Emma Wilson
Denver has been at the forefront of the movement to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, with residents voting to relax restrictions on the drug in 2019. Since then, the state of Colorado has followed suit, becoming the first state in America to decriminalize the recreational use of psilocybin mushrooms in November 2022. While the legal landscape surrounding psilocybin mushrooms is evolving, with talk of licensing and the emergence of healing centers in 2024, the drug remains a federally controlled substance, presenting legal ambiguities. Despite this, Denver's progressive stance on psilocybin mushrooms has catalyzed a cultural shift, with proponents touting its potential therapeutic benefits for mental health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Denver residents' vote to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms | 50.56% yes to 49.44% no |
| Year of decriminalization | 2019 |
| State-level decriminalization | November 2022 |
| State-level legalization | 2025 |
| Legal age to possess and consume | 21 |
| Maximum area for cultivation in private spaces | 12 feet by 12 feet |
| Availability at licensed facilities | 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
- Denver was the first US city to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms
- The move is expected to expand access to psilocybin for healing purposes
- Psilocybin businesses are now subject to new licensing laws
- The state of Colorado has legalized the recreational use of psilocybin mushrooms
- The move is expected to reduce criminal penalties for possession of psilocybin
Denver was the first US city to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms
Denver made history in 2019 when it became the first US city to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, which are commonly known as "magic mushrooms." The move was driven by a citizen-led initiative, the Denver Psilocybin Decriminalization Initiative (also known as Initiative 301), which gathered enough signatures to get the question of decriminalization on the local election ballot. The vote was close, with 50.56% voting in favor and 49.44% against.
The 2019 proposal only removed criminal penalties for personal use, growing, and sharing of psilocybin in Denver, but it did not legalize the sale of psilocybin mushrooms by dispensaries. In 2022, Colorado became the first state in America to decriminalize the recreational use of psychedelic mushrooms by passing Proposition 122, a citizen-driven initiative. This meant that, as of January 4, 2023, many criminal penalties for possession of psilocybin-containing mushrooms and other psychedelic drugs were removed.
The state law now allows adults over the age of 21 to legally possess, consume, and cultivate psilocybin mushrooms for recreational use. However, there are still no legal dispensaries for magic mushrooms in Colorado. The state is expecting to start licensing some psilocybin businesses in 2025, and these "healing centers" will be staffed by facilitators who can provide psilocybin to individuals and supervise its use.
Denver City Council has approved rules for psilocybin businesses in the city, and the state's Division of Professions and Occupations will oversee the regulation of the substances. While some critics worry that overregulation will make it too expensive to grow and use psilocybin mushrooms legally, others are optimistic that the decriminalization of psilocybin will lead to new treatments for mental health issues.
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The move is expected to expand access to psilocybin for healing purposes
In 2019, Denver became the first city in the United States to decriminalize psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in so-called "magic mushrooms". The move was part of a broader effort to destigmatize and expand access to psilocybin for healing purposes.
Denver residents voted to decriminalize the use of psychedelic mushrooms, making it the first city in the nation to ease restrictions on psilocybin. This decision was driven by a recognition of the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, particularly in treating psychological issues such as depression and anxiety.
The push for decriminalization was led by advocates who believed that individuals should not be criminalized for seeking alternative treatments for their health conditions. This sentiment was echoed by a patient using psilocybin mushrooms, who shared their perspective with CBS Denver ahead of the vote: "I don't think that people should be criminalized or looked upon differently because they are required to take something that can make them feel this much better."
The move to decriminalize psilocybin in Denver set a precedent for broader changes across the state of Colorado. In November 2022, Colorado became the first state in America to decriminalize the recreational use of psychedelic mushrooms by passing Proposition 122. This citizen-driven initiative aimed to address mental health challenges by legalizing the use of psilocybin mushrooms for adults over the age of 21.
The state's decision built upon the foundation laid by Denver's earlier move toward decriminalization. It further expanded access to psilocybin by allowing individuals to legally possess, consume, and cultivate psychedelic mushrooms for personal use. Colorado's Division of Professions and Occupations will oversee the regulation of these substances, with the Division of Natural Medicine managing where they can be grown, manufactured, tested, and administered.
While the exact timeline for the establishment of licensed psilocybin businesses in Denver is unclear, the state expects to begin licensing some businesses soon. This expansion of access to psilocybin for healing purposes is expected to face some criticism from those concerned about overregulation, which may drive up prices and hinder access for individuals who have come to rely on psilocybin as an affordable approach to natural medicine.
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Psilocybin businesses are now subject to new licensing laws
In 2019, Denver residents voted to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, making it the first city in the United States to do so. This move sparked a wave of cultural acceptance for magic mushrooms in Colorado. Fast forward to 2025, and the state has now passed new licensing laws for psilocybin businesses. While the exact opening date of Denver's first legal psilocybin businesses remains unclear, the state anticipated commencing the licensing process for these establishments in March 2025.
The new licensing laws for psilocybin businesses in Denver mark a significant shift in the regulation of natural medicine. Previously, the repealed Denver law hindered enforcement involving psilocybin mushrooms, designating it as the lowest law enforcement priority. However, the new state law mandates the utilization of local resources to enforce regulations concerning natural medicine. This includes the oversight of the Division of Professions and Occupations for substance regulation and the Division of Natural Medicine for aspects like growth, manufacturing, testing, and administration of natural medicines.
Under the licensing laws, individuals over 21 can legally possess and consume psilocybin mushrooms for recreational purposes. Additionally, they are permitted to cultivate their own mushrooms in private spaces up to a size of 12 feet by 12 feet. These natural medicines will be available at licensed facilities, commonly known as "healing centers," where certified facilitators will provide supervision during the use of psilocybin.
While the licensing laws bring structure to the industry, critics express concerns about potential overregulation. They worry that stringent regulations will drive up costs, making it financially challenging for individuals who rely on psilocybin mushrooms as an affordable approach to natural medicine. Despite these concerns, the state of Colorado is committed to implementing the measure, with Governor Jared Polis pledging to ensure a seamless transition following the voters' decision.
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The state of Colorado has legalized the recreational use of psilocybin mushrooms
In November 2022, Colorado became the first state in America to decriminalize the recreational use of psilocybin mushrooms, passing Proposition 122 by a slim 53% majority. The new law allows adults over the age of 21 to legally possess and consume, grow, and share psilocybin mushrooms recreationally. This move is part of a broader shift towards cultural acceptance of psychedelic mushrooms in the state, with proponents citing their purported healing properties and potential to address mental health challenges.
Prior to the state-wide legalization, Denver had already taken steps towards decriminalization. In 2019, Denver residents voted to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, making the city the first in the nation to ease restrictions on this substance. This initial push in Denver set the stage for the subsequent statewide legalization. While the 2019 vote was a significant milestone, it's important to note that Denver's former law did not allow for the use of local funds and resources for enforcement, creating challenges in regulating the substance.
The legalization of psilocybin mushrooms in Colorado has sparked discussions about the future of the industry. While there are currently no legal dispensaries for magic mushrooms in the state, licensing is expected to begin in 2024 or 2025. Licensed "healing centers" or "natural medicine businesses" will be permitted to provide psilocybin to individuals under the supervision of facilitators. However, critics worry that overregulation could drive up prices, impacting those who rely on affordable access to natural medicine.
As Colorado navigates the implementation of its new system, it is important to remember that psilocybin remains a federally controlled substance, creating legal ambiguities. The state's Division of Professions and Occupations will oversee the regulation of these substances, with the Division of Natural Medicine managing where they can be grown, manufactured, tested, and administered. While the full framework is still years away, Governor Jared Polis has pledged to ensure a smooth transition, respecting the will of the voters.
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The move is expected to reduce criminal penalties for possession of psilocybin
Denver residents voted to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms in 2019, making the city the first in the nation to ease restrictions on the drug. The move was expected to reduce criminal penalties for possession of psilocybin, and this came to pass when the state of Colorado decriminalized the recreational use of psychedelic mushrooms in November 2022.
The Denver Psilocybin Decriminalization Initiative, also known as Initiative 301, was approved by a slim margin of 50.56% yes to 49.44% no. This meant that the enforcement of laws involving psilocybin mushrooms became the lowest law enforcement priority. The initiative also prevented the city from using local funds and resources for enforcement.
The state-level decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms in Colorado further reduced criminal penalties for possession and consumption. According to the new law, anyone over the age of 21 can legally possess and consume psilocybin mushrooms for recreational use. The law also allows individuals to cultivate their own mushrooms in private spaces that are no bigger than 12 feet by 12 feet.
While the decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms in Denver and Colorado has reduced criminal penalties for possession, it is important to note that the substance is still a Schedule 1, federally controlled substance. This creates legal ambiguity, and there are currently no legal dispensaries for psilocybin mushrooms in the state. However, there is talk of licensing beginning in 2025, which would allow people to legally purchase psychedelics from "healing centers."
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Denver residents voted to decriminalize the use of psilocybin mushrooms in 2019. In 2022, Colorado became the first state in America to decriminalize the recreational use of psychedelic mushrooms.
Psilocybin mushrooms will be available at licensed facilities, or "healing centers", starting in 2024 or 2025.
Yes, individuals can cultivate their own mushrooms in private spaces that are no bigger than 12 feet by 12 feet, as long as the plants are kept away from people under 21.
