Psychedelic Experiences Linked to Reduced Cannabis Use and Greater Psychological Flexibility

Among 152 cannabis users who reported a significant past psychedelic experience, average cannabis use disorder scores (CUDIT) decreased significantly after the psychedelic experience. The intensity of mystical qualities during the experience predicted the degree of cannabis reduction. Participants also reported lasting improvements in psychological flexibility following the experience.

Online retrospective survey of 152 cannabis users who reported a significant past psychedelic experience. Compared self-reported cannabis use (CUDIT scores) before and after the psychedelic experience. Assessed mystical experience characteristics and psychological flexibility changes.

Cannabis use disorder has few effective treatments. The finding that naturalistic psychedelic experiences are associated with reduced cannabis use adds to a growing body of research suggesting psychedelic-assisted approaches could address substance use disorders, including cannabis dependence.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is being actively studied for alcohol and tobacco use disorders, with promising early results. This study extends the potential application to cannabis use disorder, though the naturalistic, retrospective design means much more rigorous research is needed before drawing clinical conclusions.

Retrospective and self-report design, highly susceptible to recall bias. Self-selected sample of people who had 'significant' psychedelic experiences. No control group. No verification of actual substance use changes. Cannot determine whether the psychedelic experience caused the changes or coincided with other life factors.