Colorado Legalizes Psychedelic Therapy, but Conservative Cities Push Back
Colorado has become the second state to legalize psychedelic therapy, marking a significant step toward treating mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
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However, the rollout faces resistance in conservative areas such as Colorado Springs, where local leaders are imposing strict regulations on treatment centers.
The therapy centers on psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms. Following Oregon’s example, Colorado voters approved its therapeutic use in 2022. As of this week, individuals and companies can apply for licenses to administer psilocybin in controlled settings.
Despite the legalization framework, Colorado Springs has moved to limit the establishment of “healing centers.” According to the Associated Press, the city council extended the required distance between these centers and sensitive locations, such as schools, to one mile—a decision drawing criticism, particularly from veterans.
Colorado Springs is home to over 90,000 veterans, making the issue deeply personal. Many veterans advocate for psilocybin therapy as a tool to manage trauma and mental health challenges. Lane Belone, a former special forces veteran who has benefited from the treatment, criticized the restrictions.
“We have an opportunity to support veterans, and it’s a really easy one to say ‘Yes’ to,” Belone said. He warned that fewer centers would mean longer wait times and reduced accessibility for those in need.
City Council President Randy Helms, also a veteran, expressed cautious support for the therapy. “I will never sit up here and criticize a veteran for wanting to find a medical treatment to fix or to help with the issues that they carry,” Helms stated. “Do I think it’s helpful to not just veterans but to individuals? Probably so. Do I think it still needs to be tested under strict requirements? Yes.”
Ultimately, the council approved the restrictions, citing concerns about the lack of FDA approval and potential risks associated with the treatment.
While psychedelic therapy is still emerging, studies suggest psilocybin can help process trauma, enhance emotional connections, and reduce symptoms of PTSD. Advocates see it as an essential option for patients who have not responded to traditional therapies like antidepressants and talk therapy.
“This is a crisis that we are in, and this is a tool that we can add to our toolbox,” said Taylor West, executive director of the Healing Advocacy Fund.
Skeptics, however, worry about overpromised results, financial exploitation, and risks for patients with conditions such as schizophrenia.
Although the restrictions in Colorado Springs highlight lingering concerns, the broader debate over psychedelic therapy continues as Colorado works to integrate the treatment into mainstream healthcare.
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