Association between lifetime co-use of classic psychedelics and cannabis and prostate cancer diagnosis among US adults 50 years and older
Amrit Baral, Yue Pan, Wayway M. Hlaing, Albert Garcia‐romeu, Paulo S. Pinheiro, Denise C. Vidot
Scientific Reports December 8, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-30172-5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey analysis Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 19,460 |
| Population | U.S. males aged 50 years and older |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | Prostate cancer Odds ratio Logistic regression Prostatectomy Epidemiology Oncology Marital status Gynecology Demography Association psychology |
| Key findings | Lifetime classic psychedelic-only use was associated with higher odds of prostate cancer diagnosis compared to non-use (adjusted odds ratio 2.62, 95% CI 1.31–5.22). |
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among U.S. men. While cannabis and classic psychedelics gain attention for symptom management in oncology, their associations with prostate cancer remain unexplored. This study evaluates associations between lifetime classic psychedelic and cannabis use with prostate cancer diagnoses among older U.S. adults using 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data. A nationally representative sample of 19,460 males (weighted N = 50,842,517) aged ≥ 50 years was included in the analysis. Participants were categorized as: cannabis-only users, classic psychedelic-only users, co-users, and non-users. The primary outcome was self-report of physician-diagnosed prostate cancer. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for lifetime use and prostate cancer, adjusting for socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical covariates, and analyses further stratified by age. Among participants, 3.9% reported prostate cancer. Exclusive classic psychedelic use was associated with increased odds of prostate cancer (AOR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.31-5.22, p < 0.01) versus non-users. Among those ≥ 65, classic psychedelic-only use was also associated with higher odds (AOR: 3.60, 95% CI: 1.71-7.55, p < 0.01) of prostate cancer than non-users. Classic psychedelic-only users had higher odds of prostate cancer versus co-users (AOR: 4.58, 95% CI: 1.89-11.1, p < 0.01). This study identified a novel association between classic psychedelic use and prostate cancer in older adults. Future research should explore reasons for use, potential biological mechanisms, and consider longitudinal studies to clarify causality.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis use before age 15 and subsequent executive functioning 104 chronic cannabis users (49 early-onset before age 15, 55 late-onset after age 15)... | 2011 | Observational cross-sectional study | n = 148 |
| Patterns of simultaneous polysubstance use in drug using university students Drug-using university students | 2006 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 149 |
| Persisting Reductions in Cannabis, Opioid, and Stimulant Misuse After Naturalistic Psychedelic Use: An Online Survey Online survey respondents | 2020 | Cross-sectional survey | |
| User perceptions of the benefits and harms of hallucinogenic drug use: A web-based questionnaire study Users of hallucinogenic drugs who completed a web-based questionnaire | 2010 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 600 |
| Illicit Use of LSD or Psilocybin, but not MDMA or Nonpsychedelic Drugs, is Associated with Mystical Experiences in a Dose-Dependent Manner Adults recruited from the MAPS website and newsletter, most reporting use of various... | 2012 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 337 |
Citations in the library
Cites 15
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- Therapeutic use of classic psychedelics to treat cancer-related psychiatric distress International Review of Psychiatry July 4, 2018
- A review of emerging therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses Journal of the Neurological Sciences January 31, 2020
and 10 more in the library