Consumer Attitudes Toward Psychedelics as Medicine – PSYCH: The Psychedelics As Medicine Report 3rd Edition

Key insights from consumer research

Survey findings indicate broad and growing public openness to psychedelics as a medical treatment option:

• Approximately two thirds of consumers in Europe and North America support the legalisation of psychedelics for medicinal use
• Two in three individuals are aware of the use of psychedelics for mental health conditions and would consider them for therapeutic purposes
• Knowledge of specific psychedelic compounds varies significantly, highlighting an education gap and opportunity for trusted sources
• 38% of respondents know someone who could benefit from psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT)

Survey methodology and scope

In June 2021, PSYCH and Blossom conducted a nationally representative consumer survey across five countries: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The objective was to assess awareness of, and attitudes toward, the use of psychedelics in the treatment of mental health conditions.

The survey was conducted between 10–17 June 2021 and included 3,050 adults, with a minimum of 600 respondents per country. Samples were proportionally weighted by age group and sex to reflect national populations. This section presents a topline analysis of the findings. More detailed data cuts and analysis are available on request via info@blossomact.com.

Public views on psychedelic-assisted therapy

Consumers were asked to respond to a series of statements relating to psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health conditions. Five in ten respondents supported medical legalisation, while four in ten were unsure and one in ten disagreed.

A majority of respondents supported:

• Insurance coverage for psychedelic therapies (59%)
• Personal consideration of psychedelic medicine where it is shown to be safe and effective (65%)

Around one third of respondents reported knowing someone who could benefit from PAT.

Changes in attitudes across countries

To enable year-on-year comparison, analysis focused on respondents aged 18–64. Among US respondents, support for medical legalisation declined by 6 percentage points in 2021, falling to 50%. Fewer Americans also reported knowing someone who could benefit from psychedelic therapy, although responses shifted when additional context was provided.

In contrast, UK respondents became more supportive in 2021, with backing for medical legalisation increasing by 7 percentage points to 43%, and awareness of someone who could benefit from PAT rising by 9 percentage points to 53%.

When respondents were presented with a scenario in which psychedelics were proven safe and effective for conditions such as PTSD and depression, and approved by national drug regulators for use alongside talk therapy, agreement increased across all measures. This suggests that evidence and regulatory endorsement strongly influence consumer acceptance, regardless of historical stigma.

French respondents showed the lowest baseline agreement across all countries. However, once given additional context, France recorded some of the largest increases in support, particularly around insurance coverage and perceived benefit to others. This highlights the importance of regulatory trust and clear evidence communication in shaping public opinion.

The education opportunity

Familiarity with psychedelics as mental health treatments was highest among those aged 18–44. While individuals aged 45 and over reported lower baseline knowledge, support for legalisation, insurance coverage, and personal treatment consideration remained relatively high across age groups.

Respondents aged 65+ were the least supportive initially, particularly regarding legalisation (only 34% in favour), with many expressing no opinion. When provided with further information, support within this group rose to 59%, indicating that education significantly shifts attitudes, even among more sceptical cohorts.

Differences were also observed across countries. Germany recorded the highest levels of awareness and self-reported understanding of psychedelic treatments, alongside the UK. France showed the lowest familiarity and interest, potentially reflecting fewer clinical trials and research groups operating locally. Across all countries, men and women demonstrated broadly similar levels of curiosity and knowledge.

Psychedelics consumers would consider

Respondents were asked which psychedelic substances they would consider as part of psychedelic-assisted therapy, assuming safety, efficacy, and regulatory approval.

The most frequently selected compounds were psilocybin and salvia, each chosen by 35% of respondents. Psilocybin’s prominence is likely driven by strong media coverage, clinical trial results, discussion around microdosing, and its use in retreat settings in regions such as the Netherlands and Central America. Oregon’s decision in November 2020 to decriminalise psilocybin and approve it for therapeutic use has also raised public awareness.

Although 31% of respondents said they were likely or very likely to try LSD, it was also the compound with the highest proportion stating they were unlikely to try it (33%), indicating a more polarised perception.

Consumers ranked physicians and scientists as the most trusted sources of information on medical psychedelics, while religious leaders and politicians ranked lowest. Increased access to clinician-led consultations and wider reporting of clinical trial outcomes were identified as key factors that could support informed decision-making.

Influence of prior drug experience

Respondents with previous experience of psychedelic substances — whether recreational, creative, or therapeutic — were significantly more open to considering psychedelics as a medical treatment, provided regulatory approval and integration with talk therapy.

Those without prior experience were less likely to express strong interest, but were not strongly opposed. Among this group, 54% reported feeling neutral or unsure, while 27% stated they were unlikely or very unlikely to consider such treatments.

Overall, the findings reveal substantial curiosity and openness among consumers, reinforcing the role that public education, clinical evidence, and trusted medical voices will play in driving acceptance, regulatory change, and market development.

As Dr Reid Robison, Director and Chief Medical Officer at Novamind, observed:

“The mental health revolution we are currently in is long overdue. The pandemic has further highlighted the urgent need for better solutions. We’re starting to see less stigma towards mental health and more widespread acceptance of psychedelics as a therapeutic option.”

Despite decades of adverse media portrayal, the results underscore the importance of clear, responsible communication in improving public understanding of psychedelics and their role in future mental healthcare.