Cannabis and Psychedelics Among U.S. Young Adults: Use, Messaging Exposure, Perceptions, and Legalization Support
Abstract
This study assessed correlates of cannabis and psychedelic use, use intentions, and legalization support among US young adults. Using 2025 survey data among adults ages 18-34 (N=3,227), we assessed cannabis and psychedelic message exposure and perceptions, mental health symptoms (MHS), and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in relation to past-6-month cannabis use, past-year psychedelic use, next-year use intentions, and legalization support. Past-6-month cannabis use was 40.5%; past-year psychedelic use 11.9%. Intentions, legalization support, and message exposure were high-er for cannabis than psychedelics. Psychedelics were perceived more addictive, harmful, and socially unacceptable than cannabis. Lower perceived addictiveness and harm and higher social acceptability were associated with cannabis use, intentions, and legalization support; more MHS with use and legalization support; residence in states with legal nonmedical cannabis, more ACEs, and more promotional and risk message exposure with use. Regarding psychedelics, more promotional message exposure, lower perceived harm, and higher acceptability were associated with use, intentions, and legalization support; more risk message exposure and ACEs with use and use intentions; more MHS and lower addictiveness with use and legalization support. Perceptions and MHS may influence cannabis and psychedelics use and legalization sup-port; message exposure may be particularly relevant for psychedelic use and legalization support.
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