New Zealand's Lone Psychiatrist Prescribes Magic Mushrooms for Depression

In a groundbreaking move, New Zealand has authorized a single psychiatrist, Professor Cameron Lacey of the University of Otago, to prescribe psilocybin—the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms—to patients battling treatment-resistant depression. This decision aligns with a global trend exploring psychedelics for mental health, as seen in Australia's 2023 approval of psilocybin for similar purposes. Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour emphasized, "If a doctor believes psilocybin can help, they should have the tools to try."
While psilocybin remains an unapproved medicine in New Zealand, this policy shift introduces a tightly regulated framework: only psychiatrists with prior clinical trial experience can prescribe it, under strict reporting and record-keeping requirements. This development prompts questions like, "Is psilocybin therapy effective for depression?" and "What are the legal implications of prescribing psychedelics?" The juxtaposition of a traditionally illicit substance entering mainstream medical practice paints a vivid picture of evolving treatment paradigms.
Notably, Australia approved the medicinal use of psilocybin in 2023, reflecting a growing international acceptance of psychedelics in mental health treatment.