Psilocybin and the FDA: Why This “Breakthrough” Therapy Is Gaining National Attention

In the last few years, there’s been a quiet but powerful shift in how the medical world views psilocybin—the active compound found in certain psychedelic mushrooms. Once misunderstood or stigmatized, this naturally occurring substance is now being recognized for its potential to support healing, especially in people living with depression. In fact, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to multiple psilocybin-based treatments. But what does that actually mean? And why does it matter?