As Colorado sees growth in the licensed and legal use of psychedelic mushrooms, CU Denver is stepping in to help train more people under state regulations. This could be a big boost for business owners and the industry as a whole.
At Vivid Minds Cafe, customers can grab a smoothie packed with mushrooms for focus and energy — or order something much more mind-expanding.
“The smallest amount of psilocybin can help with depression,” co-owner Manon Manoeuvre said.
The cafe not only serves superfood drinks, but also houses one of the few state-licensed spaces in Colorado for psilocybin journeys. A facilitator is required for each session to ensure safety and support, but Vivid Minds only has one on staff currently.
Manoeuvre said getting licensed is far from easy. She completed a six-month curriculum at the Center for Medicinal Mindfulness in Boulder but couldn’t finish her practicum because, at the time, there was no licensed cultivator providing mushrooms tested by a licensed facility, which is a state requirement.
That’s where CU Denver comes in. This fall, the university will launch the state’s first psilocybin-assisted therapy training program affiliated with a higher education institution.
“This program fits right into the efforts of lifelong learning — a new license students can bring into their professions,” said professor Vivian Shyu, Ph.D., with the CU Denver Center for Psychedelic Research.
The 16-week hybrid course, approved by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, will train facilitators to legally and ethically guide psychedelic-assisted experiences. Tuition is a bit more than $7,000, with classes starting in mid-October.
CU Denver is actively reviewing accepting applications. The first cohort is set to have 25 students.
Manoeuvre wished the program existed a year ago, but says she’s glad it’s here now, and she’s looking forward to working with future graduates.
“We just want to heal,” Manoeuvre said. “Psilocybin helps with that.”
