With the legalization of certain natural psychedelic substances in Colorado and the recent opening of licensed healing centers, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has launched a public education campaign to warn residents about the dangers and legal consequences of driving under the influence of these substances.
Psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), ibogaine, and mescaline (excluding peyote) are now permitted for use at home or within licensed healing centers. However, CDOT emphasizes that operating a vehicle while impaired by any substance—including alcohol, cannabis, pharmaceuticals, or psychedelics—remains illegal and poses significant safety risks.
The department’s campaign aims to reduce impaired-driving crashes and fatalities by encouraging people to arrange sober transportation before consuming psychedelics or other regulated natural medicines. According to CDOT, the effects of these substances can include slowed reaction time, hallucinations, disordered thinking, and loss of muscle control. 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.”
The Colorado Department of Revenue’s Natural Medicine Division has issued licenses to 21 healing centers across the state as well as nearly 100 business owners and dozens of employees involved with natural medicine services. As more facilities open statewide, CDOT says it is committed to preventing crash fatalities related to psychedelic use through education efforts.
“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.”
CDOT reports ongoing collaboration with several agencies including the Department of Revenue’s Natural Medicine Division; Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Natural Medicine Program; Department of Public Health and Environment; Department of Public Safety; Governor’s Office; Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety; as well as research organizations focused on psychedelics.
“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.”
Educational materials will be distributed by CDOT through licensed facilities and regulatory partners as well as law enforcement agencies and public health stakeholders.
Some effects from these substances may last hours or days after consumption ends—meaning individuals could still be unsafe behind the wheel even if they believe their experience is over. To address this risk, participants at licensed healing centers must complete a Transportation Plan form confirming they have access to safe transportation following their session.
Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) with law enforcement are trained specifically to detect impairment from various sources—including natural medicines—and remind drivers that DUIs related to psychedelics carry penalties equal to those for alcohol-related offenses: fines, license suspension, or jail time.
Unlimited Sciences Executive Director Katie Pickard added: “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.”
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