The public’s perception of the harms of magic mushrooms is in line with science — but not with the law

New research suggests that the public’s perception of the potential harms of magic mushrooms is not in line with drug laws. The study, which appears in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, found that psilocybin-containing mushrooms are considered less dangerous than alcohol, tobacco, and other substances.

“I am a psychopharmacologist at the University of Liverpool, so I have a great interest in how substances affect the brain and behavior,” said study author Carl Roberts, a lecturer in the university’s department of psychology.

“I have long been following the resurgence in research with psychedelics such as psilocybin for therapeutic potential. I knew this research area had been gaining quite a lot of attention recently. I also knew that the data on actual harm of magic mushroom use suggested that toxicity and abuse potential was low.”