Psychedelic Therapy in Colorado: Where, When, & How to Find it

When people think of Colorado, many immediately associate it with cannabis, as it was the first state to legalize recreational use in 2012. Beyond this, Colorado has taken a leading role in the psychedelic movement by implementing new initiatives and legislation.

The city of Denver made history by becoming the first in the United States to decriminalize the use and possession of mushrooms containing psilocybin. This major achievement in the psychedelic renaissance paved the way for more accessible psychedelic journeys.

On November 8, 2022, another significant milestone was achieved with the passing of Proposition 122, also known as the Natural Medicine Health Act. Proposition 122 includes natural psychedelics, such as psilocybin, DMT, ibogaine, and mescaline (not from peyote).

Proposition 122 decriminalized the possession, ingestion, sharing, purchasing, and cultivation of natural psychedelics for recreational and healing use. However, it’s important to keep in mind that selling these substances can result in fines and jail time.

Additionally, individuals on probation now have the legal right to use natural medicines. This move is rather noteworthy, considering that many individuals have been arrested solely for drug possession offenses. 

Thanks to the cannabis and natural psychedelic medicine legislation in Colorado, accessing psychedelic therapy has become easier than ever before and is also readily available to you, offering you the opportunity to benefit from this transformative experience.

Today, we will be reviewing the benefits of psychedelic therapy and how to determine if psychedelics are right for you. Psychedelics are powerful healing tools, so using them responsibly and with proper guidance is important.

As discussed in our previous article, we will also provide you with resources on where you can find psychedelic therapy in Colorado and how you can begin your psychedelic journey.

The Benefits of Psychedelic Therapy

Before embarking on your psychedelic healing journey, it’s important to understand what psychedelic therapy is and what it has to offer.

Psychedelic therapy, also referred to as psychedelic-assisted therapy, involves the ingestion of a psychoactive substance under the guidance of a psychedelic therapist or psychedelic facilitator for therapeutic treatment and healing.

While psychedelics are still illegal in Colorado, finding a psychedelic therapist to help you on your journey can be difficult. Fortunately, psychedelic facilitators (or “guides”) provide similar therapeutic services as psychedelic therapists.

Even if you’re able to find a psychedelic therapist willing to assist, they cannot legally offer support during your actual psychedelic experience, which is a significant part of your journey. On the other hand, psychedelic guides will accompany you every step of the way.

Having a psychedelic guide with you during your journey is highly recommended, especially if this is your first encounter with psychedelics. Psychedelic guides have years of first-hand experience with psychedelics and facilitating healing sessions.

If you are unsure of what psychedelic is right for you, your psychedelic guide is there to assist you. Typically, the most common medicines used in psychedelic therapy include psilocybin, MDMA, or ayahuasca. However, any psychedelic can be used during therapy.

Studies have shown that psychedelic therapy may hold promise in addressing a wide range of conditions, from depression to chronic pain, as well as personal growth. Psychedelic research can be traced back to the mid-1900s, laying the foundation for the advancements we see today.

In the 1950s, LSD was discovered to be effective in addressing alcoholism by Humphry Osmond, who also interestingly coined the term “psychedelic”. Since then, ibogaine has been found to have anti-addictive properties as well.

Psilocybin and LSD have shown promise in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with terminal illnesses, as these individuals may experience anxiety with the thought of death. These transformative experiences allow individuals to embrace the remaining years of their lives.

Additionally, psychedelics have shown promise for those with treatment-resistant depression. The recent FDA approval of Spravato, a ketamine nasal spray, has certainly influenced the realm of psychedelics by helping those with hard-to-manage depression.

Another remarkable benefit of psychedelics is their ability to help those suffering from trauma. Currently, MAPS is conducting phase 3 of clinical trials for MDMA-assisted therapy in the treatment of PTSD. After multiple sessions, most patients no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

Beyond medical applications, psychedelics can serve as tools for spiritual healing and religious journeys. For example, the Native American Church incorporates peyote, a cactus containing the psychoactive alkaloid mescaline, into their sacred ceremonies.

Psychedelic therapy has also been shown to improve creativity and productivity, promote altered perspectives, and produce strong feelings of empathy towards others and various aspects of life.

Although psychedelic therapy is quite beneficial on its own, its potential is amplified when combined with traditional talk therapy. Your guide and therapist will be there to support you during the integration stage, where you will learn how to apply your experience to your daily life.

For those seeking psychedelic therapeutic experiences, Colorado stands as a promising destination. While psychedelics remain illegal in Colorado under the Controlled Substances Act, opportunities still exist within the state.

For thousands of years, psychedelics have been utilized for various purposes, indicating their potential. This article hasn’t covered all of the benefits of psychedelic therapy, and some still remain unknown, but strict laws in the United States make it challenging to research further.

Are Psychedelics Right For You?

You may be curious why not everyone has experienced the benefits of psychedelic therapy. While psychedelics clearly have their advantages, it’s important to acknowledge that they may not be suitable for everyone.

While psychedelics and psychedelic therapy have gained popularity in recent times, it’s essential to understand the potential risks involved to prioritize your safety before engaging in psychedelic use.

Psychedelic substances can induce anxiety and fear, as well as elevate heart rate and blood pressure, emphasizing the need for appropriate guidance during your psychedelic experience. Without proper supervision, these effects could potentially lead to harm.

If you have a pre-existing heart condition, take caution if using psychedelics. Psychedelics can act on serotonin 2A receptors, which have been associated with vascular heart disease. However, the likelihood of developing a heart condition after using psychedelics is extremely low.

Psychedelics also have the potential to trigger manic or psychotic episodes in individuals with pre-existing psychiatric conditions. Although the risk of developing psychosis is low for individuals without such predispositions, caution is still advised.

Those with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia face a higher risk of experiencing psychosis-like effects, which can resemble the symptoms of schizophrenia. The severity of these effects can vary, with extreme cases requiring medical intervention.

Furthermore, understanding potential interactions with other medications is crucial. For example, combining psychedelics with antidepressants can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by excessive levels of serotonin in the body.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can range from mild, like nausea, to severe, such as seizures or death if untreated. Most individuals experience these symptoms within 24 hours of ingesting the drug.

It’s worth noting that SSRIs can blunt the effects of psychedelics, which can be risky, as individuals may increase their psychedelic doses to compensate, potentially leading to more severe side effects and serotonin syndrome.

Individuals with epilepsy should also exercise caution when using psychedelics, as these substances can alter brain activity and potentially trigger seizures.

Overall, psychedelics are generally considered to be safer than many other medications and treatments, as they are used less frequently for therapeutic purposes.

By understanding the potential risks and maintaining open communication with your guide and healthcare professional, you can take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and beneficial psychedelic experience.