FILE PHOTO: “Magic mushrooms” being processed. Approved by Colorado voters two years ago, Proposition 122 decriminalized the possession, use and cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms — commonly known as "magic mushrooms" — making Colorado the second state in the nation to do so.
Now, the city of Denver is moving forward with plans to regulate the facilities where people consume psilocybin mushrooms and as part of psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Members of the city’s Department of Excise and Licenses to the Business, Arts, Workforce, Climate and Aviation Services Committee on Wednesday presented the proposal, which backers said would fill in gaps between state and local laws.
The proposal would also repeal Ordinance 301, also known as the "Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Initiative," which was adopted in 2019 and which de-prioritized criminal enforcement of the personal use and possession of psilocybin mushrooms by those 21 and older.
“We are trying to create sort of a tailored approach here and make sure that we are requiring a local license for businesses that may be operating more like a social venue, so something like a yoga studio, a retreat center, or just sort of a social lounge where people can come and consume natural medicine together,” said Abbey Soisson, senior policy analyst for Denver’s Department of Excise and Licenses.
Backers of Proposition 122 often refer to psilocybin mushrooms as "natural medicine."
While state agencies are poised to roll out their own rules, city officials said to the committee the idea of licensing those facilities that operate more as social venues may have more potential for community impacts and risks that "we want to be able to mitigate with a local license."
There would be no local license requirements for cultivation, manufacturing, or testing facilities, as they are already addressed at the state level.
Exceptions to the proposed city license would include Native American tribe members performing religious ceremonies and facilities where only clinical facilitators — or those already licensed to diagnose and treat physical or behavioral/mental health conditions — administer the drugs.Additionally, the proposed ordinance would mirror state law requiring that a license cannot be issued to a location within 1,000 feet of a […]
Denver moves forward with plans to regulate ‘magic mushroom’ facilities
