Denver is going to introduce a thorough psychedelic response training program, which has been planned for over four years. Law enforcement, mental health specialists, and emergency responders who work in Denver’s City and County are the target audience for this program. This was first presented on March 11 by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS).
Following Denver’s historic decision in 2020 to legalize small amounts of psilocybin mushrooms, the Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Policy Review Panel created the Psychedelic Crisis Assessment and Intervention training program. In 2022, Colorado became the second state after Oregon to legalize the use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, propelling the drug to new heights. Colorado was also the first state to legalize the use of some psychedelics, including mescaline, DMT, ibogaine, and medicinal psilocybin.
The Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Policy Review Panel, established as part of the 2019 ballot proposal for psilocybin decriminalization, temporarily stopped its duties in 2023 after Prop 122 was passed. The group has reconvened and is expected to play an important role in establishing Denver’s psilocybin laws.
Expressing pride in the city’s proactive stance, Kevin Matthews, director of the Denver psilocybin panel and a prominent activist, emphasizes the significance of this training initiative in advancing public health and safety within Denver. He underscores the importance of collaboration with MAPS for ongoing monitoring and community education on this emerging issue.
Some substances, such as benzodiazepines and serotonin receptor blockers, have been identified as potential countermeasures for mitigating the effects of excessive psychedelic consumption. However, healthcare professionals stress the importance of first responders understanding “when and how to use those” during state rulemaking hearings.
MAPS reports that a diverse team of over twenty experts spanning various fields including law, medicine, psychiatry, mental health, neuropsychopharmacology, law enforcement, crisis response, quality improvement, and education dedicated three years to crafting the curriculum.
The training regimen encompasses video tutorials and corresponding assessments focusing on the historical context, usage, and potential psychological and physiological impacts of psilocybin and other psychedelics, according to MAPS. Emergency responders will also receive education on the legal considerations and ramifications of psychedelic decriminalization, along with best practices for harm reduction in psychedelic-related emergencies.
Sara Gael, MAPS harm reduction officer, expresses confidence that this program will furnish first responders with the requisite knowledge and skills to manage psilocybin and psychedelic-related crises in a safe and empathetic manner, ultimately enhancing community health and well-being. She lauds Denver’s progressive and forward-thinking leadership for spearheading the decriminalization of psilocybin and serving as a model for other municipalities to emulate.
Psychedelic Education in Colorado
Following Colorado’s decriminalization of psychedelics in late 2022, various stakeholders including state officials and nonprofits have been scrambling to provide comprehensive education and safety training for a wide spectrum of individuals, ranging from potential users to law enforcement to state lawmakers.
Aided by a federal grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Colorado has enlisted an expert specifically trained to educate law enforcement on “virtually every type of drug, including psychedelics,” as stated by Tim Lane, legislative liaison for the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council. However, Lane acknowledges that Colorado law enforcement seeks to expand beyond mere impairment recognition, recognizing the potential complexity of navigating new situations for first responders.
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is tasked with establishing training prerequisites for licensed psychedelic therapists and administrators, who may become eligible to apply for licenses by year’s end. Additionally, the Colorado Natural Medicine Division, a newly established regulatory entity under the state Department of Revenue, has been designated to oversee the commercial aspects of psilocybin production and facilitation, as well as any other psychedelics that may be legalized for medical purposes.
The Natural Medicine Division (NMD) is also developing training guidelines for first responders statewide, although these guidelines have yet to be published and will not be legally binding upon release.
According to MAPS, the newly implemented Psychedelic Crisis Assessment and Intervention training places significant emphasis on harm reduction and emergency de-escalation, with the use of physical force and arrests considered as last-resort measures.
Public educational resources now encompass the Psychedelic Info Line, a freshly launched toll-free hotline designed to address non-emergency inquiries concerning psilocybin and other psychedelics. Additionally, there’s the Fireside Project, which provides a complimentary phone line delivering real-time guidance and support for individuals experiencing emergency psychedelic episodes.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Outlook
The introduction of Denver’s Psychedelic Crisis Assessment and Intervention training program exemplifies the combined efforts of government agencies, non-profit groups, and community members. This collaborative approach is critical for developing a thorough understanding of psychedelics and implementing successful crisis response tactics.
Moving ahead, it is critical to maintain collaboration and conversation among all parties participating in psychedelic education and harm reduction initiatives. Communities may create long-term frameworks for resolving new concerns and encouraging safe and responsible psychedelic use by combining their skills and resources.
Furthermore, continuous cooperation will be essential for modifying training curricula and regulations to take into account the most recent scientific discoveries and legislative advancements as psychedelic research and laws continue to change. Communities can better serve the needs of those looking for assistance and direction in navigating psychedelic experiences if they continue to be proactive and flexible.
The joint initiatives in Denver and throughout Colorado are a big step toward advancing public health and safety when it comes to psychedelics. Communities may create more empathetic and resilient support networks for people dealing with issues associated with psychedelic use by banding together.
Bottom Line
Denver’s pioneering efforts to train first responders in psychedelic crisis intervention, coupled with collaborative initiatives throughout Colorado, mark significant progress in promoting public health and safety regarding psychedelics. By fostering collaboration among government entities, non-profit organizations, and community members, these efforts aim to develop comprehensive education and support networks to navigate the complexities of psychedelic use responsibly. As the landscape of psychedelic research and legislation continues to evolve, ongoing cooperation will be crucial in adapting training programs and policies to address emerging challenges and ensure the well-being of individuals within these communities. (Full Story)