Colorado Governor Jared Polis Issues Pardons for Psilocybin and Psilocin Convictions

LOS ANGELES– the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference in Denver, Governor Jared Polis signed an executive order granting full, unconditional pardons to individuals convicted under state law for possession of psilocybin and psilocin—substances that became legal for adults aged 21 and over following Colorado’s Natural Medicine Health Act vote in 2022 and enabling legislation SB 25‑297 passed earlier this year. The order applies retroactively to state-level convictions and automatically clears cases without the need for individual applications; only a small number of cases identified as four specific convictions were immediately affected, though any additional qualifying individuals may apply for clemency through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Governor Polis framed this action as a continuation of Colorado’s historical approach to drug policy reform, following prior pardons for cannabis possession in 2020 and 2021. He emphasized that the move addresses outdated laws and reflects the will of voters, with an intention to remove legal barriers such as employment and housing discrimination tied to convictions that are no longer illegal. The conference audience responded with a standing ovation, reflecting strong support among attendees, which included mental health professionals, researchers, and policy advocates focusing on psychedelic therapies