People of color in North America report improvements in racial trauma and mental health symptoms following psychedelic experiences

Abstract

This study examined how psychedelics reduced symptoms of racial trauma among black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) subsequent to an experience of racism. A cross-sectional internet-based survey included questions about experiences with racism, mental health symptoms, and acute and enduring psychedelic effects. Changes in mental health were assessed by retrospective report of symptoms in the 30 days before and 30 days after an experience with psilocybin, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), or 3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine (MDMA). We recruited 313 diverse BIPOC in the US and Canada. Results revealed a significant (p