A new study has found that a single dose of psilocybin — the active compound in “magic mushrooms” — can induce lasting anatomical changes in the brain.

Using high-resolution brain imaging, researchers found measurable structural changes in multiple brain regions of subjects who received psilocybin, with these changes persisting for weeks after administration. The research team said this finding provides important clues into how psychedelics remodel brain connectivity at molecular and structural levels.

The researchers noted these structural changes may be linked to psilocybin’s clinical effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Several clinical trials have previously demonstrated that psilocybin-assisted therapy has significant efficacy for these mental health conditions.

The study further fuels the global debate on legalizing psychedelic therapy. The US FDA has already expedited its review process for psilocybin-related treatments.