The study titled "Naturalistic psilocybin use is associated with persisting improvements in mental health and wellbeing: results from a prospective, longitudinal survey" by Nayak et al. (2023) provides crucial insights into the effects of psilocybin, a classic psychedelic found in certain mushrooms, on mental health and well-being. This research stands as the largest prospective survey of naturalistic psilocybin use to date, shedding light on its potential benefits outside clinical research settings.The study tracked 2,833 individuals planning to use psilocybin, with follow-ups at various intervals up to 2-3 months post-consumption. The majority of participants were college-educated white men in the United States, with a mean age of 40 years, indicating a specific demographic context of the survey. These individuals, who primarily used dried psilocybin mushrooms for self-exploration, reported significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and alcohol misuse after their psilocybin experience. Furthermore, improvements were noted in cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation, spiritual well-being, and extraversion, along with decreases in neuroticism and burnout. Such findings underscore the potential of psilocybin to facilitate lasting positive changes in mental health and overall quality of life.However, it's crucial to approach these results with caution, as a minority (11% at 2–4 weeks and 7% at 2–3 months post-use) experienced persisting negative effects, including mood fluctuations and depressive symptoms. This highlights the importance of considering individual differences and potential risks when exploring the use of psilocybin for mental health purposes.In the context of psychedelic harm reduction and safety, this study reinforces the need for a balanced understanding of psilocybin's effects. While the data suggest promising directions for therapeutic use, especially for individuals seeking alternative treatments for mental health issues, the variability in response calls for a comprehensive approach to support and education. For harm reduction organizations, these findings emphasize the importance of guiding individuals toward informed and safe use, acknowledging both the potential benefits and risks associated with naturalistic psilocybin consumption. Ensuring access to accurate information and resources for managing adverse effects is crucial for maximizing the positive impact of psilocybin while minimizing potential harms.This study's contributions to our understanding of psilocybin's effects on mental health and well-being are invaluable, offering a foundation for further research and informed dialogue on its place in mental health care and harm reduction strategies (Nayak et al., 2023).