New Zealand approved the medicinal use of psilocybin to combat depression, joining an international trend exploring alternatives for the treatment of mental illnesses, although psilocybin is still considered an unapproved drug in the country. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in some species of mushrooms, which can cause hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. The decision reflects a change in public and governmental perception about psychedelics.
Only psychiatrists who have participated in clinical trials with psilocybin will be able to prescribe it in New Zealand, according to a strict protocol prioritizing patient safety and monitoring. Psychiatrists prescribing psilocybin must report its use and maintain detailed records, ensuring that its use is carefully monitored and controlled.
Associate Health Minister Dr. Ayesha Verrall emphasized that psilocybin "remains an unapproved drug," but a highly experienced psychiatrist has been granted authority to prescribe it to patients with treatment-resistant depression. "This is huge for people with depression who've tried everything else and are still suffering," she said. "If a doctor believes psilocybin can help, they should have the tools to try."
Psilocybin was used for recreational and spiritual purposes for a long time, and its therapeutic utility is beginning to change in several countries. Party drugs such as MDMA and magic mushrooms are increasingly being used in mainstream medical settings to help treat post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, as scientists are seriously studying the use of psychedelics for conditions. Psilocybin is under development for the treatment of depression and other indications in the United States and Europe.
In 2023, Australia approved the medicinal use of psilocybin and authorized hallucinogenic mushrooms and ecstasy for medical purposes to combat certain mental health conditions, including resistant depression, which may incentivize other countries to review their own policies on psychedelics. Since July 2023, certain psychiatrists in Australia can prescribe psilocybin to treat specific mental health conditions.
Internationally, there was progress in the acceptance of psychedelics for therapeutic use. In Switzerland, the medical use of LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin was permitted since 2014 for both research and the treatment of mental disorders. Some states in the United States advanced in the partial legalization of psilocybin. Oregon was a pioneer in 2020 by authorizing the therapeutic use of psilocybin, with access restricted to licensed service centers. In Colorado, regulated legalization of psilocybin was approved by referendum in 2022, and the first licenses for its dispensation were issued in 2023.
Approval of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes in New Zealand occurs in a global context where research on psychedelic substances and their potential to treat mental illnesses gained momentum. Psilocybin is also used for therapeutic purposes in substance use disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and conditions such as cluster headaches.
Additionally, Time magazine detailed that, along with the announcement about psilocybin, the New Zealand government also communicated its intention to relax access to melatonin, which will soon be available without a prescription in pharmacies. Melatonin is a compound used to treat insomnia and is sold over the counter in other countries.
Verrall stated that the expectation is that more specialists will apply for authorization to prescribe psilocybin. "This is a common-sense decision that will make melatonin more accessible in New Zealand than in many other countries and will encourage suppliers to bring more products to our shelves," she said.
Although psilocybin remains generally prohibited in many countries, its medical use is allowed under regulated conditions in some places. In Canada, its medical use is allowed under regulated conditions. Legislative progress regarding psilocybin continues in other US states like Minnesota and Massachusetts, where state legislatures are debating bills to regulate the medical use of psilocybin.
The case of the psychiatrist authorized to prescribe psilocybin represents the first step in the clinical application of this approach in New Zealand. Psychiatrists will operate under strict information and record-keeping standards, ensuring that patient safety remains the utmost priority.
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