Colorado has become the second state to legalize psychedelic therapy, sparking debates in conservative strongholds like Colorado Springs. Veterans advocating for the treatment, which aims to alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are at odds with conservative leaders who seek to impose restrictions.
In 2022, Colorado voters approved a measure legalizing psilocybin, the psychoactive component in psychedelic mushrooms, for therapeutic use. Following two years of regulatory preparations, applications for licenses to administer the therapy opened this week, though actual treatments may take months to commence.
Colorado joins Oregon in permitting psilocybin therapy, although the substance remains illegal under federal law and in most other states. Several cities in Oregon have banned psilocybin, and some conservative areas in Colorado have attempted to impose strict limits on its use. State law prohibits outright bans, but municipalities can enforce zoning rules that restrict treatment facilities.
The Colorado Springs City Council recently debated extending restrictions on "healing centers," including increasing the required distance from schools and other sensitive locations to one mile (1.6 kilometers). Veterans, however, pushed back, arguing such measures would limit access to the treatment and create long waiting lists.
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Lane Belone, a former special forces soldier, shared his personal experience with psychedelic therapy, emphasizing its potential to assist veterans. He urged councilmembers to support broader access to psilocybin, highlighting the unique role veterans play in advocating for the treatment.
Conservatives have shown mixed reactions. While some, like Councilmember David Leinweber, expressed skepticism about drug legalization, they acknowledged the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin. Leinweber contrasted psilocybin therapy with marijuana, which he described as harmful, and voiced support for controlled access to psychedelic treatments.
Unlike marijuana, legalized in Colorado in 2014, psilocybin remains tightly regulated. Recreational use is prohibited, and therapy sessions require oversight by licensed facilitators. Patients must complete assessments, attend preparatory meetings, and undergo follow-ups. Psilocybin products will be tested, and providers will face stringent regulations.
Despite acknowledging the therapy’s potential benefits, City Council President Randy Helms, a veteran, emphasized the need for thorough testing and strict guidelines. The council ultimately approved the proposed zoning restrictions.
Research on psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA (commonly known as molly) has shown promise in treating mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and alcoholism. However, experts like Columbia University psychiatry professor Jeffrey Lieberman caution against moving too quickly, citing risks such as misleading claims and high costs.
In Oregon, where treatments began in June 2023, therapy sessions can cost up to $2,000. Out of more than 16,000 doses administered, only five cases required emergency medical intervention. Critics note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve psilocybin or MDMA for treating mental health conditions, though clinical trials are ongoing.
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Supporters argue that slow FDA approvals leave many suffering without effective treatment options. Taylor West, executive director of the Healing Advocacy Fund, called psychedelic therapy a valuable tool to combat the nation’s mental health crisis.
Belone reflected on his military experiences and how they continued to affect him long after deployment. He described how psilocybin therapy helped him confront lingering fears and anxiety, allowing him to better manage triggers and find moments of peace.
While debates persist, advocates remain hopeful that psychedelic therapy can provide a breakthrough for individuals struggling with mental health issues where traditional treatments have failed.