Study Finds Psilocybin May Significantly Improve Smoking Cessation Rates

Study Finds Psilocybin May Significantly Improve Smoking Cessation Rates
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A recent clinical study suggests that a single dose of Psilocybin—a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms—may significantly increase the chances of quitting smoking when combined with behavioral therapy.

The research, conducted by scientists at Johns Hopkins University, found that participants who received psilocybin alongside cognitive behavioral therapy achieved far higher smoking cessation rates than those who used traditional nicotine replacement methods such as patches.

The clinical trial, carried out at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center between 2015 and 2023, involved 82 adult smokers who had previously attempted to quit. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one received a single monitored high dose of psilocybin, while the other used nicotine patches for 8–10 weeks. Both groups also underwent 13 weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy.

After six months, 40.5% of participants in the psilocybin group remained smoke-free, compared with 10% in the nicotine patch group, according to biochemical verification. Researchers reported no serious side effects, although some participants experienced headaches, nausea, and mild increases in blood pressure.

Scientists said psilocybin works differently from conventional addiction treatments. Rather than targeting nicotine receptors in the brain, it may alter patterns of thinking and increase psychological flexibility, helping smokers break entrenched habits.