Press Release: SSDP Applauds Defeat of SB25-076 in Colorado – Calls for Sensible Cannabis and Natural Medicine Policy

Denver, CO – Yesterday, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and other advocates stood ready to testify in opposition to Senate Bill 25-076, a proposal that
sought to impose severe THC potency restrictions and purchase limits for people under twenty-six years of age, expanded packaging requirements, and bans on certain types of psychedelic natural medicine products. However, minutes before testimony could be introduced, the bill’s lead sponsor, Sen. Judy Amabile, moved to have the bill indefinitely suspended, acknowledging it had no path forward in the legislature.

Attorney Robert Rush, representing SSDP, was among the many voices prepared to challenge the bill’s flawed approach, emphasizing that arbitrary restrictions on legal cannabis would not achieve the public health goals it claimed to address.

“We recognize and deeply respect the concerns raised by Sen. Amabile and others about the failures of our mental health system, particularly for young people
experiencing serious psychiatric crises,” said Rush. “However, correlation does not equal causation, and there is no conclusive evidence that cannabis causes
schizoaffective disorder or other severe mental health conditions. Rather than pushing misguided regulations that would drive young people toward unregulated markets, we should focus on real solutions that ensure mental health support, harm reduction, and informed decision-making.”

During the hearing, Sen. Amabile shared personal stories of how her son, who suffers from schizoaffective disorder, and others in similar situations, have been failed by the mental health system. The Senator shared several stories from parents of young people in crisis receiving inadequate care, being discharged without support, and facing extreme challenges.

SSDP recognizes the urgency of addressing these systemic failures and is fighting to preserve scientific research tackling some of America’s most challenging mental health issues. SSDP appreciates the need for greater access to mental health treatment and ongoing support services, especially for young people in crisis. However, this is a distinct issue from the regulation of cannabis and natural medicines. Restricting access to tested, legal cannabis will not fix the shortcomings of our mental health infrastructure, nor will it prevent young people from using cannabis. In Colorado, there is a comprehensive system of protections built into the rules implementing the Natural Medicine Health Act for psychedelic medicines. The restrictions in SB 25-076 would only create regulatory confusion and potentially hamper access to regulated psychedelic care.

The sponsors of the bill cited concerns about cannabis use among students. Rush noted “It is already illegal for anyone under twenty-one to possess cannabis, so this legislation would have done absolutely nothing to address the issue. Effective solutions lie in education, prevention, and harm-reduction-based policies that allow for safe access by adults. Redundant laws do nothing other than encourage illicit markets.”

SSDP remains committed to advocating for policies based on science, public health, and personal freedom. We encourage legislators to focus on evidence-based
approaches, prioritizing consumer safety, mental health resources, and responsible regulation rather than fear-based restrictions.