Preferences and Support for Psychedelic Policies and Practices Among Those Using Psychedelics.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2023
Source: PubMed
Summary
Three-quarters of participants (N = 1,221) support the decriminalization and legalization of psychedelics, emphasizing preferences for self-growing and possession of natural substances. Participants showed a strong inclination towards using psychedelics with therapeutic support rather than without, and favored gifting over sales. Concerns arose around pharmaceutical models that could restrict access through patents. While most respondents were from Michigan, geographical differences were minimal. Insights from those identifying as guides or therapists revealed nuanced perspectives, highlighting the need for inclusive policy discussions to ensure equitable access to psychedelics.
Abstract
Legal, scientific, and social landscapes for psychedelics are changing rapidly. Differences of opinion exist among key stakeholders regarding regulatory control, models of provisioning psychedelic therapy, and medicalization, decriminalization, and/or legalization policies. We assessed the policy preferences of people using psychedelics naturalistically (N = 1221) to understand how they aligned and differed with institutional entities and existing psychedelic policies. Three quarters of participants would support decriminalization and legalization. On average, participants strongly supported individuals being legally able to grow and possess psychedelic plants and/or fungi for personal consumption. Trends included more support for natural over synthetic substances, self-production and consumption over gifting, gifting over sales, and administration of psychedelics with therapeutic support than without therapeutic support. Participants were concerned about pharmaceutical-like policy models, including patents of natural and synthetic psychedelic compounds. Participants were mostly from the State of Michigan, though geographical differences were minor. Those who identified as a psychedelic guide, educator, or therapist had small yet extensive differences from those who did not. As psychedelic liberalization continues to advance, it is critical for policymakers to consider these preferences to ensure laws provide safe and equitable access to these substances and appropriate medical support for their use.