University Students’ Motives for Psilocybin Use: A Mixed-Methods Analysis
Shayla Frinton, Jill O. Robinson
Journal of Drug Issues April 26, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/00220426251338187 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey with thematic analysis Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Psilocybin users |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Mathematics education |
| Key findings | Motives for psilocybin use differ significantly between microdoses and macrodoses, and also differ between reasons for initiating and continuing use. |
Abstract
Motives are a highly influential force in substance use and vary depending on the substance or dose being used. Little research has compared motives across different doses of psilocybin. Psilocybin is often ingested in microdoses (0.1–0.4 g) or macrodoses (1 g+), each producing unique perceptual and mood effects. The current study examined whether motives for microdose and macrodose psilocybin use differ. An online survey was employed to examine differences in motives using an adapted Marijuana Motives Measure. A thematic analysis was conducted to further explore motives for each dose, and to determine if motives differ for initiating and continuing psilocybin use. As hypothesized, there were statistically significant differences in motives for microdose and macrodose use ( p < .001). Qualitative results also indicated differences in motives depending on dosage, and differences in reasons for initiating and continuing use. These findings have important implications for harm reduction and public policy.