265 Self-reported rates of psilocybin use in North Florida, 2012 to present

Objectives/Goals: Mainstream interest in psilocybin (“shrooms”) has grown over the past several years as two US states have “legalized” psilocybin and clinical trials are underway for use in multiple mental health conditions. We evaluated self-reported use of psilocybin among community members in North Florida and trends in use from 2012 to the present. Methods/Study Population: Established in 2011 as part of the UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute, UF HealthStreet Community Health Workers enroll community members from North Florida through outreach, conduct Health Needs Assessments (HNAs) to guide referrals to social and medical services and opportunities to participate in research. This model provides community health concerns and behaviors, which can be compared across time to direct resources based on importance to the community. Topics covered in the HNA include demographics, trust in research and researchers, food insecurity, access to medical care, health conditions, and use of various substances, from legal drugs like alcohol or opioid pain medication to illicit substances such as cocaine, heroin, or psilocybin. Results/Anticipated Results: We evaluated self-reported use of psilocybin among HealthStreet members, beginning in 2012 when psilocybin use was first assessed until October 2025. Among 12,870 participants, 1,194 (9.3%) reported using psilocybin in the past 12 months. Males were more likely to endorse psilocybin use than females (57.3% vs 42.7%), and Whites were overwhelmingly more likely to report psilocybin use (76.1%) than Blacks (12.1%) or People of Other Race (11.8%). Prevalence of psilocybin use was roughly equal to self-reported rates of use of speed or amphetamines (9.2%), but slightly higher than rates of use of ADHD medications (8.5%). Most notably, when viewed over time, self-reported psilocybin use tripled, from 6% in 2012–2013 to 18% in 2024–2025. Discussion/Significance of Impact: These community data from North Florida confirm a rapidly growing use of psilocybin across the United States. Risk factors for psilocybin use such depression, anxiety, and other drug use will be evaluated. Knowledge of current trends is essential to tailor public health messages and inform both providers and policymakers.