August 26, 2025
Leaders in the emerging field of psychoactive drug use and safety gathered at Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety’s (RMPDS) 19th annual Scientific Meeting, where industry and government experts heard for the first time the findings of the inaugural National Survey Investigating Hallucinogenic Trends (NSIHT) Data Report.
NSIHT is the largest and most rigorous ongoing survey of adult psychedelic use in the nation. Collected twice annually across 50 states and Washington, D.C., NSIHT captures representative data on 16 psychedelic substances — both pharmaceutical and recreational — using validated methods trusted by various federal agencies.
New findings from NSIHT offer a clearer view of who is using psychedelic substances and where. Five key highlights include:
- Psychedelic substance use is highest among younger adults
- Psilocybin is the most used psychedelic
- Use varies by geographic region
- Psychedelics are perceived to improve mental health
- Most common setting of use include use with friends or family and in small, private settings
“Psychedelic use is moving from the fringe to mainstream, with legalization efforts, pharmaceutical development and accelerating public interest,” said Andrew Monte, MD, PhD, Associate Director, Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety. “Policy, regulation, and patient education must be guided by credible, national evidence. NSIHT is the gold standard for delivering it.”
Richard C. Dart, MD, PhD, Director of RMPDS, shared his thoughts on the significance of this year’s meeting: “For more than 60 years, RMPDS has been a trusted research partner to federal agencies and a leader in drug safety surveillance. This year’s meeting reflects our commitment to advancing the science of psychoactive drug monitoring and fostering collaboration across disciplines. We’re proud to welcome such esteemed speakers and participants to this important conversation.”
The meeting brought together more than 350 attendees from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state departments of health and poison centers. The six-hour conference included panel discussions, research presentations and insights from RMPDS scientists and distinguished guest speakers.
The NSIHT report is available for download and includes access to actionable insights that can shape:
- Federal and state policy frameworks
- Public health and harm reduction strategies
- Clinical guidelines and research funding priorities
The National Survey Investigating Hallucinogenic Trends (NSIHT) is registered on the Open Science Framework for both internal and external validity, ensuring complete transparency and scientific rigor. Conducted by Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety (RMPDS).
