Last week, Colorado passed a proposition that legalizes psilocybin mushrooms and the natural compounds they produce, called psilocybin and psilocin. This makes Colorado the 2nd state to legalize psychedelic therapy.
The new law will allow for the use of psilocybin at state-regulated centers under supervision by licensed facilitators.
It also legalized personal private use, as well as the growing and sharing of psilocybin by adults over the age of 21. In addition, the same bill legalized three other psychedelic compounds, DMT, ibogaine, and mescaline.
This new regulation will open up many doors regarding the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy, making access easier while still maintaining safety concerns.
How Will Legal Psychedelics Affect Psychedelic Therapy in Colorado?
Psychedelic therapy is a promising new treatment for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and addiction. Having legalized psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, therapists in Colorado will be able to treat these conditions in a therapeutic setting with trained professionals.
Not only can this improve the mental health of struggling patients in Colorado, but this newfound legality will pave the way for more research into psychedelic therapy and could lead to more states legalizing psychedelic therapy in the future.
Veronica Lightning Horse Perez, a leader of the legalization movement, told CBNC,
“I’m in awe of what we were able to accomplish. Over a million people voted yes on this. To think that many people see the value in these medicines, that many people know that these can be used for healing — that’s huge.”
The Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy
There are many clinically proven mental health benefits of psilocybin. Psilocybin therapy can help patients break out of negative thought patterns and see their problems from a different perspective. In many cases, psilocybin therapy can provide long-lasting relief from mental health issues with minimal side effects.
Psychedelic therapy is not right for everyone, but it could be an invaluable tool for those who have not found relief from traditional treatments like medication or traditional psychotherapy.
The Future of Psychedelic Therapy
The passing of Proposition 122 in Colorado is a positive step forward for the future of psychedelic therapy in the United States and around the world. It is great news for patients, and those who believe in the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, but Colorado is not alone.
19 states, including Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri have introduced bills to decriminalize possession of psilocybin. At the same time, over a dozen states, including Utah, Texas, and Oklahoma have introduced legislation to study the health benefits of psilocybin.
Oklahoma State Rep Daniel Pae co-authored a bill to research psilocybin for health. In a recent interview, he tells reporters,
“More folks are starting to recognize and understand, when it comes to psychedelic therapy, this is not some sort of radical field. It’s becoming more mainstream.”
Pae is not wrong when saying that psychedelic therapy is becoming more mainstream. Major political moves like what just happened in Colorado solidify how mainstream psychedelic therapy is becoming, while simultaneously strengthening the argument for patients to have access to these medicines without being considered criminals.