Colorado's Psilocybin Therapy Program: A Legal and Regulatory Framework for Psychedelic Care

CE credits offered:
Program Level: Intermediate

Colorado’s Natural Medicine Health Act creates an opportunity for providers across the state to offer psilocybin therapy to adults 21 and over beginning in 2025. Modeled after the growing body of clinical research into psilocybin therapy for conditions such as treatment resistant depression, anxiety and addiction, and recognizing the importance of natural medicines within sacred, transformational and healing practices in cultures around the world, the law creates legal access to psychedelic care. The law was intentionally crafted to provide a foundation for safety and accountability within the newly established profession of natural medicine facilitation while allowing for a range of approaches – from clinical to ceremonial and retreat settings and with options to incorporate complementary modalities. This session will support an in-depth understanding of Colorado’s psilocybin therapy program, including the legal framework, standards of care, screening requirements, and training for facilitators. With opportunity for Q&A, it will help clarify outstanding questions as Colorado prepares to open applications for all license types beginning in 2025.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the four-step process required to access psilocybin therapy in Colorado: screening, preparation, administration and integration
2. Describe the potential benefits and risks of psilocybin therapy as a modality of care based on the research
3. Summarize the qualifications and training requirements to become a licensed facilitator in Colorado
4. Identify the standards of care outlined in rule for providing natural medicine services in Colorado as a licensed facilitator
5. Identify legal considerations for licensed clinicians participating in Colorado's state licensed psilocybin therapy program

About Natasia Poinsatte

Natasia Poinsatte serves as the Colorado Director of the Healing Advocacy Fund (HAF), a nonprofit that works to protect and expand safe, affordable state-regulated access to psychedelic healing for all who need it. Tasia has organized expert stakeholder input to inform a responsible and accessible state-regulated program for psilocybin therapies, advocating for an integrated program with direct participation by licensed clinicians to support safety and efficacy. Tasia works closely with the HAF team in Oregon to incorporate lessons learned from the country's first state-regulated psilocybin therapy program into Colorado's regulatory process. She is actively engaged in educating Colorado policymakers, providers and the public regarding the risks and benefits of psychedelic therapies and opportunities within Colorado’s legal framework. Prior to joining HAF, Tasia was the research director at a Denver consulting firm where she helped guide the passage of Colorado's Natural Medicine Health Act. She has conducted research and advised strategy for successful campaigns in Colorado, across the US, and internationally.

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