Psilocybin Use in North America by the Numbers

Recent data from a landmark 2025 RAND survey has provided one of the clearest pictures yet of psychedelic use in North America. While public discussion often revolves around clinical trials and legalization efforts, the numbers reveal a quiet, significant trend: psilocybin has become the most commonly used psychedelic, with millions of people integrating it into their lives, primarily through microdosing. This data moves the conversation beyond hypotheticals and into the reality of current consumer behaviour, painting a portrait of a user base that is far more mainstream and intentional than stereotypes suggest.

The survey indicates that an estimated 8% of North American adults have used a psilocybin product in the past year, with over 60% of those users engaging exclusively in microdosing. This pattern of low-dose, regular use for wellness purposes marks a significant departure from the perception of psychedelics as tools for occasional, high-intensity experiences. The findings suggest that the mainstreaming of microdosing is not an emerging trend but an established reality, happening quietly in homes and workplaces across the continent.

Who Is Using Psilocybin?

One of the most revealing aspects of the RAND data is the demographic breakdown of psilocybin users. The stereotype of a young, counter-culture "psychonaut" is outdated. The modern psilocybin user is often a working professional, a parent, or an older adult seeking to improve their quality of life. The largest user group identified in the survey falls between the ages of 30 and 45, with stable employment and higher education levels being common characteristics.

This demographic shift points toward a user base that is not seeking escape, but enhancement. They are integrating psilocybin into structured routines for tangible goals. The data shows a near-even split between genders, dismantling any notion of it being a male-dominated interest. Geographically, use is most prevalent in urban and suburban areas with progressive wellness cultures, particularly along the West Coast, but the growth rates are highest in major metropolitan areas across the entire continent. This user is discreet, informed, and values reliability and safety over chasing intense psychedelic highs.

What Motivates Modern Psilocybin Use?

Understanding the "why" behind this trend is crucial. The survey data shows that motivations are overwhelmingly centered on mental health and cognitive enhancement. The top cited reasons for use were:

• Managing Mental Health: A significant percentage of users report using psilocybin microdoses to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. They describe it as a tool that helps them achieve emotional regulation and a more positive outlook without the side effects associated with traditional pharmaceuticals.
• Enhancing Cognitive Function: Many users, particularly those in creative and technical fields, report using psilocybin to improve focus, problem-solving, and creativity. They describe the effects not as a distracting "high," but as a subtle cognitive lift that helps them enter a flow state and think more laterally.
• General Wellbeing: A broad category of users simply report feeling "better" with regular microdosing. This includes improved mood, increased energy, more patience, and a greater sense of connection to their environment and relationships.

Critically, recreational or "spiritual" use, while still present, constitutes a much smaller portion of the overall picture. The dominant trend is therapeutic and functional. This explains the preference for product formats that offer control and predictability. Users aren't seeking a disruptive experience; they are seeking a subtle, consistent tool that integrates seamlessly into their daily lives. Precise products like Core Microdose Capsules are ideal for this user, offering a pre-measured, simple way to integrate psilocybin without guesswork.

How Are People Sourcing and Consuming Psilocybin?

The rise of intentional use has led to a demand for reliable, professionally produced products. The era of buying dried mushrooms of unknown potency and origin from an illicit source is waning. Today's user prioritizes safety, consistency, and convenience. This has fueled the popularity of precisely dosed edibles and capsules.

Capsules are by far the most popular format among microdosers, valued for their discretion and accuracy. A user knows they are getting the exact same dose every time, which is essential for building a consistent routine and achieving predictable results. This is where the importance of dosing consistency over strain names becomes paramount. Edibles like chocolates and gummies are the second most popular category, favoured by those who may be new to psilocybin or dislike swallowing pills. Products like the Lucid Focus Gummies offer a palatable, approachable entry point while still providing a measured dose.

The survey highlights that the majority of users are sourcing their products from online retailers who can provide information on sourcing, formulation, and potency. The ability to shop for specific doses and product types, such as from dedicated capsule shops, reflects a consumer market that is mature, discerning, and educated. These users expect a level of professionalism and quality control that the illicit market cannot provide.

The data from the 2025 RAND survey confirms what many have suspected: psilocybin use has moved from the fringe to the mainstream. This adoption is not being driven by a desire for intense psychedelic trips, but by millions of people quietly using low doses to manage their mental health and improve their cognitive function.