First national U.S. survey maps who uses psilocybin, finding younger adults and men overrepresented while many users report anxiety, depression, and self-treatment

Psilocybin use in the United States appears concentrated among younger adults, men, and people reporting mental health challenges, according to a national survey examining the demographics of magic mushroom users. The findings point to a user population that differs in notable ways from the broader public and overlaps with people seeking relief from anxiety, depression, and related conditions. Self-medication is a central pattern in the survey, with many respondents linking psilocybin use to attempts to manage psychological distress rather than only recreation. The data also suggest associations with other substance use and distinct socioeconomic patterns, helping clarify who is most likely to use psilocybin in a period of growing public interest. These demographic signals matter for public health, research design, and policy because they identify which groups are already engaging with psilocybin outside formal clinical settings. Better population-level evidence can guide harm reduction, screening, education, and future studies on benefits, risks, and access.