'Magic mushrooms' could soothe anxiety and depression, doctors say

NEW YORK, NY (KTRK) -- A little bit of health news for you.

A single dose of psychedelic 'magic mushrooms' can make people with severe anxiety and depression feel better for months, according to research out of NYU and Johns Hopkins University.

RELATED: Texas legislature weighs bill to allow marijuana-related treatments

Texas lawmakers have proposed the Compassionate Use Act, which would allow the use of CBD oil taken from cannabis to treat certain forms of epilepsy

Doctors with NYU and John Hopkins performed independent tests with the illegal ingredient psilocybin and found it helped cancer patients relax and eased signs of depression and anxiety in 80% of the patients studied. In some cases - the effects lasted months.

Therapists used low lights and soothing music for the magic mushroom trip which lasted a few hours. Evidence suggests it impacted parts of the brain impacted by serotonin.

RELATED STORIES

Bill to legalize recreational marijuana use in Texas clears house committee

Pot could soon become legal in Texas. A bill that just passed House committee would allow Texans to light-up without facing arrest

Bill to legalize recreational marijuana use in Texas clears house committee

Natalie Kelsey says she lost her children after a decision related to cannabis

Legalized marijuana could be coming to Texas

Lone Star State legislators have submitted several proposals to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana.