Five million Australians are on mental health medication. Rebekah is among those asking why
The Age, May 9, 2026
Nearly one in five Australians are on mental health-related prescriptions, around 5 million people, with 67% on antidepressants. Experts and former patients are questioning whether so many Australians need long-term medication for distress that could be better supported in other ways, as prescription numbers rose 37% between 2014–15 and 2023–24.
A psychedelic medicine performs well against depression
AFR, May 3, 2026
On February 17, Compass Pathways, a British biotech, announced strong results in two late-stage trials showing that a synthetic form of psilocybin – the active compound in magic mushrooms – can rapidly relieve symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression. If America’s Food and Drug Administration approves the drug, which could happen early next year, it would be the first psychedelic drug in the US to become a fully licensed medicine.
Magic mushrooms could help people quit smoking
BBC, April 30, 2026
Psychedelics like psilocybin may help people quit smoking by triggering profound shifts in perspective, with studies showing significantly higher quit rates than traditional treatments like nicotine patches. While the results are promising, researchers caution that larger and more diverse studies are needed to confirm effectiveness and fully understand how the treatment works.
FDA Awards Priority Review Vouchers to Otsuka, Compass, and Usona
Psychedelic Alpha, April 24, 2026
The FDA has issued three Commissioner’s National Priority Vouchers to leading psychedelic drug programs, fast-tracking their review timelines to as little as one to two months. The vouchers were awarded to Compass Pathways (psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression), Usona Institute (psilocybin for major depressive disorder), and Transcend Therapeutics (methylone for PTSD).
Trump signs executive order accelerating research into psychedelic drug therapies
ABC News, April 19, 2026
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Saturday that aims to accelerate research and approval of psychedelic-based therapies, especially drugs like ibogaine, for conditions such as PTSD, depression and addiction.
Auckland GP Fi Darracott-Cankovic offers all-day psychedelic trips for the terminally ill
NZ Herald, April 12, 2026
Medsafe has granted a single New Zealand doctor permission to use psilocybin in her care of the dying.
An international mega-analysis of psychedelic drug effects on brain circuit function
Nature, April 6, 2026
This study provides the most comprehensive synthesis of psychedelic brain action to date, helping resolve inconsistencies and offering a probabilistic map of how psychedelics alter large-scale brain organization.
She tried therapy and medication, but this grandmother says psilocybin is what changed her life. She’s not alone.
CNN, March 29, 2026
Martha Stem suffered a shocking loss in 2024, adding to a number of difficult life events she was determined to process during a psilocybin retreat in Oregon.
New Mexico Will Fund Psychedelic Treatment for Patients on Low Incomes
Psychedelic State(s) of America, March 18, 2026
$630,000 of New Mexico’s State Budget Designated to Equity Fund to Treat Low-Income Residents.
$740m veterans plan to fund social ‘rehabilitation’ and psychedelic treatments for PTSD
ABC, February 9, 2026
A $739 million package will support veterans to reintegrate with civilian life under expanded “rehabilitation plans” that will fund social activities, learning and community programs.
Australian researchers believe wattle may contain the ‘next gen’ of psychedelics
The Sydney Morning Herald, February 4, 2026
Dr Mitchell Low is leading a study testing 855 species of Australian wattle for its psychedelic properties, including DMT and other compounds that may be used for cutting-edge psychiatric therapies.
What Everyone Needs to Know About Antidepressants
The Forgotten Side of Medicine, January 4, 2026
The common side effects of SSRIs, the nightmare of quitting them and the safe natural alternatives for treating depression.
Czech Republic Approves Regulations For Medical Use Of Psilocybin
Forbes, December 15, 2025
Officials in the Czech Republic have approved a decree setting out the specific conditions for the use of psilocybin in treatment-resistant depression and other serious mental health disorders.
Doctors Could Legally Administer Schedule I Drugs Like MDMA And Psilocybin To Seriously Ill Patients Under New Bipartisan Bill In Congress
Marijuana Moment, December 4, 2025
Bipartisan House and Senate lawmakers have introduced a bill in Congress to allow doctors to administer Schedule I substances such as certain psychedelics to patients with life-threatening conditions.
Exploring the Link Between LSD and Anxiety
Mercola, November 15, 2025
LSD shows promise for anxiety treatment. A Phase 2b clinical trial found that 100 micrograms of MM120 (pharmaceutical LSD) reduced anxiety significantly with lasting effects.
Psychedelics might help terminal patients find peace
The Conversation, November 15, 2025
For many, the hardest part of dying isn’t physical pain but the fear, anxiety and sense of meaninglessness that often accompany it. This is where psychedelic therapy may offer support.
Psychedelics funding given green light by DVA
Medical Republic, November 10, 2025
The Department of Veteran Affairs can now fund psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) using MDMA or psilocybin for eligible Veteran Card holders. With this move, Australia is now the global leader in this area of medicine.
FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Beckley and Atai’s 5-MeO-DMT Program
Psychedelic Health, October 22, 2025
Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to 5-MeO-DMT, also known as toad venom, in a significant advancement for psychedelic medicine.
Depression patients ‘amazingly better’ after magic mushie therapy
Herald Sun, October 13, 2025
Researchers hope an Aussie-first magic mushroom pilot — which returned “promising” results for depression patients — could be a game changer for those who get no relief from current treatments.
Lasting relief from depression after magic-mushroom treatment – new study
The Conversation, September 20, 2025
Two-thirds of people who underwent psilocybin-assisted therapy remained free from depression five years later, according to recent research that offers the first long-term glimpse into the lasting power of psychedelic treatment. This is in stark contrast to traditional antidepressants.