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Public Perception: Cannabis vs Psychedelics  

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2 years ago

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Cannabis legalization has sparked some heated debates throughout the last decade over whether a once-illegal substance could truly have medical benefits, and if it should be accessible to the general public. And when you think about the full history of cannabis prohibition, you realize how long it really took to enter the mainstream. One would assume that psychedelics will follow the same pattern, but so far, we’re seeing very little of the same pushback. Why is that? Let’s take a closer look.  

The mainstreaming of cannabis and psychedelics  

Marijuana and psychedelics are both Schedule I substances, defined as having “high addictive potential and no current accepted medical use”. However, both cannabis and psychedelics are viewed much more favorably than other illicit substances.  

For example, roughly half of Americans (around 78 million people) claim to have used cannabis at some point in their lives, and over 35 million report using cannabis products on a monthly basis. Another 55 million Americans say they have used pot in the last year. That’s more than the number of active tobacco smokers (an amazing feat), which has been on the steady decline. This data comes from a Yahoo News/Marist national survey.  

When it comes to psychedelics, it seems those numbers are on the rise too. Recent polling by YouGov found that around 28 percent of Americans have tried at least one of the seven most commonly used hallucinogenic drugs, which are: LSD (acid), Psilocybin (mushrooms), MDMA (ecstasy), Mescaline (peyote), Ketamine, DMT, and Salvia.  

The largest number of respondents report having used LSD (14 percent), psilocybin (13 percent), and MDMA (9 percent) and mescaline (8 percent). The numbers for the other substances were a bit lower with ketamine and DMT both at 6 percent, and salvia with 5 percent. It’s likely that the numbers for ketamine would be higher if the poll were to be done again in another year or two, with the uptick of ketamine therapy centers we’ve been seeing lately.  

Is cannabis really being used medicinally?  

Most Americans support cannabis legalization, there’s no question about that. As a matter of fact, only 10% of people living in the United States think it should remain illegal. Now, this is where the numbers get interesting. According to the most recent data, 30 percent of people support legalization for medical use only, whereas an overwhelming 60 percent think it should be completely legal, for both medical and recreational purposes. 

And this all stems from how Americans view and use cannabis themselves. Overall, it’s hard for most people to accept the idea of medical marijuana use. Despite the decades of research done on it, in the US, it’s still used largely independently, in unsupervised conditions. It’s consumed in ways that aren’t really conducive to medical use (smoking mainly, which is the most common yet unhealthiest way to use it). It’s purchased in dispensaries which, more often than not, have a vibe that’s chill, fun, stoner, and recreational.  

Data from a past National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 17% of adults who used cannabis in the past year used cannabis medically. There were no significant differences between those who used medically versus recreationally in race, education, past year depression and prevalence of cannabis use disorders. Adults who use medical and recreational cannabis shared some characteristics, but those who used medical cannabis had higher prevalence of poor health and daily cannabis use. 

Of course, there are some benefits to using cannabis, regardless of how you choose to do so. It certainly helps with things like sleep, nausea and pain, and it can be useful for treating mental disorders as well. But it’s still not quite what I would consider a medical substance. Therapeutic, yes; but the potential for major life changes is far less with cannabis than psychedelics. For me personally, pot helps immensely with my anxiety and depression, but I still view myself as a recreational user overall.  

Psychedelics: A breakthrough for mental health  

While the cannabis movement hit many roadblocks on its way to gaining wider acceptance, it’s been mostly smooth sailing for psychedelics reform. And even though this article is mainly about the US, we’re seeing the same trends in other countries as well; like Australia for instance, which became the first country to officially legalize MDMA and psilocybin for medical use, but adult-use cannabis is still illegal.  

And not only are American citizens in support of psychedelic-assisted therapy, but there’s bipartisan support in congress, a growing body of scientific research, a booming industry with products and trade shows, high profile endorsers, and dedicated activist and patient groups like mental health advocates and veterans suffering from PTSD. This is because the discussion around hallucinogens has been primarily focused on supervised, controlled therapeutic use, rather than recreational use for anyone over a certain age.  

 “One of the biggest differences is that the cannabis movement went through state governments to first decriminalize the plant, then medicalize it, and then … recreational use came after that. Psychedelics are primarily going through the FDA and medical research”, said Jason Ortiz, executive director of the advocacy group Students for Sensible Drug Policy. 

Furthermore, our nation is in the midst of a startling mental health crisis – from the opioid epidemic, growing rates of depression and suicide, teen and childhood anxiety on the rise, and the list goes on. It’s estimated that one in four American adults are living with some type of mental illness. Pharmaceutical antidepressants often don’t work and come with a slew of negative side effects, so people are seeking alternatives. The potency and powerful effects of psychedelic drugs, when compared to cannabis, make them more promising treatment options in this realm, as they have the ability to rewire the brain in ways that other substances simply cannot.  

Final thoughts 

At the rate we’re going, it wouldn’t be entirely surprising to see medical psychedelics legalized at the federal level, before recreational cannabis. It seems difficult for people to wrap their heads around the idea of cannabis being used medicinally. And for some odd reason, things that make us feel good or are simply fun, are often viewed as being wrong, so our government is reluctant to permitting adult cannabis use just for the sake of letting us have something we want. Medical psychedelics seem to have a stronger foothold in research and FDA approvals, so it will be interesting to see how long it takes before psilocybin or MDMA become federally legal.

Hello readers. We’re happy to have you with us at Cannadelics.com; a news source here to bring you the best in independent reporting for the growing cannabis and hallucinogen fields. Join us frequently to stay on top of everything, and subscribe to our Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter, for updates straight to your email. Check out some awesome promos for cannabis buds, smoking devices and equipment like vapes, edibles, cannabinoid compounds, amanita mushroom products, and a whole bunch more. Let’s all get stoned together!



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Texas Citizens Want Legalized Cannabis But

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1 day ago

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February 4, 2025

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Will Texas go the way of Florida with the marijuana of the public wants some form of legal marijuana and the Governor doing all he can to stop it?

While cannabis awaits its future under the new administration, the public increasingly wants legal access to marijuana.  Increasing seen as a respected medical aide, the pubic is embracing the green plant, and are increasingly open to fully legalized weed. Now Texas citizens want legalized cannabis but, will they go the way of Florida and have the governor stop the efforts? Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis used the full force available to him to try to stop the movement. But the Sunshine State public won medical marijuana and will gain full recreational at some point.  Now Lone Star state Governor Greg Abbott, could be in for a similar battle.

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Recent surveys conducted by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs have revealed a significant shift in public opinion regarding marijuana legalization in Texas. The data indicates that a substantial majority of Texans support easing restrictions on marijuana use, whether for medical or recreational purposes. This trend reflects a broader national movement toward more permissive cannabis policies. Legalizing marijuana could have significant economic benefits for Texas, as seen in neighboring states like New Mexico, where dispensaries near the Texas border capitalize on the state’s restrictive laws1. Moreover, easing marijuana laws could reduce criminal justice costs and align Texas with the growing national trend toward more liberal cannabis policies.

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he most recent survey, released in February 2025, shows that nearly four out of five Texans (79%) support establishing a full-fledged medical cannabis program. This level of support is consistent across various demographic groups, with every socio-demographic subgroup favoring reform. The strong backing for medical marijuana is likely driven by its perceived health benefits and the desire to provide relief to patients with qualifying conditions. Currently, Texas’s Compassionate Use Program is highly restrictive, allowing only low-THC cannabis for a limited number of conditions.

In addition to medical marijuana, there is significant support for decriminalizing cannabis possession. About 69% of Texans endorse legislation to decriminalize marijuana for those 21 years and older, which would reduce penalties for possession to fines rather than criminal charges. Furthermore, 62% of Texans support legalizing a commercial marketplace for adult-use cannabis sales, indicating a growing acceptance of recreational use.

The support for marijuana legalization crosses political lines, with a majority of Democrats and a significant portion of Republicans backing these reforms. While Democrats are more likely to support full legalization, Republicans also show substantial support, particularly for medical use. Nonreligious Texans and those with lower incomes or without college degrees are more likely to favor decriminalization and legalization.

Despite the strong public support, Texas lawmakers have been slow to act on these issues. The state’s legislative structure, which meets only in odd-numbered years, limits opportunities for reform. Additionally, Texas does not allow statewide citizen-initiated ballot measures, placing the onus on elected officials to drive change. Recent efforts by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick to ban THC products further complicate the path to legalization.  So it will be the Governor to determine the ultimate path forward.



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Can Cannabis Provide Some Relief From Chronic Pain

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2 days ago

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February 3, 2025

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Chronic pain can be life changing – from the pain to zapped energy. But can cannabis make a difference?

An estimated 20% of adults in the US and roughly 8 million Canadians experience chronic pain. This condition is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months. It can lead to insomnia and fatigue. If can impact many other parts of life, including mood and the ability to move and body functions. It can also lead to changes in the brain and nervous system, which can make the pain worse and harder to manage. But can cannabis provide some relief from chronic pain?

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Medical cannabis (MC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have show promise in managing chronic pain, though efficacy varies by condition and formulation. Research indicates cannabinoids may reduce pain severity by 30–50% compared to placebo, particularly in neuropathic and inflammatory conditions. A 2023 systematic review of 15 studies found CBD alone or combined with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reduced pain by 42–66%.

Can Cannabis Provide Some Relief From Chronic Pain

Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, modulating pain signaling and inflammation:

  • THC binds to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, altering pain perception.
  • CBD enhances anandamide (a natural pain-regulating compound) and activates glycine receptors, potentially reducing localized inflammation.
  • Combined THC:CBD formulations (e.g., nabiximols) often show superior pain relief compared to single cannabinoids, with CBD mitigating THC’s psychoactive effects.

Clinical Evidence by Condition

  • Neuropathic pain: THC:CBD sprays reduced pain scores in multiple sclerosis and spinal injury patients.
  • Arthritis/fibromyalgia: Topical CBD improved peripheral neuropathy, while oral formulations alleviated fibromyalgia pain in 30% of patients.
  • Chronic back/neck pain: Preliminary trials suggest vaporized cannabis may rival oxycodone’s efficacy.

The good news is studies report 18–29% of patients achieve ≥30% pain reduction with cannabinoids vs. 14–26% on placebo. Effective CBD doses range widely (2.5–1,500 mg/day), and prolonged use may alter drug metabolism. So trend carefully with both CBD and THC. Remember, only THC:CBD combos like nabiximols are FDA-approved for specific conditions; most CBD products remain unregulated.

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CBD alone shows fewer side effects (fatigue, diarrhea) than THC-containing products. Notably, real-world data associate medical cannabis with 60% reduced opioid use in chronic pain patients, though long-term safety data remain limited.

While cannabinoids offer a potential alternative for refractory chronic pain, optimal use requires personalized dosing and further high-quality trials targeting specific pain subtypes. Current evidence supports cautious integration into multimodal pain regimens, particularly when conventional therapies fail. Always talk with your health professional when adding something new to your pain management regime.



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Does Beyoncé Consume Marijuana – The Fresh Toast

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2 days ago

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February 3, 2025

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Coming off her big Grammy win, does Beyoncé consume marijuana – cause the industry needs some high profile allies

Coming off her big Grammys win, she is continue to expand her empire. Her fame, business savvy and talent has lead her to founding Parkwood Entertainment, Ivy Park, Cécred, and SirDavis. She has done endorsements for Pepsi and Levis and has a Netflick deal. She seems to go from one success to another. With all she has going on, does Beyoncé consume marijiana? Turns out she has leaned into the plant, but publicly here engagement is squarely in the wellness sphere.

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Beyoncé has openly incorporated cannabis-derived CBD into her wellness routine, citing its benefits for physical recovery and mental health, though she has not explicitly confirmed recreational cannabis use. The global icon revealed in a 2021 Harper’s Bazaar interview  CBD became a crucial tool during her tours, helping manage inflammation, muscle soreness, and insomnia. “I discovered CBD on my last tour, and I’ve experienced its benefits for soreness and inflammation. It helped with my restless nights,” she shared, emphasizing its role in her self-care practices

Beyoncé announced plans to build a hemp and honey farm to produce her own CBD, aiming to create natural wellness products for her family. This venture aligns with her focus on holistic health rituals, which she also teaches her children. She described finding her daughter Blue Ivy using homemade bath blends for relaxation, highlighting intergenerational wellness practices. While CBD is non-psychoactive (unlike THC-rich marijuana), her farm underscores her commitment to cannabis-derived wellness solutions.

Beyoncé’s entry into the hemp industry follows her husband Jay-Z’s cannabis brand, Monogram, though her approach centers on therapeutic applications rather than recreational use. In 2020, her BeyGOOD Foundation partnered with the NAACP to grant $10,000 to Black-owned cannabis businesses like The Gift, a wellness-focused hemp company. These efforts reflect her support for equitable opportunities in an industry where Black entrepreneurs face systemic barriers

Despite lyrical references to cannabis in her Cowboy Carter album and fan speculation about recreational use, Beyoncé has never publicly confirmed smoking marijuana. Experts note her CBD use focuses on documented (though FDA-unapproved) benefits like pain relief, while avoiding psychoactive effects. Medical researchers caution that CBD’s efficacy for conditions like insomnia remains inconclusive, though its safety profile for adults is generally accepted.



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