The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), with a history spanning over three decades as a nonprofit focusing on the research and educational aspects of psychedelics and marijuana, recently announced a collaborative effort with Denver’s municipal authorities. This partnership aims to roll out an extensive training program designed to arm the city’s first responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage psychedelic-related emergencies.
This initiative, known as the Psychedelic Crisis Assessment and Intervention Training, is a product of the Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Policy Review Panel (DPMPRP). This unique panel was established following the enactment of Ordinance 301 in May 2019, which notably eased the legal stance on personal psilocybin mushroom usage and possession in Denver.
The training curriculum is set to cover a broad spectrum of topics. These include the historical context, usage patterns, and both psychological and physiological responses to psilocybin ingestion, alongside potential risks. It will also delve into the legal nuances post-decriminalization and the pivotal role of first responders, laying down the standards, protocols, and best practices for crisis response in psychedelic-related incidents.
The significance of this program escalated in 2022 when Colorado, following Oregon’s lead, legalized medical psilocybin, further decriminalizing certain psychedelics including psilocybin, DMT, ibogaine, and mescaline. This made Colorado a forerunner in psychedelic substance regulation.
The Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Policy Review Panel, instrumental in the 2019 decriminalization initiative, temporarily paused operations in 2023 after Prop 122’s approval. However, it has reconvened, aiming to play a crucial role in shaping Denver’s medical psilocybin regulations.
Following Prop 122’s passage in 2022, Colorado’s Governor, Jared Polis, enacted the law, establishing a regulatory framework for natural medicine, spanning cultivation, testing, and distribution, thereby streamlining the operations of businesses in this sector.
Kevin Matthews, the panel’s former President, lauded Denver’s leadership in introducing this training, highlighting its potential to enhance public health and safety regarding psilocybin and natural medicines. He also emphasized the city’s ongoing collaboration with MAPS to monitor the program’s outcomes and educate the community.
Sara Gael, a MAPS alumna, expressed excitement over the partnership with Denver, anticipating that the training will empower first responders to manage psychedelic crises effectively and compassionately, thereby benefiting community health and safety.
MAPS underscored the training’s objective to enrich first responders’ competencies in identifying and addressing psychedelic-induced crises. The program, which has garnered support from Denver’s leadership, is tailored for law enforcement, mental health, and emergency medical personnel, featuring asynchronous videos and assessments to facilitate learning.
This comprehensive initiative underscores a significant stride towards integrating progressive psychedelic policies within existing public health and safety frameworks, marking a pivotal moment in Denver’s approach to psychedelic substance management.
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