CANBERRA: Australia has become the first nation to legalize the use of magic mushroom and MDMA for medical purposes. The government has announced that these drugs can be used for the treatment of mental illness. It is reported that this law will come into force from today.

With this, licensed psychiatrists can prescribe MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and magic mushroom for certain other depressive disorders. The approval was given after the use of these addictive drugs was found to have an effect on the patients. Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration has announced that its use as an intoxicating drug is prohibited and is only permitted for medical use.

The doctors pointed out that the use of medicines in a controlled amount as per the instructions of a physician is safe. However, experts have warned that excessive use of MDMA can cause heart disease, memory loss, panic attacks and depression.