Cannabis and Psychedelics Among U.S. Young Adults

Use, Messaging Exposure, Perceptions, and Legalization Support

Datos Bibliográficos

ID17800855
AutoresCarla J Berg (0000-0001-8931-1961, Milken Institute, autor de correspondencia), Cassidy R Loparco (0000-0003-4206-4179, Milken Institute), Darcey M Mccready (Milken Institute), Laura C Schubel (Milken Institute), Patricia A Cavazos-Rehg (Washington University in St. Louis), Erin Kasson (0009-0008-7120-5050, Washington University in St. Louis), Shriya Thakkar (0000-0003-0446-6513, Milken Institute), Diane Ndisebuye (Milken Institute), Ya-Ting Yang (0000-0002-0155-8490, George Washington University), Y Tony Yang
Año2026
Volumen23
Número2
Páginas255-255
Fecha de publicación2026-02-17
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditorialMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph23020255
PMID41752336
OpenAlexW7130306539
IdiomaEN

This study assessed the correlates of cannabis and psychedelic use and legalization support among young adults in the United States (US). Using 2025 data among adults ages 18-34 ( n = 3227), we assessed cannabis and psychedelic message exposure and perceptions, mental health symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-4 [PHQ-4]), and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in relation to past-6-month cannabis use (40.5%), past-year psychedelic use (11.9%), and legalization support. Relative to cannabis, psychedelics showed less legalization support, promotional and risk-message exposure, and social acceptability and higher perceived addictiveness and harm ( p 's < 0.001). Factors associated with cannabis use and greater legalization support included: lower perceived addictiveness (aOR = 0.88, CI = 0.83-0.93; B = -0.04, SE = 0.01) and harm (aOR = 0.75, CI = 0.71-0.80; B = -0.16, SE = 0.01), higher social acceptability (aOR = 1.25, CI = 1.19-1.33; B = 0.19, SE = 0.01), and higher PHQ-4 (aOR = 1.04, CI = 1.01-1.07); more ACEs (aOR = 1.10, CI = 1.06-1.14) and more promotional (aOR = 1.08, CI = 1.01-1.17) and risk-message exposure (aOR = 1.27, CI = 1.17-1.39) were associated with use. Factors associated with psychedelic use and greater legalization support included: more promotional-message exposure (aOR = 1.61, CI = 1.36-1.91; B = 0.09, SE = 0.04), lower addictiveness (aOR = 0.87, CI = 0.78-0.97; B = -0.03, SE = 0.02) and harm (aOR = 0.74, CI = 0.66-0.82; B = -0.19, SE = 0.02), higher acceptability (aOR = 1.59, CI = 1.47-1.73; B = 0.15, SE = 0.01), and higher PHQ-4 (aOR = 1.06, CI = 1.02-1.11; B = 0.02, SE = 0.01); more risk-message exposure (aOR = 1.29, CI = 1.08-1.54) and ACEs (aOR = 1.15, CI = 1.09-1.21) were associated with use. Perceptions and mental health may influence cannabis and psychedelic use and legalization support, and message exposure may be particularly relevant in shaping psychedelic use and legalization support. Thus, information is crucial to ensure population understanding of the risks, benefits, and overall population impacts of cannabis and psychedelic use and legalization

Cannabis · Harm · Legalization · Mental health · Poison control · Public health · Suicide prevention · Young adult · Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research · Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis · Psychedelics and Drug Studies