In a major shift that would modify laws set half a decade ago, states and cities around the United States are moving to legalize psychedelics for use as a medical treatment.

The sudden change of heart has a lot to do with who is asking for the substances.

Guest: Andrew Jacobs, a health and science reporter for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• Lawmakers find it hard to “just say no” to combat veterans seeking support for drug decriminalization efforts.
• In January, Oregon became the first state to allow adult use of psilocybin “magic” mushrooms.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.