Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed a new law permitting pardons for individuals convicted of low-level possession of psychedelics such as psilocybin, ibogaine, and DMT. This step builds on the state’s progressive 2022 ballot initiative that legalized entheogenic plant medicine for adults.
The law grants the governor’s office and future governors the authority to issue pardons for outdated convictions, enabling relief for those impacted by penalties that no longer reflect current policy. It also mandates state agencies to collect data relating to natural medicine products, including usage trends, public health outcomes, and consumer complaints—funded by grants rather than taxpayer dollars.
Additionally, the law streamlines licensing rules for psychedelic healing centers by eliminating fingerprint background checks and adopting name-based criminal reviews. It also enables regulators to establish packaging, testing, and labeling standards, ensuring better consumer protection.
Supporters say the move promotes justice, reduces stigma, and encourages the development of psychedelic therapies. Critics say without proper safeguards, the approach could compromise regulatory oversight. By incorporating data collection, Colorado aims to balance innovation with safety while aligning policy with modern scientific findings.
For more on topics like these, check this link out PENNSYLVANIA LAWMAKERS SET TO VOTE ON CANNABIS SALES THROUGH STATE-RUN STORES
