In demographically representative samples, psychedelic experiences were associated with greater challenging effects and persisting negatives than cannabis, but also greater positive acute and lasting effects, presenting a more complex risk-benefit profile.
Psychedelic researchers, cannabis researchers, policymakers comparing substance risk profiles, and clinicians counseling patients about substance use.
What the researchers found
Psychedelic experiences had greater acute challenging effects and persisting negative effects compared to cannabis, but also greater positive acute and persisting effects. Common predictors of outcomes included dose level, presence of others, religiosity, and personality traits, though these explained only small amounts of variance.
Why it matters
As psychedelics gain therapeutic attention, comparing their risk-benefit profile to the most commonly used illicit substance provides practical context. Cannabis serves as a useful benchmark because most adults have some reference point for it.
The numbers in context
Study 1: n=743 (between-subjects). Study 2: n=514 (within-subjects). Psychedelics: greater positive AND negative acute effects. Greater persisting positive AND negative effects. Predictors explained small variance.
How the study worked
Two studies using opt-in panel sampling reflecting US Census demographics: a between-subjects design (n=743) comparing psychedelic vs cannabis experiences, and a within-subjects design (n=514) in dual-experienced users.
What this study cannot tell us
Retrospective self-report of first or most memorable experiences is subject to recall bias and narrative construction. Panel sampling, while better than social media convenience sampling, may not reach the most marginalized users.
How to read the evidence
Improved sampling over previous psychedelic surveys, but retrospective self-report and comparing different substance classes limits strength.
When this study was published
2025 publication.
The bigger picture
The finding that psychedelics amplify both positive and negative experiences compared to cannabis challenges simple narratives about either substance. It suggests psychedelics are not simply "more dangerous" or "more therapeutic" but operate at a higher intensity on both axes.
Questions still open
- Can the factors predicting negative psychedelic experiences be used to improve clinical screening?
- Does the simultaneous increase in both positive and negative effects reflect a single intensity dimension?
Common questions
Why compare psychedelics to cannabis?
What predicted negative psychedelic experiences?
Read the original research
Psychedelic risks and benefits: A cross-sectional survey study.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England), 39(5), 436-452
Citation
Goldy, Sean P; Du, Benjamin A; Rohde, Julia S; Nayak, Sandeep M; Strickland, Justin C; Ehrenkranz, Rebecca; Levine, Michael; Barrett, Frederick S; Yaden, David B. (2025). Psychedelic risks and benefits: A cross-sectional survey study.. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England), 39(5), 436-452. https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811241292951
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