Journal of psychoactive drugsSep 2, 2026

Hallucinogen Use and Health Issues Among US Adults with Justice System Involvement, Including Other Drug Use and Demographic Links

Psychedelic Science Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Sep 3, 2026

Abstract

Hallucinogen use is increasing, particularly among adults with recent justice involvement.

Adults with recent justice involvement may have higher rates of hallucinogen use compared to those without such involvement.
Poor health and substance use behaviors are significantly linked to hallucinogen use.
When accounting for other types of substance use, the difference in hallucinogen use based on justice involvement is no longer significant.
Several differences exist in the factors associated with hallucinogen use between adults with and without justice involvement.
Research on hallucinogens is becoming increasingly relevant as some states decriminalize their use.

Simplified

This study explores hallucinogen use, comparing adults with and without a recent history of justice involvement. While past research finds that justice-involved adults are more prone to health problems and substance use behaviors, less attention has been paid to hallucinogen use. Using data from 2021 to 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we assessed the association between past-year justice involvement and hallucinogen use among U.S. adults. Logistic regression models include demographic characteristics, health-related measures, and other types of substance use. Results indicate that hallucinogen use continues to increase, particularly among adults with recent justice involvement. While both poor health and substance use behaviors were significantly associated with hallucinogen use, once other types of substance use were included in the analysis there was no longer a significant difference in hallucinogen use based on justice involvement. Lastly, we identified several differences in correlates of hallucinogen use among adults with and without justice involvement. Research on hallucinogens is important as some states have moved to decriminalize use and prevalence has increased in recent years. Given the increased risk for poor health and substance use among adults with criminal justice contact, research in this area is important.

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Hallucinogen Use and Health Issues Among US Adults with Justice System Involvement, Including Other Drug Use and Demographic Links

Abstract

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