Dickson, Katie and Stubbings, Daniel R and Hurst, Megan and Davies, Joseph L (2025) From policy to perception: do public views on UK drug policy shape attitudes toward psychedelics? Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, Early online, pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2025.2558579.
External website: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02791...
Psychedelic substances have gained attention for their therapeutic potential, yet they remain illegal in the UK. This study aimed to explore whether public attitudes toward UK drug policy predicted attitudes toward psychedelics, in terms of their legal status, the effects of psychedelics on individuals and society, the risks associated with psychedelic use, and personal openness toward psychedelic experiences and their potential positive effects. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 250 participants aged 18-86 ( = 38.1, = 15.8), using the APQ and sociodemographic measures. Multiple regression analyses revealed that viewing drug use as a health issue, rather than a criminal issue, was a significant predictor of support for psychedelic legalization and lower perceived risk. Additionally, gender, religious affiliation, political leaning, and prior drug use significantly influenced attitudes toward psychedelics. Women and religious individuals tended to view psychedelics as more harmful, while left-leaning and non-religious participants were more supportive of their therapeutic use. Participants with prior drug use experience were more open to psychedelics. These findings suggest that public attitudes may be influenced by broader drug policy perceptions and that shifts in policy framing toward health-based approaches could foster greater support for psychedelic reform. Further research should explore these associations longitudinally.
B Substances > Hallucinogens / Psychedelics > LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide)
B Substances > Hallucinogens / Psychedelics > Mushrooms (psilocybin)
MA-ML Social science, culture and community > Sociocultural aspects of substance use > Societal attitude toward substance use / public opinion
MM-MO Crime and law > Crime > Substance related crime
MM-MO Crime and law > Substance use laws > Drug laws
MP-MR Policy, planning, economics, work and social services > Policy > Policy on substance use > Drug decriminalisation, depenalisation or legalisation policy
VA Geographic area > Europe > United Kingdom
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