Laura Smith
In 2022, Colorado became the first state in America to decriminalize the recreational use of psychedelic mushrooms, allowing adults over the age of 21 to possess, consume, and share them. While this has opened up opportunities for healing services and therapeutic uses, there are still concerns about the affordability of regulated services and the potential for an unregulated market. Despite the decriminalization, the sale of psychedelic mushrooms remains illegal in Colorado, and individuals can still face serious penalties if they violate local laws.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Psilocybin mushrooms are decriminalized for adults 21 and older in Colorado as of 2023. |
| Possession | Legal for personal use and sharing, but not for sale or distribution. |
| Cultivation | Legal to grow in private residences, but access must be restricted for those under 21. |
| Consumption | Legal for adults 21 and older. Supervised consumption will be allowed in "healing centers." |
| Enforcement | Penalties for selling or distributing psilocybin mushrooms vary based on the amount involved. |
| Therapeutic Use | Recognized for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. |
| Adverse Effects | Negative experiences, such as feelings of intense fear and paranoia ("bad trips"), can occur. |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are decriminalized in Colorado, but not legalized
- Adults 21+ can possess, consume, share, and grow their own mushrooms
- The sale of mushrooms is illegal, but they can be given away
- Healing centres will be allowed to offer supervised mushroom experiences
- Mushrooms are used recreationally, spiritually, and for self-discovery
Magic mushrooms are decriminalized in Colorado, but not legalized
In November 2022, Colorado became the first state in America to decriminalize the recreational use of magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, with the passing of Proposition 122. This citizen-driven initiative aims to address mental health challenges by recognizing the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Under this new law, adults aged 21 and over are allowed to possess, consume, and share psilocybin mushrooms for personal use. They can also cultivate their own supply in private residences, provided they restrict access to individuals under 21. It is important to note that the sale of psilocybin mushrooms remains illegal in Colorado, and harsh penalties are in place for those who violate this law.
While the decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms represents a significant shift in drug policy, it is crucial to understand that these substances are not without risks. Adverse effects, such as feelings of intense fear and paranoia, commonly known as a "bad trip," can occur. Additionally, psilocybin is still classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act at the federal level, emphasizing the ongoing illegality of its possession and use from a federal perspective.
Colorado's decision to decriminalize magic mushrooms has opened a pathway for further exploration of their therapeutic potential. The state plans to establish healing centers where individuals can undergo supervised psilocybin experiences, with the hope of increasing accessibility through measures such as sliding-scale payment options. However, the absence of retail sales means that individuals cannot legally purchase psilocybin mushrooms for personal use, creating a gray market situation where individuals may opt for the unregulated market or personal cultivation.
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Adults 21+ can possess, consume, share, and grow their own mushrooms
In November 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition 122, which decriminalized the use of psychedelic mushrooms for adults aged 21 and over. This means that, as of 2023, it is no longer a crime in Colorado for adults 21+ to possess, consume, and share psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms), psilocin (found naturally in certain types of fungi like psychedelic mushrooms), DMT (Dimethyltryptamine), ibogaine, and mescaline.
Proposition 122 amends Colorado statutes to decriminalize the personal possession, growing, sharing, and use of these five natural psychedelic substances, but not their sale. The proposition also specifies that adults can cultivate their own supply of psychedelic mushrooms at a private residence, provided they restrict access to individuals under the age of 21.
While the use and possession of psychedelic mushrooms have been decriminalized in Colorado, it's important to note that the sale of these substances is still illegal. Colorado maintains harsh penalties for selling these drugs, with penalties depending on the amount of the drug involved.
The decriminalization of psychedelic mushrooms in Colorado has sparked a "gray market," with people offering guided experiences and other mushroom-related businesses flourishing. However, there are concerns about the lack of regulation in this emerging market, and the potential for a ""Wild West" scenario in the recreational use of these substances.
Colorado plans to launch a strictly regulated mushroom industry, with the state expected to authorize the first "healing centers" where the mushrooms can be ingested under supervision. These healing centers will offer supervised psilocybin experiences, with clients ingesting the substance on-site and going through the experience under guidance. The hope is that these centers will increase affordability and access to psilocybin therapy, although there are concerns about the potential high costs due to the extensive training and licensing requirements for facilitators.
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The sale of mushrooms is illegal, but they can be given away
In Colorado, the sale of mushrooms is illegal, but they can be given away. This means that retail sales of psilocybin are prohibited, unlike cannabis, which can be sold both recreationally and medicinally in the state. However, adults aged 21 and over are allowed to possess, consume, and share psychedelic mushrooms, including psilocybin and psilocin, for personal use. This legalization of mushroom use and possession is a result of Proposition 122, which was approved by Colorado voters in November 2022 and took effect in stages, with the full rollout scheduled for 2025.
Proposition 122 aims to address mental health challenges by recognizing the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms, particularly for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms can induce hallucinogenic effects when consumed, resulting in what is commonly known as a "high." They are also used for spiritual experiences that are said to catalyze self-discovery or soul-searching journeys. However, consuming these mushrooms is not without risks, as negative experiences, such as feelings of intense fear and paranoia or a "bad trip," may occur.
While the sale of mushrooms remains illegal in Colorado, a gray market has emerged, with individuals offering "Micro Monday" classes, guiding services, and supplies for mushroom microdosing. These unregulated activities may face challenges as the state plans to implement a strictly regulated mushroom industry, with licenses already being issued for providing psychedelic mushrooms and the establishment of "'healing centers.'" These healing centers will offer supervised psilocybin experiences, and consumers will ingest the substance on-site rather than taking it home.
The state legislature has stepped in to tweak the implementation of Proposition 122, emphasizing that the law does not permit the sale of mushrooms, even if they are labeled as "donations." Colorado maintains harsh penalties for selling these substances, with punishments ranging from Level 3 to Level 1 drug felonies, depending on the amount of the drug involved. Therefore, while the personal use and sharing of mushrooms are permitted in Colorado, the sale of these substances remains illegal and can result in significant legal consequences.
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Healing centres will be allowed to offer supervised mushroom experiences
In 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition 122, which decriminalized the possession, cultivation, and consumption of psilocybin mushrooms and three other psychedelic substances for adults 21 and older. The proposition also allowed for the substances to be given away but not sold. While this decision removed criminal penalties for individuals, the sale of psilocybin mushrooms remains a drug felony in Colorado.
Colorado is now taking steps to regulate the previously decriminalized use of psilocybin mushrooms. By December 31, 2024, the state will begin accepting applications for healing centers, cultivators, testing centers, and other related businesses. These healing centers will be allowed to offer supervised mushroom experiences. The state may eventually allow healing centers to offer other drugs besides mushrooms, such as DMT and mescaline.
The healing services provided by these centers are expected to include a preparation session, a trip experience lasting six to eight hours, and a follow-up "integration" appointment. To increase affordability, healing centers plan to offer sliding-scale pay options, group sessions, and discounts for veterans, Medicaid enrollees, and low-income individuals.
It is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms are classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act and remain illegal under federal law outside of clinical research. The National Institute on Drug Abuse advises that the risk of mental health problems caused by ingesting mushrooms is low in a supervised clinical setting but may be higher outside of it.
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Mushrooms are used recreationally, spiritually, and for self-discovery
In Colorado, the use of psychedelic mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, has been decriminalized for adults over the age of 21. This means that adults can legally possess, consume, and share these mushrooms, as well as cultivate them in their private residences, as long as individuals under 21 do not have access.
Proponents of mushroom use advocate for the therapeutic potential of mushrooms, particularly in addressing mental health challenges and conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The state of Colorado has recognized this potential and, through Proposition 122, has aimed to create a framework for responsible use while steering away from punitive measures for possession.
However, it is important to note that the use of mushrooms is not without risks. Negative experiences, often referred to as "bad trips," can occur, leading to feelings of intense fear, paranoia, anxiety, and detachment from oneself and one's surroundings. These adverse effects can sometimes last for extended periods, ranging from weeks to months or even years.
To mitigate these risks, Colorado is establishing healing centers where individuals can ingest mushrooms under supervision. These centers are expected to offer preparation sessions, guidance during the trip experience, and follow-up appointments to help individuals integrate their experiences. The hope is that these regulated settings will provide a safer environment for those seeking the potential benefits of mushroom use.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of 2023, it is legal for adults 21 and older in Colorado to possess, consume, and share psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms), psilocin (found naturally in certain types of fungi like psychedelic mushrooms), DMT (Dimethyltryptamine), ibogaine, and mescaline.
In November 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition 122, which decriminalized the possession and usage of five psychedelic drugs for personal use. The rollout of the proposition is expected to take about two years, with the first change—decriminalization—taking effect in June 2023.
Advocates, including doctors, veterans, and mental health professionals, pushed for the legalization of psilocybin mushrooms due to their therapeutic potential, particularly for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has stated that the risk of mental health problems caused by ingesting mushrooms is low in a supervised clinical setting but may be higher outside of it. Adverse effects of psilocybin include headache, nausea, anxiety, fear, paranoia, and feelings of detachment, which typically resolve within one to two days. However, extended difficulties from using psychedelics can last weeks, months, or years.
