Carly Nash
Jul 29, 2025
Representing the William G. Nash Foundation and CPSE in USA Today, founder Kristin Nash MPH describes the need for balanced and scientifically accurate substance education as psychedelic use becomes more mainstream.
On July 29, 2025, USA Today published founder Kristin Nash MPH’s op-ed piece, originally titled, Psychedelics are Going Mainstream... Public Health Needs to Catch Up.”
In the piece, Nash discusses the increasing popularity, mainstream use, and curiosity about the use of psychedelic drugs. Psychedelics have been decriminalized in Colorado, and Secretary Kennedy of the Department of Health and Human Services has spoken out about expediting drug trials that investigate the therapeutic aspect of psychedelics.
Amidst this “hype,” there is a lack of science based, balanced drug education, that equips potential users with facts and information about potential harms, contraindications, and how to safely respond to adverse experiences triggered by psychedelics. This means that as the substances become more mainstream, the risk of these consequences and potential harms will grow exponentially as well. Further education, awareness, and public health safety nets are critical.
To read the full op-ed that includes statistics, personal observations, and proposed solutions grounded in public health principles, please click on this link.