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Mushroom Use by College Students

John Paul Thompson, M. Douglas Anglin, William A. Emboden, Dennis G. Fisher

Journal of Drug Education June 1, 1985 DOI: 10.2190/rhxn-nq0b-39cl-jml1 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Survey Peer reviewed
Sample size 1,507
Population College students from California State University, Northridge, and the University of California, Los Angeles
Topics Psilocybin
Keywords Hallucinogen Mushroom
Citations 16
Key findings Over 85% of hallucinogenic drug users had used psilocybin mushrooms, and over half had used only mushrooms, indicating high experimental use of mushrooms relative to other hallucinogens.

Abstract

This study investigated the extent of hallucinogenic mushroom use among 1507 college students and compared mushroom users to nonusers. The subjects, who completed an anonymous questionnaire, were students from California State University, Northridge, and the University of California, Los Angeles. The major finding was that among the respondents who reported use of hallucinogenic drugs (17%), over 85 percent had used hallucinogenic (psilocybin) mushrooms and over half had used mushrooms but no other hallucinogens. The data suggest a high level of experimental use compared to other hallucinogens. Survey research into hallucinogenic mushroom use should be extended, and mushroom use should be distinguished from use of other hallucinogens.

Comparable studies

Other cross-sectional and survey studies on psilocybin, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Survey study of challenging experiences after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms: Acute and enduring positive and negative consequences Individuals who had consumed psilocybin mushrooms and experienced a psychologically... 2016 Cross-sectional survey n = 1,993
The Challenging Experience Questionnaire: Characterization of challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms Internet survey respondents reporting challenging experiences with psilocybin 2016 Questionnaire development and validation
Psychedelics and Mental Health: A Population Study Adult population in the United States 2013 Cross-sectional survey n = 130,152
Cessation and reduction in alcohol consumption and misuse after psychedelic use Individuals with prior alcohol use disorder who reported cessation or reduction in... 2019 Cross-sectional survey n = 343
Patterns of simultaneous polysubstance use in drug using university students Drug-using university students 2006 Cross-sectional survey n = 149

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