Lifetime classic psychedelics use is associated with positive environmental attitudes and adopting a vegetarian diet

While some studies suggest that psychedelic use may be linked to positive environmental attitudes and health behaviors, the relationship between these factors remains underexplored. This study investigates the associations between lifetime use of psilocybin and LSD, environmental attitudes, and dietary behaviors using data from two UK birth cohort studies: the 1958 National Child Development Study and the 1970 British Cohort Study. Data on these variables were collected in 2000, when participants were aged 42 and 30, respectively ( N = 21,837−21,855). Findings indicate that individuals who had used psilocybin or LSD at least once in their lifetime were more likely to endorse pro-environmental attitudes (Spearman r = .09, p < .001) and adopt a vegetarian diet (adjusted OR 1.44–1.48, p < .013). Past psilocybin users show a healthier dietary profile, including eating more salads and raw vegetables, fewer biscuits and cakes, and less red meat. As hypothesized, the link between psychedelic use and vegetarian diets was partially mediated by pro-environmental attitudes. The results of this retrospective observational study suggest that psilocybin and LSD use may promote positive environmental attitudes, which could, in turn, be associated with a greater likelihood of adopting a vegetarian diet.