LGBTQ+ Ayahuasca Retreat Experience is Associated with Benefits to Mental Health, Quality of Life, and Spiritual Well-Being: A Prospective, Naturalistic Study
In this prospective, naturalistic study following 19 participants before and after an ayahuasca retreat to examine whether attending the retreat was associated with measurable changes in mental health, wellbeing, and related outcomes over time.
“Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, trauma, and discrimination, yet remain underrepresented in psychedelic research. This prospective, naturalistic study explored the impact of an ayahuasca retreat experience on mental health, quality of life, and spiritual well-being among SGM participants. Participants attended a seven-day ayahuasca retreat and completed assessments across six time points from 2–4 weeks pre-ceremony to 2–3 months post-ceremony.
Findings revealed significant reductions in depression and anxiety scores, alongside increases in spiritual well-being and quality of life, particularly within the first month following the retreat. Participants consistently described the experience as highly meaningful and spiritually significant, with many identifying the ceremony as among the most meaningful of their lives.
Benefits were further supported by reports of positive behavioral changes, including improved interpersonal relationships and reduced substance use. Adverse effects were minimal and transient. Importantly, this study addresses the historical gap in the literature and highlights the need to reconceptualize psychedelic spaces as inclusive and reparative for queer communities.
Given the historical misuse of psychedelics in conversion therapy, these findings mark a critical step in reclaiming psychedelics for SGM healing, empowerment, and identity affirmation.”
Lowe, M. X., Darby, Q. A., Kalcheff-Korn, S., & Jackson, H. (2026). LGBTQ+ Ayahuasca Retreat Experience is Associated with Benefits to Mental Health, Quality of Life, and Spiritual Well-Being: A Prospective, Naturalistic Study. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1–12. Read Paper
For more psychedelic news and research, visit the psychedelic health professional network homepage.
