A Scoping Review of Research in Naturalistic Studies with Psychedelics

Psychedelic research has traditionally focused on controlled, clinical settings to evaluate the therapeutic potential of substances such as psilocybin. However, in recent years, there has been growing interest in naturalistic research, which explores psychedelic use in real-world settings. This review aims to critically analyze trends in naturalistic psychedelic research, focusing on sample demographics and the diversity of contextual factors across different settings. A systematic search in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science was conducted, including studies that involved the use of classic psychedelics in real-world settings. Two reviewers independently screened articles and extracted data on both sample and setting characteristics. A total of 103 studies were included, most of which employed a cross-sectional survey-based design (n = 54), with sample characteristics being widely reported, albeit with considerable variability across studies. Ayahuasca was the most frequently studied substance (66%), and ceremonial settings were the most commonly reported (35.9%). While sample characteristics were widely reported, there was significant variability. Specific contextual components, such as music, were often underreported, with longitudinal studies providing the most comprehensive details. This review highlights the need for systematic reporting standards in naturalistic psychedelic research to maximize its complementary value alongside clinical trials.