More than a third of U.S. voters, 35 percent, say they believe psychedelic substances like magic mushrooms have medicinal value.
By contrast, 65 percent of registered voters do not believe the substances have any medical uses.
The Hill-Harris X poll surveyed voters in late May and found younger voters (53 percent) were more likely to see their pharmaceutical purpose. Democrats (43 percent) and independents (41 percent) were also more likely to agree compared to Republicans (23 percent). Nearly 2,000 registered voters participated.
Scientists have documented the potential benefits of psychedelic substances. A study by researchers at Imperial College London published in April found the active compound in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, could "be at least as effective as a leading antidepressant." The authors noted longer trials are still needed.
Related
In the November 2020 election, Oregon became the first state to legalize psilocybin for mental health treatment. Oregon voters also decriminalized possession of small amounts of magic mushrooms, as have several cities, including Denver, Washington, D.C., and Santa Cruz, California.
This week, the California Senate passed a bill to decriminalize psychedelics in the state. The legislation now heads to the state Assembly.
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