Experimental Test of Perceptions of Psychedelics by Therapeutic and Recreational Use.
Mackenzie T Kiniry, Renee E Magnan, Sarah N Elder, Benjamin O Ladd
Journal of psychoactive drugs January 22, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2025.2452231 via PubMed
Summary
Participants in a study showed moderate to strong health perceptions of psychedelics, with recreational use viewed as having more negative health consequences compared to therapeutic use, which was seen more positively. Among the 309 participants, 40.7% reported lifetime psychedelic use and perceived both uses as having more positive health effects. These findings indicate that public perceptions of psychedelics can vary based on the intended use.
Study at a glance
| Design | within-subjects experiment |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 309 |
| Population | individuals responding to measures of perceptions regarding psychedelic substances |
| Key finding | Recreational use of psychedelics is perceived negatively, while therapeutic use is viewed positively, especially among those with prior use experience. |
Abstract
Recent research on the potential therapeutic value of psychedelic substances has led to changes in media representation and drug policy in some U.S. states. Yet, little is known about lay perceptions of these substances. The current study aimed to describe health perceptions of psychedelic substances, test differences in perceptions of therapeutic vs. recreational use of psychedelic substances, and determine if such perceptions vary by use experience. Participants (N = 309) completed an online within-subjects experiment in which they responded to measures of positive and negative perceptions of therapeutic and recreational use of psychedelics. Endorsement of positive and negative health perceptions of psychedelics was moderate to strong. Recreational use was perceived as having more negative health consequences, while therapeutic use was perceived as having more positive health consequences. Participants who reported lifetime psychedelic use (40.7%) perceived both recreational and therapeutic uses as having more positive health consequences, and this pattern was consistent across most perception domains. The outcomes suggest that public perceptions of use may change based on reason for use. This information may aid in filling current gaps in knowledge and identifying potential targets for public health communications, and such approaches may benefit from considering prior use experience.