Colorado is moving forward with its plan to regulate psychedelic mushrooms, issuing licenses and preparing for the launch of its first supervised psilocybin therapy healing centers. These facilities will allow people to take psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, under controlled conditions. This shift comes after voters in the state approved legalizing natural psychedelics, following Oregon’s lead. Despite being classified as a Schedule I drug at the federal level, psychedelics have gained traction in recent years, with many cities opting to decriminalize their use. Researchers and mental health professionals are keeping a close eye on the programs in Oregon and Colorado to better understand their potential impact.
Psilocybin has drawn increasing interest for its ability to help individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, particularly those who haven’t responded to traditional treatment methods. Studies have shown promising results, with participants experiencing relief from symptoms following guided psychedelic sessions. The National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that when administered in a supervised setting, the risks are low. However, for those with a history of psychotic disorders, concerns remain, as some individuals may experience prolonged psychological distress.
The introduction of regulated healing centers in Colorado means facilitators must undergo extensive training, covering screening procedures, informed consent, and post-session care. These facilitators are not necessarily mental health professionals, raising concerns about their ability to handle adverse reactions. Training and licensing costs are also significant, with required education and practical experience adding up to thousands of dollars. Despite these barriers, interest in the program remains strong, with numerous applications for healing centers, cultivation sites, and manufacturing facilities already submitted.
A major obstacle to psilocybin therapy is cost. In Oregon, a single guided session can run between $1,000 and $3,000, with no insurance coverage. Colorado expects similar pricing, though some centers are looking to implement sliding-scale fees and group sessions to make treatment more accessible. Veterans, Medicaid recipients, and low-income individuals may receive financial assistance, but affordability remains a key challenge.
Unlike cannabis, psilocybin cannot be sold commercially in Colorado. Instead, adults can grow and share mushrooms for personal use. Despite this restriction, businesses supporting psychedelic cultivation and education have already emerged. Some offer grow kits, sterilized grains, and specialized substrates, while others host educational workshops and networking events for those interested in home cultivation. Entrepreneurs hope to foster a legal, community-driven approach to psychedelics while navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
Another recent study conducted by researchers at King’s College London found that small doses of psilocybin could significantly ease symptoms of PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. The study, which involved 89 participants, demonstrated that those who received psilocybin alongside psychotherapy showed measurable improvements compared to a control group. The findings reinforce previous research suggesting that psilocybin can prompt lasting neural changes, with studies on mice indicating an increase in neuronal connections following a single dose.
Dr. James Rucker, who led the study at King’s College London, emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and feasibility before expanding access. The simultaneous administration of psilocybin to multiple patients was explored, demonstrating that the treatment can be scaled in a controlled environment. This finding is particularly relevant as Colorado looks to integrate psilocybin into mental health practices, allowing licensed facilitators to incorporate the substance into existing therapeutic models.
The growing body of research supporting psilocybin therapy has contributed to its FDA designation as a breakthrough therapy for major depressive disorder. Late-stage clinical trials are ongoing, which could eventually lead to wider acceptance and federal approval. However, for now, states like Colorado are taking matters into their own hands, establishing regulatory frameworks to oversee the safe use of psychedelic substances.
Despite optimism about psilocybin’s therapeutic potential, concerns remain. Some individuals experience lingering anxiety, disconnection, or distress after psychedelic experiences. Reports from poison control centers indicate an increase in mushroom-related calls since decriminalization efforts began, though the numbers remain relatively low compared to other substances. Experts stress the need for continued data collection to evaluate the long-term impact of these programs.
The federal government’s stance on psilocybin remains uncertain. While the Department of Justice has largely adopted a hands-off approach toward state-regulated marijuana programs, it has not issued clear guidance on psychedelics. Advocates hope that a similar policy will emerge for psilocybin, allowing state-led programs to continue without federal intervention.
Sources:
The Colorado psychedelic mushroom experiment has arrived
Colorado Issues First Licenses for Psilocybin Businesses, Legal Access Expected by Spring
Magic Mushrooms Could Effectively Treat Posttraumatic Stress
Source: https://www.legalreader.com/colorado-expands-psilocybin-therapy-regulations/
