Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: a population-based study

A large recent population study of 130,000 adults in the United States failed to find evidence of a link between the use of psychedelics (lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, or mescaline) and mental health problems. 

Using a new dataset comprised of 135,095 randomly selected adults from the United States, including 19,299 psychedelic users, we examined the associations between psychedelic use and mental health. 

After adjusting for sociodemographic data, use of other drugs, and childhood depression, we found no significant associations between lifetime psychedelic use and increased likelihood of severe psychological distress in the past year, mental health treatment, suicidal thoughts, suicide plans and suicide attempts, depression, and anxiety. 

We were unable to find evidence that psychedelic use is an independent risk factor for mental health problems. Psychedelics are not known to harm the brain or other organs of the body, or to cause addiction or compulsive use. Serious adverse events involving psychedelics are extremely rare. 

Overall, it's difficult to see how banning psychedelics can be justified as a public health measure.