Pattern of psychedelic substance use: a comparison between populations in Spain and South America using the Psychedelic Use Scale (PUS)

Psilocybin was the most used psychedelic in both Spanish and South American populations, but MDMA was more common in Spain (78.5% vs. 37.1%) while mescaline was more common in South America (31.9% vs. 24.0%), especially among males. MDMA was the most combined psychedelic in Spain, whereas LSD was most combined in South America, pointing to recreational use. DMT predicted the most adverse effects during consumption, and MDMA predicted the most adverse effects after consumption. Being under 30 years old more than doubled the risk of adverse effects. The findings indicate that cultural background influences psychedelic use patterns.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Psychedelic use has increased in the last decade. However, it is unclear whether the cultural background of the consumers exerts any influence. The aim of the present study was to determine the pattern of psychedelic use in Spain and Spanish-speaking populations in South America and compare these consumption patterns to understand the use of these substances in two culturally distinct populations. The Psychedelic Use Scale (PUS) was administered via the Google Surveys platform between September and November 2022. 735 participants were selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. The study received ethics approval from the local ethics committee. Psilocybin was the most used substance. MDMA was more frequently consumed in the Spanish population (78.5 vs. 37.1%), while mescaline was more commonly used among participants from South America (31.9 vs. 24.0%), mainly among males ( P < 0.05). Among the Spanish population, MDMA was the most commonly combined psychedelic; for the South American population, LSD was the substance most frequently combined, highlighting the predominant recreational use of this substance. DMT predicted the most adverse effects during consumption, whereas MDMA predicted the most adverse effects after consumption. Age was as a risk factor for the development of adverse effects, with a significant increase in risk observed in individuals under 30 years of age (OR = 2.01, CI95% 1.1–3.6). In conclusion, the pattern of psychedelic substance use differed between both populations, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive studies. This is especially crucial in light of the social shifts stemming from the ongoing psychedelic renaissance.