The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is launching a public education campaign on the risks of driving under the influence of natural medicine.
The move comes following Colorado’s new laws around natural medicine and the opening of licensed healing centers to administer natural psychedelic therapies statewide, including psychedelics like “magic mushrooms.”
Although psilocybin and other natural medicines like dimethyltryptamine (DMT), ibogaine and mescaline (excluding peyote) are now legal to use at home or at a licensed healing center, driving under the influence of any impairing substance — whether alcohol, cannabis, pharmaceuticals or psychedelics — is both illegal and dangerous, CDOT has said.
CDOT’s new educational campaign aims to reduce impaired-driving crashes and fatalities by encouraging Colorado residents to plan for a sober ride before consuming psychedelics or regulated natural medicine.
“With more people exploring natural medicines in Colorado, it’s important to understand how these substances can impact driving performance and the ability to react in critical situations,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety. “Even if you feel fine, psychedelics may affect your perception and lead to risky decisions like speeding or missing traffic signals. We want everyone to stay safe.”
CDOT will share educational materials with licensed facilities, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders in law enforcement, prevention and public health.
