Colorado Embraces Psychedelic Shift with ‘Shrooming Success

State becomes the second to endorse controlled use amid the rising wave of research into psilocybin’s therapeutic potential.

Denver, Colorado — In a groundbreaking move during Tuesday’s midterm election, Colorado voters approved a ballot measure sanctioning the use of psilocybin and psilocin, the psychedelic compounds found in colloquially known “magic mushrooms.” This marks the second state to do so in the past two years.

With a narrow approval of 52% from over 2.2 million votes, as projected by the AP, the initiative introduces regulated use of psilocybin at state-sanctioned centers under licensed supervision. It also legalizes private personal use, cultivation, and sharing of psilocybin and psilocin, along with three additional psychedelic compounds — DMT, ibogaine, and mescaline — restricted to adults aged 21 and above. The law prohibits retail sales and comes with several limitations, including restrictions on public use, in schools, and while operating a vehicle.

Veronica Lightning Horse Perez, a lead proponent of the legalization effort, expressed her awe at the accomplishment, emphasizing the significant support with over a million people voting in favor. Psilocybin remains illegal at the federal level and in most states, yet a growing body of research highlighting its therapeutic and anti-anxiety properties has prompted several states to reconsider restrictions.

Oregon voters legalized magic mushrooms for therapeutic use in 2020, and Washington and New York lawmakers have proposed legalization bills this year. Bills aiming to decriminalize possession have been introduced in 19 states, with more than a dozen states introducing legislation to study the health benefits of psilocybin.

Oklahoma State Rep. Daniel Pae, co-author of a bill authorizing scientific research into psilocybin, noted the increasing recognition of psychedelic therapy’s mainstream potential. While numerous clinical trials explore psychedelics’ role in treating various conditions, the FDA designated psilocybin as a “breakthrough therapy” in 2018, expediting its development.

Several states, including Hawaii and Connecticut, are taking steps to explore psilocybin’s mental health treatment potential, but many introduced bills, including Hawaii’s, are stalled or facing challenges in gaining approval. Colorado’s recent success follows Denver’s historic move in 2019, becoming the first U.S. city to decriminalize psilocybin.

For Kevin Franciotti, a Denver-based addiction counselor and recipient of psychedelic treatment, Colorado now has an opportunity to lead positive change in American drug policy. However, not all are supportive, as opponents argue that the measure could encourage substance use before the FDA deems it safe. Luke Niforatos, leader of two national organizations opposing drug legalization, urges caution and hopes the country learns from Colorado’s experiment in the years to come.