Journal of psychoactive drugsJul 4, 2024

Powerful Psychedelic Experiences Linked to Less Cannabis Use and Greater Mental Flexibility

Psychedelic Science Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Apr 1, 2026

Abstract

A significant reduction in cannabis use was observed in 152 users following psychedelic experiences, with p-values of < .001.

Average cannabis use disorder scores decreased significantly after a psychedelic experience.
The frequency of cannabis use and daily intoxication duration also significantly reduced.
Reduction in cannabis use in the first month post-experience was associated with the intensity of the mystical experience.
Participants reported improvements in psychological flexibility following the psychedelic experience.
These psychological improvements were correlated with the intensity of the mystical experience.

Simplified

Treating cannabis use disorder remains a significant challenge in the field of addiction medicine. Some recent studies point to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy as a potential treatment option for substance use disorders. The objective of this study was therefore to explore the impact of naturalistic psychedelic experiences on cannabis use and psychological flexibility. An online retrospective survey was carried out on 152 cannabis users who also reported a significant experience induced by psychedelics in the past. Following a psychedelic experience, there was a significant and sustained reduction of average CUDIT score ( < .001), frequency of cannabis use ( < .001), and acute duration of daily intoxication ( < .001). Cannabis use reduction during the first month post-experience was significantly associated with the intensity of the mystical experience ( = .01). Participants reported a concomitant increased lasting improvement of psychological flexibility following the experience ( < .001), which was correlated to the intensity of the mystical experience during the first month post-experience ( = .04). This study demonstrates that naturalistic psychedelic experiences may be followed by a decrease in cannabis use. Positive health outcomes appear potentially connected to the intensity of the mystical experience, as well as an improvement in psychological flexibility. p p p p p p

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Powerful Psychedelic Experiences Linked to Less Cannabis Use and Greater Mental Flexibility

Abstract

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