Title & Introduction

  • Paper Title: LSD use in the United States: Examining user demographics and their evolution from 2015–2019
  • Published In: Journal of Psychedelic Studies
  • Publish date: February 1, 2024
  • Authors: Jeremy Weleff, Akhil Anand, Elizabeth N. Dewey, Brian S. Barnett
  • Objective: To investigate past-year LSD users in the United States, identify their demographic characteristics, and analyze changes in usage trends between 2015 and 2019.
  • Importance: LSD use has increased in the U.S. alongside growing interest in its therapeutic applications. However, contemporary epidemiological data on LSD user demographics remain scarce. This study expands on previous research by providing a detailed analysis of recent trends.

Summary & Takeaways

Key Takeaway: Past-year LSD use in the U.S. increased by 47% from 2015 to 2019, particularly among people aged 26–34, married individuals, and lifetime methamphetamine users. Despite the rise in use, LSD does not appear to contribute significantly to public health issues.

Practical Application:

  • Policy discussions on psychedelic regulation can benefit from updated demographic data.
  • Public health initiatives can consider LSD use trends when addressing substance use disorders.
  • Future research should examine the motivations behind increased LSD use and its social implications.

Key Background Information

  • Context: The use of LSD has doubled since the early 2000s. Although clinical research into its therapeutic applications has resurged, epidemiological data on contemporary LSD users remain limited.
  • Hypothesis: LSD use in the U.S. has increased in recent years, with evolving user demographics reflecting broader shifts in societal attitudes toward psychedelics.

Methodology

  • Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis of National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data from 2015–2019.
  • Participants: 282,768 U.S. residents aged 12 and older.
  • Intervention/Exposure: Assessment of past-year LSD use and associated demographic trends.
  • Controls: Non-LSD users within the NSDUH dataset.
  • Duration: 2015–2019.

Key Findings

Primary Outcomes:

  • Past-year LSD use increased from 0.59% in 2015 to 0.87% in 2019 (+47%).
  • The largest increases were among individuals aged 26–34 and married respondents.
  • Lifetime methamphetamine users were increasingly likely to report past-year LSD use.

Secondary Outcomes:

  • LSD users were more likely to be male, White, aged 18–25, and have lower income.
  • No associations were found between LSD use and unemployment, arrest history, or past-year psychological distress.
  • LSD users disproportionately reported lower perceived risk of trying LSD.

Interpretation & Implications

  • Conclusion: LSD use in the U.S. has risen, particularly among specific demographic groups, but it remains an uncommon substance overall. The increase does not appear to correlate with significant public health concerns.
  • Implications: These findings suggest that LSD’s growing societal acceptance may be contributing to its rising prevalence. Future research should investigate the role of media coverage, decriminalization efforts, and public perceptions.
  • Limitations: The study relies on self-reported data from NSDUH, which may be subject to response bias. Additionally, causality between LSD use and demographic changes cannot be inferred.

Researchers & Publication

  • Researchers: Jeremy Weleff (Yale University), Akhil Anand, Elizabeth N. Dewey, Brian S. Barnett (Cleveland Clinic)
  • Publication Name: Journal of Psychedelic Studies
  • Study URL: https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00309
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