Colorado has become the second state to legalize psychedelic therapy, but controversy has arisen in Colorado Springs. Local conservative leaders are trying to restrict access to the treatment, despite protests from veterans who favor the use of psychedelic therapy to combat post-traumatic stress disorder. There are about 90,000 veterans in the city, and many of them have become strong advocates for the approach.
In 2022, Colorado residents voted to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin, a substance found in psychedelic mushrooms. That decision initiated a two-year process to develop the regulations necessary for its use in treating a variety of disorders, including depression and PTSD. Companies and individuals will be able to apply for psilocybin licenses this week, but actual treatment will likely not begin for several months until all applications are processed.
Colorado joins Oregon, which has also legalized psilocybin-based therapy, though the drug remains banned in most states and at the federal level. In recent months, some Oregon cities have begun enacting bans on its use. While state laws do not allow local agglomerations to ban the therapy, several conservative cities have attempted to restrict so-called «treatment centers» in advance.
In 2022, Colorado residents voted to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin, a substance found in psychedelic mushrooms. That decision initiated a two-year process to develop the regulations necessary for its use in treating a variety of disorders, including depression and PTSD. Companies and individuals will be able to apply for psilocybin licenses this week, but actual treatment will likely not begin for several months until all applications are processed.
Colorado joins Oregon, which has also legalized psilocybin-based therapy, though the drug remains banned in most states and at the federal level. In recent months, some Oregon cities have begun enacting bans on its use. While state laws do not allow local agglomerations to ban the therapy, several conservative cities have attempted to restrict so-called «treatment centers» in advance.
At this month's Colorado Springs City Council meeting, there was discussion of expanding the state's ban on treatment centers to 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from certain facilities, such as schools. Veterans who attended the meeting urged against adopting those restrictions. «We can support veterans, and this would be the right thing to do» — said Lane Belone, a Special Forces veteran who himself has experienced the positive effects of psychedelics. He stressed that such restrictions would only reduce the number of centers available and increase wait times for treatment.
Despite support from veterans, City Council members, including three veterans, were divided on the issue of expanding access to therapy. Colorado Springs, home to several military installations, is considered an appropriate place for retired military personnel. Council President Randy Helms, also a veteran, said he wasn't going to criticize those seeking medical care, but also said he believes therapy should be rigorously tested.
Nevertheless, the City Council approved the proposed restrictions. Research shows that psychedelics, such as psilocybin and MDMA, can be useful in treating a variety of conditions, but the science base in this area is still in its infancy. Jeffrey Lieberman, a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, expressed concern that the market may outpace scientific research and cited the risks associated with misuse of the drugs. In Oregon, where the therapy began in June 2023, the cost per session can be as high as $2,000. Of the more than 16,000 doses administered in the state, only five times have emergency services been needed.
Some members of the Colorado Springs City Council have expressed doubts about the Food and Drug Administration's approval of psilocybin to treat mental disorders. While research continues, many are concerned about slow bureaucracy and having to wait for clinical trials to be completed. Proponents of the therapy say it could provide an alternative for those who have not found relief from traditional treatments.
«We are in a crisis, and this is an important tool for our arsenal» — said Taylor West, executive director of the Healing Advocacy Fund. Lane Belone recounted his experience, which began when he first heard the howl of artillery in Iraq. This fear haunted him even after he returned home, preventing him from enjoying life. His psychedelic experience with psilocybin helped him realize the connection between his war experiences and his constant anxiety, teaching him to control his fears and better enjoy life. Colorado is planning to launch psychedelic therapy this spring, and the state is considering licensing treatment facilities to grow psilocybin mushrooms, produce related products, and set up testing labs.
Regulatory agencies have recently begun accepting applications from those wishing to become part of this burgeoning industry. While it is too early to tell the extent of the proliferation of businesses offering psilocybin-based therapies, it is already evident that the greatest interest is centered in the Front Range area. According to authorities, treatment centers where people can go for psychedelic therapy are planning to open in cities such as Denver, Aurora, Centennial, and Lakewood.
Although the therapeutic use of psychedelics has long remained in the shadows, clinical studies confirming psilocybin's effectiveness in treating serious conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder have contributed to its acceptance in society. This is what led Colorado voters in particular to support the creation of a legal and regulated system for people to access this new type of treatment.
«We are in a crisis, and this is an important tool for our arsenal» — said Taylor West, executive director of the Healing Advocacy Fund. Lane Belone recounted his experience, which began when he first heard the howl of artillery in Iraq. This fear haunted him even after he returned home, preventing him from enjoying life. His psychedelic experience with psilocybin helped him realize the connection between his war experiences and his constant anxiety, teaching him to control his fears and better enjoy life. Colorado is planning to launch psychedelic therapy this spring, and the state is considering licensing treatment facilities to grow psilocybin mushrooms, produce related products, and set up testing labs.
Regulatory agencies have recently begun accepting applications from those wishing to become part of this burgeoning industry. While it is too early to tell the extent of the proliferation of businesses offering psilocybin-based therapies, it is already evident that the greatest interest is centered in the Front Range area. According to authorities, treatment centers where people can go for psychedelic therapy are planning to open in cities such as Denver, Aurora, Centennial, and Lakewood.
Although the therapeutic use of psychedelics has long remained in the shadows, clinical studies confirming psilocybin's effectiveness in treating serious conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder have contributed to its acceptance in society. This is what led Colorado voters in particular to support the creation of a legal and regulated system for people to access this new type of treatment.
The type of therapy available involves taking mushrooms containing psilocybin under the supervision of a licensed professional known as a facilitator. The service will be available to people over the age of 21 once the business ecosystem goes live later this year. Here's what's important to know about Colorado's new mental health offering and the factors affecting its implementation.
Where did it all start?
In November 2022, Colorado voters supported an initiative known as Prop 122, which created a regulated system for psilocybin-based therapies. The measure also decriminalized five psychedelic substances, removing criminal penalties for the possession, use, cultivation, and distribution of drugs such as «magic mushrooms». Creating a new industry is challenging, especially with psilocybin still classified as a controlled substance at the federal level. Unlike marijuana, however, Colorado became the second state to legalize psychedelic therapy (Oregon was the first), giving local regulators the opportunity to build on existing experience.
Over the past two years, state agencies and legislators have developed legislation to regulate the business ecosystem necessary to support therapies utilizing so-called «natural medicine». This includes regulations regarding the legal cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms, production of psilocybin-based products, management of treatment centers, screening of potential patients, and public safety. Training and licensing requirements for organizers have also been established. Professionals who want to work in this growing field need a license, whether they are growing and processing mushrooms or organizing tours and managing visitor facilities. The state began accepting license applications on Dec. 31.
Where did it all start?
In November 2022, Colorado voters supported an initiative known as Prop 122, which created a regulated system for psilocybin-based therapies. The measure also decriminalized five psychedelic substances, removing criminal penalties for the possession, use, cultivation, and distribution of drugs such as «magic mushrooms». Creating a new industry is challenging, especially with psilocybin still classified as a controlled substance at the federal level. Unlike marijuana, however, Colorado became the second state to legalize psychedelic therapy (Oregon was the first), giving local regulators the opportunity to build on existing experience.
Over the past two years, state agencies and legislators have developed legislation to regulate the business ecosystem necessary to support therapies utilizing so-called «natural medicine». This includes regulations regarding the legal cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms, production of psilocybin-based products, management of treatment centers, screening of potential patients, and public safety. Training and licensing requirements for organizers have also been established. Professionals who want to work in this growing field need a license, whether they are growing and processing mushrooms or organizing tours and managing visitor facilities. The state began accepting license applications on Dec. 31.
Assessing initial interest
To date, the Department of Revenue (DOR) has received five applications for wellness center licenses, one for microcultivation, two for standard cultivation, one for product manufacturing, and one for a testing facility. Applicants are concentrated in cities such as Denver, Aurora, Thornton, Lakewood, Parker and Centennial, even though the state gives priority consideration to applications filed in less populated counties. According to the state, twenty-five people have applied for natural medicine holder and handler licenses. This includes those who will have direct access to psilocybin mushrooms in the aforementioned facilities.
State law requires that natural medicine businesses be no closer than 1,000 feet from daycare centers and schools. Some cities have implemented similar restrictions, while others have modified them. Boulder, for example, has relaxed its requirements, setting a minimum distance of 500 feet from educational facilities. Colorado Springs, meanwhile, requires treatment centers to be at least a mile away from schools, daycare centers and drug and alcohol treatment centers, which has sparked controversy among lawmakers and veterans. A 1,000-foot distance rule from educational facilities is in place for growing and manufacturing businesses.
The small town of Woodland Park, near Colorado Springs, went even further by imposing a moratorium on licensing, effectively creating a six-month ban on such establishments. The city of Denver has not yet approved local regulations regarding natural medicine, but has initiated a working group to discuss the topic. Eric Escudero, a spokesman for the city's Department of Excise and Licenses, said the group is developing a proposal that meets state distance guidelines. That means current practitioners whose offices are near schools would have to relocate if they want to add psilocybin therapy to their services. On Feb. 5, the group presented its proposal to the Denver City Council, which will make the final decision.
The timing will depend on the production of the drug
DOR spokeswoman Heather Draper said the first treatment centers could begin operating as early as April or May, but that timeline depends on several factors. At this point, regulators are in the process of vetting and processing applications that have been received. Once approved, licenses may need to be processed at the city level before professionals can open their facilities. In Denver, for example, treatment centers may be required to pay a local licensing fee unless they are owned by individuals who already have a medical license, a therapist or a social worker known as a «clinical facilitator».
Cultivators will also need to run a store and begin the process of growing psilocybin mushrooms, which must be tested by a state-licensed lab before they can be processed and delivered to treatment centers for later use by patients. Draper noted via email that for the program to be successful, access to regulated natural medicines must be ensured, which will require cultivation licenses, licenses for testing centers and licenses for treatment facilities to support natural medicine services.
Treatment centers may not be the only places where local residents can receive guided sessions. The Department of Regulatory Affairs (DORA) may allow such sessions to take place at home for certain categories of people, including those in palliative and hospice care, people with disabilities or those deemed 'housebound'.
It should be noted that mushrooming pharmacies are prohibited. Once all the organizational details are settled, psychedelic therapy will be available to medically screened adults 21 years of age and older. Psilocybin mushrooms will be available exclusively at treatment centers and only on-site during organized events. Colorado's new industry does not include mushroom pharmacies as it does with cannabis, so locals will not be able to simply walk into a treatment center, buy «mushrooms» and leave.
Decriminalization, which allows adults to exchange and share psilocybin mushrooms, brings a certain uncertainty to this situation. Selling mushrooms remains illegal and punishable by criminal penalties; however, the law allows for remuneration for harm reduction services related to psychedelics. Therefore, residents may encounter people offering information and education while providing mushrooms for «free».
Mushroom products that look like drugs and are sold at gas stations or specialty stores are likely illegal and may contain synthetic substances that mimic the effects of psilocybin.