Colorado’s Natural Medicine Division to Host Listening Sessions on Psychedelic Legalization Rollout

LOS ANGELES– In a move to foster community engagement and gather diverse perspectives, the Colorado Natural Medicine Division, operating under the Department of Revenue, has announced a series of “listening sessions” scheduled throughout September and October. These sessions are designed to inform the public and engage stakeholders in the development of the regulated access regulations pertaining to the recent psychedelic legalization ballot measure.

Dominique Mendiola, the senior director of the division, emphasized the importance of community involvement in crafting a natural medicine program that is both balanced and well-informed. “Collaborating with all stakeholders has been a key factor in our regulatory experience,” Mendiola noted, adding that the sessions will “provide a platform for all voices to be heard.”

The initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that the adopted framework reflects a rich diversity of perspectives, fostering a program that is both inclusive and comprehensive. The sessions are expected to serve as a conduit for constructive dialogue, where individuals can share their insights and concerns regarding the evolving landscape of natural medicine in the state.

As of now, the meetings are slated to occur both in-person and virtually via Zoom on the dates of September 5, 12, 22, and 27, as well as October 3. While further meetings are anticipated in the coming months, the details are yet to be announced.

The agenda for these sessions encompasses a wide array of topics central to the successful implementation of the new regulations. Discussions will include an overview of the SB 23-290 bill and an introduction to the operations of the Natural Medicine Division. Other focal points will be first and multi-responder training, public education campaigns, and the establishment of a testing program.

Moreover, the sessions will delve into the cultivation and manufacturing practices concerning the legal therapeutic provision of psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and psilocin. The potential inclusion of other substances like ibogaine, mescaline (not derived from peyote), and DMT in the program is also on the agenda for discussion.

In a bid to maintain transparency and inclusivity, the meetings will be recorded and open to the public. However, the availability of in-person attendance is still under consideration, contingent upon the space available at the Department of Revenue.

As the state navigates the complexities of integrating psychedelic substances into the legal and medical framework, these listening sessions represent a significant step towards fostering a community-centric approach. Through these collaborative efforts, the Colorado Natural Medicine Division aims to develop a program that is not only well-regulated but also reflective of the diverse viewpoints and needs of the Colorado community.