The Canadian Psychedelic Survey: Characteristics, Patterns of Use, and Access in a Large Sample of People Who Use Psychedelic Drugs

Summary & key facts

This study reports results from the Canadian Psychedelic Survey (N = 2,045), a large online survey done in January 2022 of people who currently or previously used psychedelic drugs. The most-used drugs were psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD. Common reasons for use were fun, self-exploration, mental well-being, and personal growth. Eighty-two percent reported a lifetime intense positive experience and 52% reported a lifetime intense challenging experience; over half (56%) of those with a challenging experience said some good came from it later. The paper describes who was surveyed, how people accessed psychedelics, patterns of use, and factors linked with intense positive or challenging experiences.

Key facts:

• The survey analyzed responses from 2,045 people who reported past or current psychedelic use.
• Mean age of respondents was 38.4 years and 56% identified as female.
• The most commonly used psychedelic drugs reported were psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD.
• Top motivations for use were: fun, self-exploration, general mental well-being, and personal growth.
• Eighty-two percent of respondents reported having had a lifetime intense positive psychedelic experience.
• Fifty-two percent reported a lifetime intense challenging psychedelic experience.
• Among those who had an intense challenging experience, 56% reported that 'some good' eventually came from that experience.
• In adjusted analyses, reporting intense positive experiences was linked to higher self-rated psychedelic experience and motives of fun and self-exploration (p < 0.05).
• Reporting intense challenging experiences was linked to higher self-rated psychedelic experience and motives that included trauma management, fun, and boredom (p < 0.05).
• The survey was fielded online from January 14–28, 2022, and included 655 questions; participants were recruited through NGOs and social media and had to be 19+ and report lifetime or past-year psychedelic use.

Abstract

The CPS is the most comprehensive survey of psychedelic drug use to date. Detailing the range of therapeutic and nontherapeutic experiences of psychedelic drug consumers in Canada, these findings add important nuances that can inform evolving clinical research and policy discussions impacting safe access to and use of psychedelic drugs.

Topics

Chemical synthesis and alkaloids Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis Psychedelics and Drug Studies

Categories

Clinical Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Chemistry Chromatography Environmental health Geography Medicine Population Psychology Sample (material) Survey sampling

Substances

Ketamine LSD MDMA Psilocybin

Conditions & symptoms

Addiction Depression Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder PTSD Substance abuse disorder