance:

From 2000 to 2007, legal party pills containing benzylpiperazine (BZP) were widely available and popular among young people. Several studies found that party pill use was associated with reduced demand for other drugs such as methamphetamine, ecstasy, and cannabis.⁶ ⁷ ⁸ This resulted in lower harm and cost associated with these illegal drugs. However, party pill use also came with some challenges, such as adverse health effects, social stigma, and regulatory issues.⁶ ⁷ ⁸
In 2020, New Zealanders voted on whether to legalize cannabis for recreational use. The referendum narrowly failed, but cannabis remains legal for medicinal use. Several studies found that cannabis legalization in some states in the US reduced the demand for prescription drugs used to treat pain, depression, anxiety, sleep, psychosis, and seizures.⁹ ¹⁰ ¹¹ This resulted in lower cost and side effects associated with these prescription drugs. However, cannabis use also came with some limitations, such as potential harm from cannabis use, discontinuity of primary care, and lack of evidence for some conditions.⁹ ¹⁰ ¹¹

These examples show that legalizing a drug can have an impact on the demand for other drugs, and that this impact can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the context and the population. In the case of psilocybin, we argue that legalizing it could have a positive impact on the demand for other drugs, for several reasons:

Psilocybin is a relatively safe and non-addictive drug. It has a low potential for abuse, dependence, tolerance, or overdose. It does not cause physical harm to the body or brain. It does not impair cognitive or motor function. It does not induce withdrawal symptoms or cravings. It does not interact with other medications or substances.
Psilocybin is a highly effective and satisfying drug. It can produce profound and meaningful experiences that can improve mood, well-being, and quality of life. It can also address the root causes of substance use, such as psychological distress, trauma, or lack of purpose. It can facilitate personal growth, insight, and change.
Psilocybin is a low-frequency and self-limiting drug. It is not a drug that people use regularly or casually. It is typically used in a ceremonial or therapeutic setting with intention and preparation. It is often used only once or a few times in a lifetime. It has a built-in mechanism that prevents overuse, as repeated doses within a short period of time become ineffective.

These reasons suggest that psilocybin could be a preferable alternative to many other drugs that are more harmful or costly. Psilocybin could reduce the demand for drugs such as opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs. Psilocybin could also reduce the harm and cost associated with these drugs, such as overdose deaths, health problems, crime, violence, incarceration, and social exclusion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have made a case for legalizing psilocybin in New Zealand based on the evidence of its benefits for mental health, addiction, and drug market displacement. We have drawn on the examples of legal party pills and cannabis in New Zealand, as well as the experiences of other countries that have reformed their drug laws to allow for more humane and evidence-based approaches. We have argued that legalizing psilocybin could reduce the harm and cost associated with illicit drug use, improve the well-being and quality of life of many New Zealanders, and foster a more compassionate and progressive society.

We acknowledge that legalizing psilocybin is not a simple or straightforward solution. There are many challenges and uncertainties involved in implementing such a policy change. There are also many gaps and limitations in the current research and scientific data on psilocybin. Therefore, we do not claim to have all the answers or to provide definitive recommendations. Rather, we hope to stimulate informed and respectful dialogue among policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and the public on this important and timely issue.

Legalising mushrooms could reduce drug harm in New Zealand

How legal psilocybin could reduce drug harm in New Zealand

Psilocybin for mental health and addiction

Psilocybin for drug market displacement

Conclusion

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