Colorado Natural Medicine Law Overview

General Overview

• Proposition 122, also known as the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA), decriminalizes certain natural medicines in Colorado.
• It established a regulatory framework for these medicines.
• SB23-290, signed into law on May 23, 2023, replaced Proposition 122 effective July 1, 2023.

Personal Use and Decriminalization

• Decriminalized substances include psilocybin, psilocin, ibogaine, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and mescaline (excluding peyote).
• "Personal use" under SB23-290 includes consumption, possession, cultivation, and sharing for activities like counseling, spiritual guidance, and community-based healing.
• Conduct still considered criminal under SB23-290 includes possession, use, or sharing in contexts not permitted by the Act, like business promotions or commercial activities.
• Sharing natural medicines is allowed as long as there is no commercial exchange.

Regulatory Framework

• SB23-290 established oversight by the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and the Department of Revenue (DOR) for natural medicines.
• A "facilitator" is a licensed professional providing preparation, administration, and integration services for natural medicines at healing centers.
• "Natural medicine services" include preparation, administration (under supervision), and integration sessions.
• Facilitator license applications will be reviewed starting December 31, 2024.

Natural Medicine Advisory Board

• The Natural Medicine Advisory Board is made up of 15 members and provides recommendations on implementing the NMHA regulatory framework.
• Experts in natural medicine therapy, mycology, public health, behavioral health, and traditional Indigenous use are represented on the board.

Tribal and Indigenous Working Group

• The Tribal and Indigenous Working Group addresses issues related to the commercialization of natural medicines.
• It focuses on avoiding exploitation of Indigenous cultures and ensuring conservation.

Department of Revenue (DOR) Role

• The DOR regulates the cultivation, manufacture, testing, and distribution of natural medicines.
• Initial regulation by the DOR covers psilocybin, psilocin, with ibogaine, DMT, and mescaline potentially eligible later.

Local Jurisdiction and Implementation

• Local governments can regulate time, place, and manner of natural medicine services but cannot prohibit them.
• Advertising restrictions must avoid cultural exploitation and misrepresentation.

Miscellaneous

• Synthetic analogs of natural medicines are excluded.
• The DOR campaigns to educate the public on natural medicine use and monitors consumer safety.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

• The department works with the DOR to create testing standards, laboratory certifications, and ensure safety of natural medicine products.

Explore the key aspects of Proposition 122 and SB23-290 regarding natural medicine decriminalization in Colorado. This quiz highlights the substances involved, personal use provisions, and the regulatory framework established by the new law effective July 1, 2023. Test your knowledge on how these laws impact community-based healing and personal use practices.