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Fireside Project Releases Psychedelic Interaction Data

A new dataset details over 25,000 interactions from a psychedelic support line to aid research.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Substance Abuse

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Fireside Project released a dataset of over 25,000 psychedelic support interactions to assist academic researchers and policymakers with harm-reduction strategies. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should researchers use informal support line data to inform public health policy on psychedelic use?

Fireside Project has published a comprehensive database of 25,419 psychedelic support interactions collected between April 2021 and February 2026. This dataset, now available for academic and policy use, aims to fill gaps in knowledge regarding experiences outside clinical settings.

Why it matters

Systematic evidence about real-world psychedelic use is currently limited, making this data essential for understanding safety and support needs. Researchers expect to use these records to improve future harm-reduction strategies.

The study, published in Science Advances, analyzed 25,419 interactions where psilocybin accounted for 59.9% of substance-coded cases and cannabis for 12.8%. The dataset also includes 2,777 post-interaction satisfaction surveys and 43 reports of facilitator abuse.

The players

Fireside Project

This organization operates a support line for individuals navigating psychedelic experiences.

Science Advances

This is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes research across a wide range of disciplines.

The details

The data was compiled from interactions handled by 220 trained peer supporters who logged structured information about substance use and support techniques. This provides a rare look into the patterns of psychedelic experiences as they occur in the public.

Timeline

  1. Data collection for support interactions began in April 2021.

  2. Data collection for support interactions concluded in February 2026.

  3. The database publication was officially announced on October 31, 2026.

Health Landscape

This release marks a shift toward broader transparency in psychedelic research, moving beyond the confines of controlled clinical trials. It establishes a new benchmark for evidence by providing real-world data to support evolving global healthcare policies.

The availability of this data may lead to more informed safety resources for individuals seeking support during or after psychedelic experiences. It offers researchers the ability to develop improved harm-reduction techniques that are grounded in thousands of documented personal accounts.

The takeaway

This dataset provides a vital, non-clinical perspective on psychedelic use that was previously unavailable to the public. Academics and policymakers can now utilize these findings to better address the safety and support needs of the global community.

Further reading

For more information on current trends and findings in this field, visit our Substance Abuse section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by News-Medical.

Live Poll

Should researchers use informal support line data to inform public health policy on psychedelic use?