By Ayomide Otitoju
New Zealand has taken a significant step in mental health care by easing restrictions to permit the controlled use of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, for the treatment of resistant depression.
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour confirmed on Tuesday that a highly experienced psychiatrist has been granted authority to prescribe the unapproved medicine under strict conditions.
“This is huge for people with depression who’ve tried everything else and are still suffering,” Seymour said. “If a doctor believes psilocybin can help, they should have the tools to try.”
Under the new policy, only psychiatrists with clinical trial experience involving psilocybin will be allowed to prescribe the drug. They must also adhere to stringent reporting requirements and maintain detailed patient records.
Psilocybin, known for inducing hallucinations and altered states of consciousness, is part of a growing trend where previously stigmatized substances—such as MDMA and psychedelic mushrooms—are being integrated into mainstream medical treatments for mental health conditions like PTSD and severe depression.
