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Attitudes of U.S. Muslims Toward Psychedelics
Syed F Rab1,2, Salman S Ahmad3, Roman Palitsky2,4
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Psychedelic Medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.)
|May 14, 2026
Summary
Muslims in the United States show moderate openness to psychedelic therapies, with rejection of traditional mental health services weakly linked to lower acceptance. Higher education correlates with more positive attitudes toward both.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Research
- Psychedelic Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Muslims living in the United States (MLUS) are underrepresented in psychedelics research.
- Little is known about MLUS' acceptance of psychedelic-assisted mental health care, given some historical rejection of mental health services.
- This study addresses the gap in understanding MLUS' attitudes toward psychedelic therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between MLUS' rejection attitudes toward mental health services and their acceptance of psychedelic therapies.
- To assess the overall acceptance of psychedelic therapies among MLUS.
- To identify demographic factors, such as education, associated with these attitudes.
Main Methods:
- Survey responses from 235 MLUS were analyzed.
- Participants completed measures on attitudes toward mental health services and psychedelic therapies.
- Correlations and t-tests were used to assess relationships and demographic differences.
Main Results:
- A weak negative correlation was found between rejection of mental health services and acceptance of psychedelics.
- MLUS demonstrated moderate overall openness to psychedelic therapies.
- Higher education was associated with more favorable attitudes toward both mental health services and psychedelic therapies.
Conclusions:
- Educational and cultural factors significantly shape attitudes toward mental health services and psychedelic therapies among MLUS.
- Contextualizing MLUS views is crucial for developing equitable and culturally responsive psychedelic mental health care.
- Further research is needed to explore these nuanced perspectives.
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