An Assessment of Psychedelic Knowledge Among People Using Psychedelics Naturalistically.

People who use psychedelics and have higher education, lower age, greater frequency of use, male gender, White/Caucasian identity, higher income, and experience with more types of psychedelics tend to know more about legal status, active compounds, and therapeutic efficacy. A survey of 1,435 participants recruited at a psychedelic advocacy event and online showed overall high knowledge, but gaps remain, highlighting the need for targeted education and harm reduction outreach, especially in under-represented communities.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Identifying gaps and strengths in psychedelic-related knowledge is key to developing effective, evidence-based education to inform appropriate use of and harm reduction practices for psychedelics in the naturalistic use landscape. The current study piloted an assessment instrument with questions on legal status, therapeutic potential, and side effects of psychedelics among people reporting current psychedelic use. We recruited participants (N = 1435) at a psychedelic advocacy event and through psychedelic interest groups on social media. Respondents completed a brief survey of psychedelic use and psychedelic knowledge. Items assessed basic knowledge of various topics surrounding psychedelics, such as legal status, active compounds, and known therapeutic efficacy based on the clinical trial literature. Respondents who had used greater numbers of different psychedelics, with higher levels of education, lower age, greater frequency of psychedelic use, identifying as male, used high doses (vs. microdosing only), identifying as Caucasian/White, and with greater annual household income answered more questions correctly. Most respondents exhibited high knowledge of psychedelics, though there is also a demonstrated need for education and outreach, especially in under-represented communities.