On May 1, 2026, the BBC reported that a new study suggests psilocybin, the active compound found in magic mushrooms, could be an effective treatment to help smokers quit.

More than 8 million people worldwide die from tobacco-related diseases each year, making smoking cessation one of the most challenging public health goals. Current quit-smoking methods, including nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medications, still have limited long-term success rates.

Research indicates that in controlled medical settings, psilocybin-assisted therapy can help smokers re-examine their relationship with nicotine. Scientists found that participants who received psilocybin treatment showed significantly higher quit rates sustained over months following the therapy.

Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic compound naturally found in certain mushroom species. In recent years, scientists have developed a strong interest in its applications in mental health, with previous studies suggesting potential in treating depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction.

Researchers emphasized that psilocybin treatment must be conducted under strict supervision of qualified medical professionals, as self-administration of magic mushrooms carries serious health risks. As regulatory frameworks around psychedelic medicine gradually evolve in various countries, more clinical trials are underway.

The medical community views this research as opening new directions for developing novel smoking cessation therapies, though larger-scale clinical trials are still needed to confirm long-term effectiveness and safety.

Source: BBC