What Do Psychedelic Users Actually Want from Research?
TL;DR
•A major 2022 survey revealed significant differences between what psychedelic users want researched and what academic institutions prioritize.
•While institutions focus heavily on medicalizing psychedelics for clinical trials, the community prioritizes best practices for non-clinical use and broader societal impacts.
•Users expressed a strong desire for research into harm reduction, indigenous traditions, and non-medical outcomes like creativity and spiritual growth.
•Incorporating the perspectives of people who actually use psychedelics is crucial for developing safe, effective, and culturally attuned policies.
As psychedelic research experiences a massive resurgence, billions of dollars are being poured into clinical trials aimed at turning substances like psilocybin and MDMA into FDA-approved medications. However, this push for medicalization has highlighted a growing disconnect between the institutions funding the research and the people who actually use these substances. What do psychedelic users actually want from research? The answer is much broader than just creating new psychiatric drugs.
For decades, while institutional research was largely banned, a vibrant underground community continued to explore, use, and share knowledge about psychedelics. Now that these substances are stepping into the clinical spotlight, it is vital to ask whether the current research agenda reflects the needs of the community that kept the knowledge alive. In this article, we will explore the findings of a major study that compared the priorities of psychedelic users with those of academic institutions, and why these differences matter.
What Does the Psychedelic Community Prioritize?
A comprehensive 2022 survey of nearly 1,200 U.S. adults who use psychedelics sought to document their research priorities (1). The results showed that while users support research into therapeutic efficacy—such as treating depression or PTSD—they also have a much wider set of interests. The community identified seven major domains for future research, many of which are largely ignored by institutional funders.
Among the top priorities for users were establishing best practices for non-clinical psychedelic use, understanding general safety and adverse experiences, and promoting a broader understanding of psychedelics that includes indigenous traditions and community impacts. Users also emphasized the need to study desirable outcomes for non-medical use, such as increases in creativity, personal insight, and spiritual awakening (1). In essence, the community views psychedelics not just as medicines for the sick, but as tools for human flourishing and connection.
How Do Academic Priorities Differ?
When the researchers compared the survey results to the topics discussed at a major National Institutes of Health (NIH) workshop held the same year, a stark contrast emerged (1). Institutional researchers, heavily influenced by pharmaceutical companies and venture capitalists, focused almost exclusively on the medicalization of psychedelics. Their priorities centered on molecular mechanisms, neurological pathways, and rigorous clinical trials designed to gain regulatory approval for patented treatments.
While this clinical focus is crucial for integrating psychedelics into mainstream healthcare, it leaves significant gaps. Pharmaceutical companies and government agencies are often viewed with skepticism by the psychedelic community, partly due to the historical legacy of the War on Drugs and concerns over the corporatization of natural substances (1) (2). This divergence suggests that if research only focuses on the medical model, it risks alienating the very people who have the most practical experience with these substances.If you are curious about how real people describe the impact of these experiences beyond the clinical data, you might find our post What Do Psychedelic Users Say Changed Their Lives insightful.
Why Should Community Voices Be Included?
Including the perspectives of people who use psychedelics is not just a matter of fairness; it is a matter of safety and efficacy. The psychedelic community possesses specialized, experiential knowledge that can inform better harm reduction strategies and therapeutic practices. For instance, as psychedelics become more accessible—whether through decriminalization or clinical approval—there will be an increasing need for evidence-based guidelines on how to navigate challenging experiences and integrate them afterward (3).
Furthermore, the community's emphasis on non-clinical use highlights the reality that people will continue to use psychedelics outside of medical settings. Researching best practices for peer support, community integration, and harm reduction is essential for public health. By ignoring these areas, institutional research misses an opportunity to provide valuable guidance for the majority of psychedelic use that occurs outside of a therapist's office.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Therapy?
The findings of this study underscore the importance of a balanced research agenda. As psychedelic liberalization progresses, policies and educational initiatives must be developed that maximize benefits and minimize harms across all contexts of use (1). For therapists and practitioners, this means recognizing that clients may approach psychedelics with goals that extend beyond symptom reduction, such as seeking spiritual growth or deeper interpersonal connections.
If you are exploring psychedelics and are looking for support that respects both the clinical science and the profound personal nature of these experiences, professional guidance can be invaluable. Exploring options like Integrative Post-Psychedelic Support or Psychedelic Integration can help you navigate this complex landscape.
Conclusion
The resurgence of psychedelic research is an exciting development, but it is clear that the current institutional focus on medicalization does not capture the full picture. The psychedelic community has articulated a clear desire for research that respects indigenous traditions, prioritizes harm reduction, and explores the potential for non-medical human enhancement. Bridging the gap between academic priorities and community needs will be essential for creating a future where psychedelics are used safely, ethically, and effectively.
It is completely understandable to feel a bit cautious or overwhelmed when navigating the expanding world of psychedelics, especially when clinical models seem to clash with personal or community values. You might be wondering how to make sense of your own experiences in a way that feels authentic to you.
I offer psychedelic integration therapy specifically to help people process, contextualize, and grow from profound experiences, bridging the gap between clinical understanding and personal meaning. Schedule a free consultation with Jeff Jones, LPC
About the Author:
This article was written by Jeff Jones, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas in practice since 1999. He is a 2024 graduate of the CIIS Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research program. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, he helps clients navigate life's challenges and find a path toward healing.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article, including discussions of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, is for informational purposes only. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has not been approved by all regulatory agencies in the United States, and its safety and efficacy are still being established. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
References
1.Priorities for psychedelic research among people who use psychedelics
2.A psychedelic research agenda? The quest for therapeutic and legal legitimacy