Exploring Perceived Effects of the Natural Medicine Health Act in Colorado
Category: Research Poster
Author(s): Brady Zipter, Cianna Piercey, Chandler Hand, Hollis Karoly, Isabella Packwood, John McArthur, Isabella Gravante, Joseph Cameron
Presenter(s): Brady Zipter
Mentors(s): Cianna Piercey, Hollis Karoly
In 2022, Colorado voters passed the Natural Medicine Health Act, decriminalizing the personal use of several psychedelic substances, including psilocybin, DMT, and mescaline. However, research on how this policy shift has influenced individual and community behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions remains limited. This study used a survey to examine these impacts from 183 participants (mean age=29.73, AFAB=41.5%). Data was collected online and at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Most participants lived in Colorado for at least five years (65.7%) and were residents at the time of decriminalization (74.6%). Participants shared qualitative insights from open-ended questions into how decriminalization affected psychedelic use, risk perception, and substance availability. Among people who reported changes in personal use, some noted an increase in consumption, particularly microdosing psilocybin, as well as home cultivation of psilocybin and a greater perceived availability of psychedelics. Participants also observed a rise in psychedelic use within their social circles, reduced concerns about legal consequences, and increased awareness of the effects of psychedelics. However, some voiced concerns about inexperienced consumers lacking proper knowledge on how to consume psychedelics and potential harms associated with frequent use. These qualitative findings offer insights into the effects of psychedelic decriminalization in Colorado, informing policy and practice.