Traveling for Psychedelics: A Growing Trend

Psychedelic tourism is increasing as travelers go to legalized states for psychedelic treatment, and Colorado is a top destination. A study by researchers at Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety used the National Survey Investigating Hallucinogen Trends (NSIHT), surveying 2,124 adult psychedelic users across all 50 states using data collected April to June 2024. Among respondents who used psychedelics in the prior 12 months, 32.3% reported traveling specifically to use these substances; among travelers, 42.9% went to Colorado and 28.9% went to Oregon. Compared with non-travelers, psychedelic travelers were more likely to report current anxiety or depression symptoms, and they were more likely to use psychedelics for medical symptom treatment rather than only for fun. Travelers also reported use in supervised settings such as psychedelic or healing centers and ceremonial sites. The findings highlight both potential public health benefits and unexpected harms, emphasizing the importance of aftercare and integration services.