New Zealand has approved restricted medical use of psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression under a tightly controlled new policy. Only psychiatrists with special authority may obtain and administer the hallucinogen, and so far just one clinician has secured the right to prescribe it. The move places New Zealand among a handful of nations exploring psychedelic treatments for mental health, with associate health minister David Seymour calling it a real breakthrough. Patients and advocates are hopeful this will open fresh avenues of relief for those who have exhausted every other therapy.
Supporters celebrate a new option for stubborn depression, while critics warn that limiting access and keeping psilocybin “unapproved” could stall progress. Experts plan to gather real-world data on dosing, safety, and outcomes to inform future policy shifts. Many believe that once early patients report clear benefits, pressure will build to expand prescribing rights. For now, this single-prescriber model offers a cautious first step into psychedelic medicine — and a glimmer of hope for those still searching for answers.