Colorado is now co-leading the charge with Oregon in the world of natural medicine, offering regulated services for those seeking healing through mushrooms and other psychedelics.
But what about the unregulated "gray market," or "undergound" products and services? Will they go away, or just revert to hiding with the new regulations? Whether you’re exploring psilocybin for personal growth or looking for trauma-informed care, understanding the legal framework and the "decriminalized" version of the providers in choosing the right guide is essential.
Understanding Colorado’s Caregiver Framework
Since the passing of Proposition 122, Colorado has developed a comprehensive system for natural medicine services. Three agencies oversee this system to ensure safety and professionalism:
- DORA: Regulates facilitators and training programs.
- DOR: Handles business licenses for cultivation and product manufacturing.
- CDPHE: Certifies testing facilities to maintain product quality.
“Colorado’s framework ensures that natural medicine facilitators are trained and equipped to guide participants safely and effectively. It’s a major step toward integrating these ancient remedies into modern wellness practices.” — Dr. Julie
What Is a Facilitator?
A facilitator is a licensed professional who helps you navigate your natural medicine journey. From preparation to administration and integration, they guide you through each phase with care and expertise.
Here’s a breakdown of the types of Colorado facilitator licenses:
- Standard Facilitator: Provides services for low-risk participants.
- Clinical Facilitator: Specializes in working with individuals with physical or mental health conditions.
- Distinguished Educator: Focuses on training and education.
- Training Licensee: Professionals in training under supervision.
When you work with a licensed facilitator, you’re working with someone who has undergone extensive training, including ethics, trauma-informed care, and safety protocols.
How to Find the Right Caregiver
Choosing a caregiver can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some steps to guide your search:
- Verify Credentials: Use the Colorado Natural Medicine Program website to ensure your facilitator is licensed.
- Evaluate Training: Look for professionals who have completed state-approved programs and emphasize trauma-informed care.
- Assess Compatibility: Schedule an initial consultation to discuss their approach, your goals, and whether their style aligns with your needs.
“When I meet a caregiver, I always ask about their training, experience, and how they help people feel safe during sessions. It’s so important to feel a connection with someone who’s guiding you through such a personal journey.” — Tonya
What to Expect During a Session
Licensed caregivers follow a three-phase process to ensure a holistic experience:
- Preparation Phase: You’ll discuss your intentions, set goals, and prepare mentally for the session.
- Administration Phase: The caregiver will guide you through the supervised use of natural medicines in a controlled, supportive environment.
- Integration Phase: After the session, you’ll reflect on your experience and work with the caregiver to incorporate insights into your daily life.
This structure helps ensure that your journey is safe, meaningful, and transformative.
Red Flags to Watch For
While most caregivers are dedicated professionals, it’s essential to stay vigilant. Here are a few warning signs:
- Lack of verifiable credentials or transparency about their training.
- Inappropriate behavior or crossing professional boundaries.
- No clear process for preparation, safety, or integration.
“Trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t be afraid to walk away. A good caregiver will always prioritize your safety and comfort.” — Dr. Julie
The High Costs of Regulation
In Oregon, they’ve set up a regulated system allowing supervised mushroom services, similar to the healing centers Colorado is planning. The first of these centers opened recently, but at steep prices—upwards of $3,000 for a single session. Here in Colorado, we’ll likely face similar hurdles. Facilitators will need licensing, training, and hours of supervised experience with clients, which can push costs even higher.
This raises an important question: who will actually be able to afford these services? Will the regulated market be accessible to everyday people, or will it end up catering to a select few? And while costs may come down eventually, there’s no denying the financial barrier this system creates for both clients and facilitators.
Legal but Not Retail: Exploring the Options
On top of that, there’s the reality that mushrooms won’t be available in retail settings like cannabis. People will need to navigate the highly regulated (and expensive) clinical services, turn to cheaper unregulated options, or simply explore mushrooms and growing recreationally on their own. This split between regulated and unregulated markets could create friction, and let’s be honest—the gray market is already thriving.
It’s no secret that once big industry gets involved, there’s a risk of personal freedoms being chipped away. We’ve seen it with cannabis, and we’ll likely see it here. Lobbyists for the regulated market will push for stricter crackdowns on their unregulated competition.
The Rise of the Gray Market
Meanwhile, mushrooms are becoming easier to find since decriminalization. A quick scroll through online platforms shows listings galore—tubs of mushrooms for sale, links to private chats, and everything in between. While selling mushrooms remains illegal, the penalties for possession and cultivation have mostly disappeared, making it easier for people to grow and share with little fear of consequences.
This raises concerns about quality control. Unlike cannabis, which requires more space and resources to grow, mushrooms are relatively easy to cultivate. That simplicity could lead to a sprawling, unregulated market where quality and safety take a backseat.
Unfortunately, the lack of quality and safety in the gray market could spell trouble for the growing "psychedelic renaissance."
A Psychedelic Balancing Act
For now, we’re living in what feels like the Wild West of psychedelics. The regulated system will cater to those seeking medical or therapeutic experiences, but the recreational market is growing fast and with far fewer boundaries.
In Denver, where mushrooms were decriminalized years before the statewide law, we’ve already seen the effects. Psilocybin-related criminal cases are rare, and the statewide law hasn’t drastically shifted the landscape—yet. Still, the market is evolving, and it’s anyone’s guess how the balance between regulation and free use will play out.
Moving Forward with Responsibility
Colorado’s approach to natural medicines is a balancing act. There’s the promise of healing and innovation, but also the need to keep things measured enough to avoid federal interference. If we can show that we’re regulating responsibly, it’s more likely we’ll be able to keep building this movement without outside disruptions.
While the laws may be in place, this journey is just getting started. It’s an exciting time for those of us who believe in the potential of natural medicines, but it’s also a time to stay informed, involved, and intentional about how we shape this new frontier.
Whether you’re seeking personal growth, trauma healing, or mental health support, the state’s robust framework ensures you’re in good hands. Be careful out there.
