New Report Outlines Psilocybin’s Mental Health Benefits

On July 30, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board Rapid Evidence Review and Recommendations. This report presents numerous findings related to psilocybin’s efficacy in treating mental and behavioral health conditions.

Here are a few key excerpts:

• “High quality phase 1 and 2 clinical trials suggest that psilocybin is efficacious in reducing depression and anxiety, including in life-threatening conditions.”

• “The FDA has designated psilocybin a breakthrough therapy for treatment of depression, indicating that preliminary clinical evidence suggests it may represent a significant improvement over existing therapies.”

• “Initial research also suggests that psilocybin may be efficacious in reducing problematic alcohol and tobacco use. Across studies, psilocybin increases spiritual well-being which may mediate other observed benefits.”

Also addressed in the report is the role of psilocybin in palliative care, as well as its potential uses in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma-related disorders and racial trauma.

This report is an important part of efforts on the part of OHA and the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board to create the first statewide psilocybin therapy and wellness program in the U.S.

According to Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board chairman Tom Eckert, “Science is fundamental, so organizing the scientific literature relating to psilocybin was a first priority. This comprehensive review will put us on solid ground moving forward.”