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Cannabis and Psychedelics Among U.S. Young Adults: Use, Messaging Exposure, Perceptions, and Legalization Support

Author

Listed:
  • Carla J. Berg

    (Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
    George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA)

  • Cassidy R. LoParco

    (Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA)

  • Darcey M. McCready

    (Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA)

  • Laura C. Schubel

    (Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA)

  • Patricia A. Cavazos-Rehg

    (Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA)

  • Erin Kasson

    (Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA)

  • Shriya Thakkar

    (Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA)

  • Diane M. Ndisebuye

    (Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA)

  • Y. Tony Yang

    (School of Nursing, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20006, USA)

Abstract

This study assessed the correlates of cannabis and psychedelic use and legalization support among young adults in the United States (US). Using 2025 data among adults ages 18–34 ( n = 3227), we assessed cannabis and psychedelic message exposure and perceptions, mental health symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-4 [PHQ-4]), and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in relation to past-6-month cannabis use (40.5%), past-year psychedelic use (11.9%), and legalization support. Relative to cannabis, psychedelics showed less legalization support, promotional and risk-message exposure, and social acceptability and higher perceived addictiveness and harm ( p ’s < 0.001). Factors associated with cannabis use and greater legalization support included: lower perceived addictiveness (aOR = 0.88, CI = 0.83–0.93; B = −0.04, SE = 0.01) and harm (aOR = 0.75, CI = 0.71–0.80; B = −0.16, SE = 0.01), higher social acceptability (aOR = 1.25, CI = 1.19–1.33; B = 0.19, SE = 0.01), and higher PHQ-4 (aOR = 1.04, CI = 1.01–1.07); more ACEs (aOR = 1.10, CI = 1.06–1.14) and more promotional (aOR = 1.08, CI = 1.01–1.17) and risk-message exposure (aOR = 1.27, CI = 1.17–1.39) were associated with use. Factors associated with psychedelic use and greater legalization support included: more promotional-message exposure (aOR = 1.61, CI = 1.36–1.91; B = 0.09, SE = 0.04), lower addictiveness (aOR = 0.87, CI = 0.78–0.97; B = −0.03, SE = 0.02) and harm (aOR = 0.74, CI = 0.66–0.82; B = −0.19, SE = 0.02), higher acceptability (aOR = 1.59, CI = 1.47–1.73; B = 0.15, SE = 0.01), and higher PHQ-4 (aOR = 1.06, CI = 1.02–1.11; B = 0.02, SE = 0.01); more risk-message exposure (aOR = 1.29, CI = 1.08–1.54) and ACEs (aOR = 1.15, CI = 1.09–1.21) were associated with use. Perceptions and mental health may influence cannabis and psychedelic use and legalization support, and message exposure may be particularly relevant in shaping psychedelic use and legalization support. Thus, information is crucial to ensure population understanding of the risks, benefits, and overall population impacts of cannabis and psychedelic use and legalization.

Suggested Citation

  • Carla J. Berg & Cassidy R. LoParco & Darcey M. McCready & Laura C. Schubel & Patricia A. Cavazos-Rehg & Erin Kasson & Shriya Thakkar & Diane M. Ndisebuye & Y. Tony Yang, 2026. "Cannabis and Psychedelics Among U.S. Young Adults: Use, Messaging Exposure, Perceptions, and Legalization Support," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 23(2), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:23:y:2026:i:2:p:255-:d:1866907
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