Legal Disclaimer and Information for Clients of August Awareness
We believe that by setting appropriate expectations for our customers and informing them of the risks and benefits of treatment we can create real positive change.
Client acknowledges and accepts Therapist has agreed to provide certain services including mental health therapy, counseling, preparation and integration services, harm reduction, and sitting services (“Services”) related to Client’s use of Natural Medicines.
Natural Medicines are those plants and fungi now legal under Colorado state law under the Natural Medicine Health Act (“NMHA”), also known as Proposition 122, codified in C.R.S. § 12-170-101 et seq. The Therapist will only perform services within the scope of their training and expertise, and consistent with the requirements of all applicable state laws.
I understand that the Services may be transformational and, with or without the Services, create positive changes in mood, habits, and emotional state if engaged in with intention. However, I understand and acknowledge that there are also risks associated with engaging in the Services, as discussed throughout this Agreement. I understand that the Therapist cannot and does not guarantee any particular outcome from the Services.
The Client acknowledges that they should seek independent medical advice from a qualified professional to determine if they are medically cleared to engage in activities related to Natural Medicines.
The Services outlined in this Release are intended to strictly comply with all relevant provisions of the NMHA. Client acknowledges that Therapist is not selling or being compensated in any way for Natural Medicine to the Client and Client is only paying for the Therapist’s Services.
Therapist will not administer any Natural Medicine to the Client. The client understands that Therapist is not formally licensed by the state of Colorado as a psychedelic facilitator, as formal licensing from the state will not occur until 2025.
Client further understands and acknowledges that the use of Natural Medicines to be undertaken or performed by Client may involve risks to Client including, but not limited, to: (i) risks inherent in the nature of the Natural Medicines as explained below, and (ii) risks caused or complicated by any mental, physical or emotions conditions any Client may have.
Psilocybin side effects and warnings
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms include altered perception of time and space and intense changes in mood and feeling. Other possible effects of psilocybin include: euphoria, peacefulness, spiritual awakening, derealization, or the feeling that surroundings are not real, depersonalization, or a dream-like sense of being disengaged from surroundings, distorted thinking, visual alteration and distortion, such as seeing halos of light and vivid colors, dilated pupils, dizziness, drowsiness and yawning
impaired concentration, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, unusual body sensations
nausea and vomiting, paranoia, confusion, frightening hallucinations, and other physical, mental, and emotion effects. The effects of psilocybin vary between people, based on the user’s mental state, personality, and immediate environment.
It is particularly unsafe for people with the following conditions to take psilocybin mushrooms:
(a) Psychosis. It may be unsafe for people diagnosed with psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar 1 or 2 disorder, or similar mental health conditions to use psilocybin.
(b) Heart problems. Psilocybin could be risky for people with high blood pressure or other types of heart disease.
(c) Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Psilocybin’s effects on pregnancy or breastfeeding are unknown and should be avoided.
(d) Medication use. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms are not recommended for people taking certain medications, which can alter the effects of hallucinogenic substances. Some examples include: Lithium (a drug treating bipolar disorder), Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), Haloperidol, an antipsychotic medication, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft; see Important Safety Information), Trazodone (Desyrel; see Important Safety Information), Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as linezolid (Zyvox) or rasagiline (Azilect), and St. John’s Wort.
It is our desire to be intentional in our client’s education and treatment. Thank you for reading!