New Zealand approves medical use of magic mushrooms to treat depression

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July 07, 2025

New Zealand has granted limited approval for the medical use of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, to treat treatment-resistant depression, the government announced Wednesday.

“Psilocybin remains an unapproved medicine, but a highly experienced psychiatrist has been authorized to prescribe it to patients who have not responded to other treatments,” said Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour in a statement. He called it a “major step forward” for people suffering despite having exhausted all conventional options.

Under strict regulations, only psychiatrists who have participated in clinical trials involving psilocybin will be permitted to prescribe it in the future.

The move reflects growing global interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies, particularly for mental health conditions like depression.

In 2023, Australia became the first country to allow the medical use of both psilocybin and MDMA (ecstasy) for specific mental health disorders.

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