Vermont Primary Care Provider Perspectives on Psychedelics — A Cross-Sectional Study
Josephine Yalovitser, Jonah Levine, Cole Zweber, Lauren Tien, Mallory Stultz, Henry Mitchell, Elizabeth Cote, Charles D. Maclean
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs March 5, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2025.2474246 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA survey of 770 Vermont primary care providers found that two-thirds were familiar with therapeutic use of psychedelics, but fewer than half knew the legal status of LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA. Ninety-six percent were neutral or agreed that psychedelics have high therapeutic potential. The top concerns were effects on youth, risk of psychosis, and traffic safety. Eighty-three percent were not at all or only slightly concerned about inherent dangers. Seventy-seven percent wanted more education. Overall, Vermont PCPs are familiar with psychedelics and cautiously optimistic about their therapeutic role.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 770 |
| Population | Vermont primary care providers |
| Duration | July 2023 |
| Keywords | Cross-sectional study Primary care Psychology Medicine |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | Most Vermont primary care providers are familiar with therapeutic psychedelics and view them as having high therapeutic potential, but many lack knowledge of current regulatory statuses and express concerns about youth, psychosis, and traffic safety. |
Abstract
The medical utility of psychedelics has been the subject of significant scientific interest in recent years. While most of these substances remain Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act, advancements in research have led states to consider expanding legal access, impacting primary care, where patients often seek mental health support and treatment. In July 2023 we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 770 Vermont primary care providers (PCPs) about their familiarity and concerns with psychedelics, as well as opinions on access and therapeutic value (response rate 17%). Two-thirds of respondents reported familiarity with psychedelics being used therapeutically, but less than half were aware of current regulatory statuses of LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA. Ninety-six percent were neutral or agreed that psychedelics have high therapeutic potential. The highest concerns were effects on youth, potential for psychosis, and traffic safety. Eighty-three percent were not at all or only slightly concerned about the inherent dangers of psychedelics. Seventy-seven percent were interested in further education. Overall, PCPs in Vermont, a state considering changes in access to psilocybin, are familiar with psychedelics, and cautiously optimistic about their therapeutic role. As research develops, it is important to incorporate resultant changes in policy and medicine into PCP continuing education.