Before You Trip: Public Health Education Amid Shifting Policy, Gen Z-style

Just Say No and D.A.R.E. proved ineffective, even harmful, leaving a void in balanced drug education. More recently, the Safety First curriculum has led the way toward a new era of reality-based approaches. This is about reducing preventable harm, but it’s also about building public trust and paving the way for crucial policy reform. In the crucible is Gen Z, raised in a policy patchwork of mixed messages, extraordinary access, limited information, and no real seat at the table. Enter “Before You Trip,” an imperative for all psychedelic-curious people, and especially young people, as use increases and risk awareness lags. Underway right now, “Before You Trip” is a groundbreaking, Gen Z-led public health pilot campaign, meeting young people where they are – on social platforms – to support informed decision making, risk reduction and intentionality. Let’s seize this critical moment to shape the future of psychedelic education, and embed it at the heart of policy reform.