Cannabis users who had a significant psychedelic experience reported sustained reductions in cannabis use scores, with stronger 'mystical' qualities of the experience predicting greater reductions.
People interested in psychedelic research, cannabis use disorder treatment, and the intersection of consciousness research and substance use.
Mystical experience intensity predicted cannabis use reduction
What the researchers found
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.
Why it matters
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.
The numbers in context
152 cannabis users surveyed. Significant reduction in CUDIT scores post-psychedelic experience. Mystical experience intensity correlated with degree of cannabis reduction (p=.01). Psychological flexibility also improved (p=.04).
How the study worked
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.
What this study cannot tell us
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.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: retrospective self-report survey with no control group and high risk of recall and selection bias.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, based on retrospective reports.
The bigger picture
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.
Questions still open
- Would controlled psychedelic-assisted therapy reduce cannabis use in clinical trials?
- What specific mechanisms link mystical experiences to behavior change?
- Could psychedelic experiences worsen cannabis use in some individuals?
Common questions
Can psychedelics help people reduce cannabis use?
What makes a psychedelic experience more likely to reduce substance use?
Read the original research
Significant Psychedelic Experiences Evaluated for Mystical Characteristics Associated with Cannabis Use Reduction and Psychological Flexibility Improvement: A Naturalistic Cross-Sectional Retrospective Survey.
Journal of psychoactive drugs, 57(4), 374-385
Citation
Romeo, B; Kervadec, E; Fauvel, B; Strika-Bruneau, L; Amirouche, A; Verroust, V; Piolino, P; Benyamina, A. (2025). Significant Psychedelic Experiences Evaluated for Mystical Characteristics Associated with Cannabis Use Reduction and Psychological Flexibility Improvement: A Naturalistic Cross-Sectional Retrospective Survey.. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 57(4), 374-385. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2024.2375720
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