New Zealand approved on Wednesday the medicinal use of psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in so-called “magic mushrooms.”
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour said the rules had been relaxed so that psilocybin could be used to treat certain types of depression. Psilocybin is a natural psychedelic compound that can cause hallucinations and alter the state of mind.
“Psilocybin remains an unapproved drug, but a highly experienced psychiatrist will be able to prescribe it to patients with treatment-resistant depression,” Seymour said.
The new legislation introduces strict rules for prescribing the drug. Only psychiatrists who have participated in clinical trials of psilocybin will be eligible to prescribe it and will be required to report on its use and keep detailed records.
Drugs such as ecstasy and hallucinogenic mushrooms are increasingly being used in medical circles to help treat post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
Australia approved the medical use of psilocybin in 2023.
