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'Investigating and understanding': Expert on the mental health benefits of magic mushrooms

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 19 Mar 2026, 3:59pm
Depression may not be a single disease but is a group of separate syndromes, new research argues. (Photo \ NZ Herald)
Depression may not be a single disease but is a group of separate syndromes, new research argues. (Photo \ NZ Herald)

'Investigating and understanding': Expert on the mental health benefits of magic mushrooms

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 19 Mar 2026, 3:59pm

A growing number of Kiwis are finding relief from their psychological distress and conditions with psilocybin therapy - or magic mushrooms.

The drug can be used to treat depression and addiction, with more research coming out about the benefits of this treatment. 

Auckland University School of Pharmacy PhD researcher Samuel Lasham says there's still plenty of stigma surrounding the treatment - especially considering the fact that these drugs are illegal.

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