People who use both marijuana and psilocybin report significantly lower stress levels and better mental well-being than those who use marijuana alone, according to a new study published today in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction.
The study, conducted by researchers at Oregon State University, examined 725 adults to determine whether psilocybin use among marijuana consumers was associated with differences in perceived stress and psychological well-being.
Researchers divided participants into two groups. The first included 479 individuals who reported using marijuana at least once during the previous 30 days but did not qualify for the psilocybin group. The second included 246 participants who reported using marijuana during that same period and psilocybin at least once during the previous 90 days, with a typical reported dose of at least 0.25 grams.
Participants completed assessments measuring perceived stress and mental well-being. Researchers also examined demographic characteristics, other substance use and sex assigned at birth to determine whether these factors influenced the relationship between marijuana and psilocybin use and mental health.
The results showed that participants who used both substances reported lower levels of perceived stress and higher levels of psychological well-being compared with marijuana-only consumers. These associations remained after researchers adjusted for demographic differences and the use of other substances.
The findings add to a growing body of research examining the potential mental health effects of psilocybin, the primary psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms. Previous clinical research has identified potential benefits for depression and anxiety, although relatively little research has examined the mental health characteristics of people who use psilocybin alongside marijuana.
The researchers said their findings suggest that psilocybin use among marijuana consumers may be associated with better mental health outcomes than marijuana use alone.
However, the study was observational and relied on participants’ self-reported substance use and mental health. It did not establish that psilocybin caused the improvements, and participants were not required to have used marijuana and psilocybin simultaneously. The results therefore reflect differences between groups of consumers rather than the immediate effects of combining the two substances.
