The use of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) for therapeutic purposes gains traction

Last month, the NBA and its players association reached a tentative deal that the league would no longer test players for marijuana. Indeed, the NBA is lifting its ban on marijuana in the new collective bargaining agreement.  Meanwhile, the NFL and its players agreed to limit testing for marijuana to once per year at the start of training camp. Unlike in the past (e.g. Ricky Williams), players who fail are subject to a fine but not suspension. Meanwhile, the NHL no longer classifies marijuana as banned substance and players are not punished for positive tests unless they show up to work under the influence.

But that’s not all.

The ESPN report on athletes and psilocybin

On April 21, ESPN reported on the use of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) by athletes for mental health purposes. In an excellent article, Pain, hope, science collide as athletes turn to magic mushrooms, reporters dig into the use of psilocybin by boxer Mike Lee, who—like all boxers—has given and taken more punches than most of us can imagine. The article also discusses the use of psilocybin by other athletes including football and hockey players. Its a long read and a good one.

Their commonality, per the authors, is that prescription mediations had failed them. That should sound familiar to all of us working in this space. Perhaps the primary reason for the increased study and use of psychedelics is their efficacy in treating stubborn and common mental health conditions. See here (ketamine), here (DMT), here (MDMA and others), here (psilocybin).

I hope that positive publicity results for psychedelics, with respected athletes use psilocybin for improving their quality of life. The stigma of marijuana took years to eliminate (and it’s not all gone) and the use of psilocybin for therapeutic effects is just starting down the path of wide general acceptance.

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