What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Mental Health.

Where was this research published?

Published in The International journal on drug policy on June 5, 2026.

Psychedelic use rising faster than medical oversight can keep pace

A cross-national comparison of nonmedical and medical use of psychedelic drugs in the international cannabis policy study.

The International journal on drug policy • June 5, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

This international study examines the use of psychedelic substances—psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and ketamine—across Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand using data from the 2023 International Cannabis Policy Study. The research found that approximately 19% of respondents reported lifetime use of at least one psychedelic substance, with psilocybin being the most commonly used. Notably, psilocybin prevalence was highest in Canada at 16.3%, followed by the USA at 13.0% and New Zealand at 12.1%, while Australia reported significantly lower rates at 7.8%. Past-month use remained low across all countries, suggesting occasional rather than frequent consumption patterns.

A critical finding relates to the gap between consumer interest and medical oversight. The research revealed that only 10-20% of respondents who had ever used these substances discussed their use with a medical professional, despite growing therapeutic interest in these compounds. Alarmingly, over one-third of respondents who used psychedelics in the past year reported experiencing adverse health effects, a concern amplified by the fact that many individuals access these substances through unregulated pathways without medical supervision. This disconnect highlights a significant public health concern: consumer enthusiasm for therapeutic applications has substantially outpaced the development of clinical evidence and regulated access programs.

These findings underscore the importance of establishing clear regulatory frameworks and medical oversight as global interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy expands. The data suggest that without proper medical guidance and regulated pathways, individuals pursuing self-initiated therapeutic use face considerable risks, including higher rates of adverse events and lack of professional support.

📄 Original Abstract

We know little about the extent psychedelic substances are consumed therapeutically and/or discussed with medical professionals despite renewed global interest in these substances. We examined self-reported responses from the 2023 International Cannabis Policy Study (ICPS) in repeated cross-sectional surveys in Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The survey included questions on lifetime, past year, and past month use of psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and ketamine. It inquired about respondents' discussions with medical professionals, their self-reported medical use, and related adverse events. We estimate the mean proportion rate for each of these using logistic regression methods that adjust for demographics, country, and sampling weights. Estimated results suggest nineteen per cent of all ICPS respondents reported lifetime use of one of the four substances. Psilocybin was the most commonly estimated to be used in one's lifetime and in the past year, followed by LSD and MDMA. Estimated prevalences of ever using psilocybin were higher among respondents from Canada (16.3%, CI: 15.6-16.9%) than the USA (13.0%, CI: 12.3-13.6%) and New Zealand (12.1%, CI: 10.4-13.8%). Estimated rates of psilocybin ever use in Australia were significantly lower (7.8%, CI: 6.8-8.8%). An estimated 10-20% of respondents who report ever-use of a psychedelic asked their medical provider about medical use, and over a third who had used in the past year reported experiencing an adverse health effect. Estimated rates of past month use were low for all countries. Consumer interest in therapeutic use of psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and ketamine has surpassed the pace of clinical trials and therapeutic use provisions. These provisions do not necessarily equate to patient access and dual use motivations are not uncommon. Access via nonregulated pathways and self-initiated use in the absence of medical supervision may influence the proportion of individuals who experience adverse events.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: The International journal on drug policy
Published: June 5, 2026
PMID: 42247761
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2026.105348

Authors (7)

Myfanwy Graham Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, Level 2, Building D, 47-49 Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia; Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, University of Southern California, 635 Downey Way, VPD514, Los Angeles 900989-3333, United States. Electronic address: Myfanwy.graham@monash.edu.
Yimin Ge Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, University of Southern California, 635 Downey Way, VPD514, Los Angeles 900989-3333, United States; Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N.Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States.
Rosalie Liccardo Pacula Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, University of Southern California, 635 Downey Way, VPD514, Los Angeles 900989-3333, United States; Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, 635 Downey Way, VPD514, Los Angeles 900989-3333, United States.
Seema Choksy Pessar Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, University of Southern California, 635 Downey Way, VPD514, Los Angeles 900989-3333, United States.
Chris Wilkins SHORE & Whariki Research Centre, Massey University, Level 7, 90 Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
+2 more authors