An Assessment of Psychedelic Knowledge Among People Using Psychedelics Naturalistically

Bibliographic Data

ID13912911
AuthorsD J Kruger (0000-0002-2757-7016, Population Studies Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, corresponding author), Nicolas G Glynos (0000-0002-6952-131X, Anesthesiology Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA), Christopher W Fields (0000-0002-6509-6483, Anesthesiology Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA), Moss Herberholz (0009-0007-6717-7088, University of Michigan), Kevin F Boehnke (0000-0003-3696-3979, Anesthesiology Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA)
Year2022
Volume55
Issue4
Pages420-424
Publication date2022-11-03
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Psychoactive Drugs (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0279-1072 • E-ISSN: 2159-9777
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02791072.2022.2142709
PMID36328419
OpenAlexW4308072532
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited12

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

Harm · Outreach · Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques · Chemical synthesis and alkaloids · Clinical Psychology · Psychedelics and Drug Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology

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