With the recent legalization of certain natural psychedelic substances in Colorado, including psilocybin mushrooms, state officials are emphasizing that driving under the influence of these substances remains illegal and poses significant safety risks. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has launched a public education campaign to inform residents about the dangers and legal consequences associated with impaired driving after using psychedelics.
The campaign comes as licensed healing centers begin to open across the state, following new laws that allow for the use of natural medicines such as psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), ibogaine, and mescaline (excluding peyote) at home or in regulated settings. However, authorities stress that operating a vehicle while impaired by any substance—whether alcohol, cannabis, pharmaceuticals, or psychedelics—is both unlawful and dangerous.
CDOT’s initiative aims to reduce crashes and fatalities related to impaired driving by encouraging individuals to arrange sober transportation before consuming these substances. The department notes that psychedelics can cause effects like slowed reaction time, hallucinations, disordered thinking, and loss of muscle control—all factors that compromise safe driving. These impairments may persist even after users feel their experience has ended.
“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.”
According to the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Natural Medicine Division, 21 healing centers have been licensed statewide along with 97 business owners and 67 handlers employed in this sector. As access expands through additional facilities and practitioners, CDOT is focused on keeping crash fatalities linked to psychedelic use at zero.
“Similar to Colorado’s cannabis framework, we appreciate the strong interagency coordination in implementing the state’s new Natural Medicine Program,” said Dominique Mendiola, Senior Director for the Department of Revenue’s Natural Medicine Division. “This is particularly critical when it comes to acknowledging what’s legal for adults in Colorado, while reinforcing best practices for responsible consumption. We appreciate our partnership with CDOT in setting standards that can lead the nation for both personal use and participation in this new regulated framework.”
The educational campaign was developed with input from multiple agencies including the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Natural Medicine Program; the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; the Colorado Department of Public Safety; Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety; research organizations; health advocacy groups; law enforcement; and Governor’s Office representatives.
“One thing many people don’t think about is combining substances,” says Sgt. Sparks. “Let’s say you go to a concert and micro-dose mushrooms and have one or two beers, you might not think you’re too impaired to drive, but you likely are. And you’re at serious risk of a DUI. Just don’t take the chance.”
Law enforcement officers are trained to recognize impairment from various substances beyond alcohol alone. A DUI conviction involving psychedelics carries penalties similar to those for alcohol-related offenses: fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.
Even medicinal or ceremonial use does not exempt drivers from these rules. Unlimited Sciences Executive Director Katie Pickard stated: “As advocates for natural medicine, we have a shared responsibility to keep our communities safe. That means making the conscious choice to never drive while impaired.”
Before participating in sessions at licensed healing centers where regulated natural medicines are administered, individuals must complete a Transportation Plan form confirming they have arranged safe travel regardless of dosage consumed.
The effects from some natural medicines can last hours or days beyond initial consumption—slowed reactions or fatigue may linger longer than expected—so planning ahead is essential for road safety.
CDOT will distribute educational materials including fact sheets and social media graphics through regulatory agencies as well as licensed facilities serving consumers throughout Colorado.
