Colorado is now the second state in the country to legalize the use of psychedelics to help treat mental health issues, like post-traumatic stress and depression. A state law passed in 2022 just went into effect Wednesday, Jan. 1, allowing the therapeutic use of psilocybin, the chemical compound found in psychedelic mushrooms.
Just this month, Colorado Springs passed an ordinance extending the state prohibition on healing centers from 1,000 feet to 1 mile from certain locations, like schools. While psychedelics are still illegal in most states, and on the federal level, Colorado’s law decriminalizes the personal use of five naturally occurring psychedelics.
To be treated with psilocybin, patients will have to go through a risk assessment, preliminary meetings and follow-up sessions, and remain with a facilitator while under the drug’s influence. The psilocybin will also be tested, and the companies that grow them are to be regulated by the state.
This form of treatment is advocated by many U.S. military veterans, who say traditional treatments for combat-related mental health issues don’t work for them. So many veterans have turned to this illegal method for relief that the Department of Veterans Affairs announced last month it’s setting aside $1.5 million to study psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD, and other issues.
Oregon is the only other state to legalize the practice, with treatments having started there in June 2023.
