UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS
what is psilocybin?
psilocybin · pronounced “sil-luh-sy-bin”
A naturally occurring psychedelic compound.
Psilocybin is a compound found in certain species of mushrooms, sometimes called “magic mushrooms.” It belongs to a group of substances known as psychedelics, which can temporarily change perception, emotion and the way we experience ourselves and our surroundings.
After it enters the body, psilocybin is converted into psilocin. Psilocin acts on serotonin receptors in the brain, helping produce the changes associated with a psychedelic experience.
Someone might notice shifts in their sense of time, vivid imagery or strong emotions. Experiences can also feel confusing, uncomfortable or overwhelming. What unfolds varies from person to person and is influenced by factors such as health, mindset, surroundings and other substances or medications.
more than 200 species of mushrooms worldwide are known to contain psilocybin
INTEREST & ONGOING RESEARCH
what is
psilocybin-assisted therapy?
Psilocybin-assisted therapy combines a supported psilocybin experience with psychotherapy to explore thoughts, emotions and experiences. Preparation helps establish intentions, while integration offers space to reflect afterward.
At Etc Hospitality in Golden, Colorado, we offer guided psilocybin journeys within the state’s regulated natural medicine program. Natural medicine facilitation and psychotherapy are distinct services; the support provided depends on your facilitator’s credentials and individual care plan.
psilocybin-assisted therapy is being studied for distress related to serious illness
INTEREST & ONGOING RESEARCH
why are people exploring
psilocybin?
People explore guided psilocybin journeys for personal growth, emotional insight, deeper connection and fresh perspectives.
Research into psilocybin-assisted therapy shows promise for conditions including depression and alcohol use disorder. Studies are ongoing and benefits are not guaranteed.
At Etc Hospitality, our licensed natural medicine healing center in Golden, Colorado, we offer guided psilocybin experiences with preparation, licensed facilitation and integration support. Psilocybin carries risks and isn’t appropriate for everyone; screening considers your medical history, mental health and medications.
you don’t have to be a Colorado resident to participate in its regulated psilocybin program
UNDERSTANDING ACCESS IN COLORADO
is psilocybin legal
in colorado?
Colorado law allows adults 21 and older to access regulated psilocybin services through its natural medicine program. The Natural Medicine Health Act, approved by voters in 2022, established the framework for this supervised access.
01/
Licensed healing centers.
A licensed natural medicine healing center provides a dedicated setting for guided psilocybin experiences with licensed facilitators. These centers operate within Colorado’s regulated natural medicine program, with requirements for secure storage, recordkeeping and participant care.
02/
Licensed facilitators.
Colorado’s licensed psilocybin facilitators complete specialized education, supervised practical training and consultation, along with Basic Life Support certification. Their training covers participant screening, ethics, consent, preparation and integration to support participants before, during and after a journey.
03/
A regulated supply.
Psilocybin used at licensed healing centers comes from Colorado’s regulated natural medicine supply chain. Licensed businesses follow state requirements for cultivation, production, testing and tracking, providing accountability from cultivation through your guided experience.
What does that mean for you?
Etc offers supported journeys within Colorado’s licensed program. This is supervised access, rather than a retail dispensary where mushrooms are purchased to take home. Colorado also has separate personal-use provisions; these are distinct from the licensed program.
Colorado’s framework does not change federal law: psilocybin remains a Schedule I controlled substance federally. State authorization does not mean it is legal everywhere.
Program information reviewed October 23, 2026. Visit the state’s resources for current requirements.
Colorado’s regulated program allows both individual and group psilocybin sessions
