Psychedelics and Hallucinogens Information

Psychedelics and hallucinogens may come up in some social or personal exploration contexts, but very few people use. According to the 2025 NCHA survey, 8.2% of students used hallucinogens in the past three months. This page offers information to help you understand these substances, the risks involved and ways to reduce harm and take care of yourself and others.

̽Ƶ Psychedelics and Hallucinogens

Psychedelics and hallucinogens include a wide range of substances, such as:

  • LSD
  • Psilocybin (mushrooms)
  • MDMA (molly)
  • Ketamine
  • Mescaline
  • DMT

Depending on the substance, dose and individual, people may experience:

  • Altered sense of time or space
  • Changes in sensory perception
  • Intense emotions
  • Synesthesia (blending of senses)
  • Visual or auditory hallucinations
  • Introspective or mystical experiences

Psychedelics can also come with unwanted or challenging effects, including:

  • Anxiety, panic or paranoia
  • Worsening of underlying mental health conditions
  • Traumatic experiences or “bad trips”
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Increased risk of injury due to impairment
  • Risk of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)

Effects can be unpredictable and may last 3-12 hours for some of the more commonly used psychedelics, and longer for some that are less common.

Laws and Campus Policies

While Colorado has decriminalized certain psychedelic substances for adults 21 and over, many psychedelics remain illegal to possess, consume or share, and all psychedelic use is prohibited on campus.

Campus policy

As a federally funded institution, ̽Ƶ follows federal law regarding controlled substances. This means the possession, use or distribution of psychedelics is prohibited on campus, regardless of state or local decriminalization.

Federal law

Most psychedelics are classified as Schedule I substances under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. This classification means they are considered to have a high potential for misuse and no widely accepted medical use under federal law. Possession or distribution can result in federal charges, fines or imprisonment.

Colorado law

Colorado has decriminalized the possession and use of certain psychedelic substances for people 21 and older, including:

  • Psilocybin and psilocin
  • DMT
  • Ibogaine
  • Mescaline

However, the sale of these substances remains illegal, and psychedelic use is still not allowed on campus.

Ways to Reduce Risk and Stay Safer

If you or someone you know chooses to use psychedelics or hallucinogens, these strategies can help reduce potential harm.

Please note: There is no way to eliminate all risks. Harm‑reduction strategies can lower risk, but they do not make use safe.

Use intentionally

Reflect on your motivations and what you hope to get from the experience. Consider potential unwanted effects and how you might respond if they arise.

Know what you’re consuming
  • Research specific substances before use.
  • Understand typical dosage ranges, duration and effects.
  • Be aware of potential interactions with medications or other substances.
  • Consider your current physical and mental health.
Test substances before use

Test substances for contaminants like fentanyl, especially synthetic psychedelics. Health Promotion provides free fentanyl test strips at Wardenburg Health Center (third floor). Keep in mind that testing can reduce risk but does not eliminate it. Naloxone is also available on campus for potential opioid overdoses.

Start with a low dose
  • Begin with the lowest possible dose.
  • Wait long enough to feel the effects before considering more.

Remember: you can always take more, but you can’t undo what you’ve already taken.

Setting: Choose a safer environment
  • Use in a familiar, comfortable space.
  • Have access to water, food and restrooms.
  • Remove hazards and plan to stay in one safe location for the full experience and recovery period.
Have a sober/trip sitter
  • Ask a trusted, experienced person to stay sober and present.
  • Choose someone who understands the substance and how to help if things become difficult.
Set: Prepare internally before use
  • Check in with your emotional state prior to use.
  • Be aware of your trauma history and mental health diagnosis, as they may affect your experience.
  • Set expectations or intentions for the experience.
  • Practice breathing exercises, mindfulness or body‑based grounding techniques ahead of time. These can help if anxiety or panic comes up during the experience.
Avoid risky activities
  • Do not drive, bike, swim or engage in potentially dangerous activities while under the influence.
  • Plan for rest and recovery afterward.
Call for help when needed

If something feels wrong or unsafe, call for help.

Good news: CU’s Amnesty Policy and Colorado’s can protect you from disciplinary action or prosecution if you call for help and stay with the person.

Check in with yourself afterward

  • Give yourself time to rest and recover.
  • Reflect on the experience.
  • Consider talking with trusted friends, family, a therapist or another support professional.

Find Support

Free substance use workshops: Students can reflect on their relationship with alcohol and other substances. Workshops are educational, and not therapy or treatment.

Collegiate Recovery Community: Weekly support meetings, substance-free activities and connection for students considering, pursuing or in recovery from substances and other unwanted behaviors.

Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): Services related to substance use include assessments, brief individual therapy, support for concerned friends and family and referrals to recovery and other community resources.