COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — As Colorado becomes the second state to allow psychedelic therapy, tensions are rising in Colorado Springs. Conservative city leaders are moving to limit access to this treatment, despite opposition from a number of veterans living in the city—approximately 90,000 strong—who advocate for psychedelic therapy as a remedy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In 2022, Colorado residents voted to permit the therapeutic use of psilocybin, the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms. This kickoff led to two years of regulatory development needed before the treatment could be offered for various mental health issues, including PTSD and depression. Now, businesses and individuals can start applying for licenses to administer psilocybin therapy, though actual treatment may not commence for several months while applications are reviewed.
Following Oregon’s lead in legalizing psilocybin therapy, Colorado’s regulations remain strict, especially when compared to marijuana, which was legalized in the state in 2014. Despite its decriminalization, psilocybin will not be available in recreational stores but will instead be strictly confined to licensed facilities run by certified professionals. Treatment protocols will require patients to undergo risk assessments, preliminary consultations, and subsequent follow-up sessions, all while under the supervision of a licensed facilitator.
City Council discussions in Colorado Springs recently focused on extending the current distance restrictions for “healing centers” from schools, moving it from 1,000 feet to 1 mile (1.6 kilometers). During a recent council meeting, veterans voiced their concerns, advocating for more accessible treatment options. Lane Belone, a special forces veteran, spoke passionately, stating, “We have an opportunity to support veterans, and it’s a really easy one to say ‘Yes’ to.” His concerns highlighted that limiting the number of facilities would result in longer waiting times for treatment.
The support from veterans has garnered some backing from conservative factions, setting this topic apart from other contentious drug policies. Councilmember David Leinweber noted the difference clearly, expressing concerns over marijuana’s risks while advocating for expanded psilocybin access. Unlike marijuana, psilocybin’s rollout in Colorado is more constrained, with no plans for recreational use. The therapeutic realm will only involve professional guidance within licensed environments, maintaining rigorous testing and regulation of psilocybin cultivation.
Despite the council’s conversation indicating acknowledgment of psilocybin’s potential benefits, the proposed restrictions were ultimately passed. Research indicates that psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and MDMA could aid individuals with various conditions, but experts also caution that the scientific field is in its nascent stages, warranting careful consideration.
Jeffrey Lieberman, a psychiatry professor, voiced concerns that the rush to implement psilocybin therapy could lead to negative outcomes, such as patients being misled or receiving inadequate treatment for serious mental health conditions. He pointed out that while Oregon has begun its treatments, expenses can escalate to as much as $2,000 per session. Although unlikely, there has been minimal incidence of emergencies requiring medical intervention, suggesting that safety protocols are generally effective.
Concerns linger among council members about the lack of FDA approval for psilocybin and MDMA for mental health treatment; the agency has recently dismissed MDMA for PTSD therapy. With numerous clinical trials ongoing, there is anxiety that prolonged bureaucratic processes could hinder timely access to treatment, exacerbating the current mental health crisis for many individuals.
Taylor West, head of the Healing Advocacy Fund, emphasized the need for alternative solutions, stating, “This is a crisis that we are in, and this is a tool that we can add to our toolbox.” Belone shares his struggles as a veteran, recalling those moments spent in fear during rugged wartime conditions—a sentiment that continued long after returning home. His psychedelic experience allowed him to confront and understand the fear that lingered with him, marking a significant change in his outlook on life.
Ultimately, Colorado Springs finds itself at a crossroads, as community members grapple with how best to implement a treatment that holds promise for many while navigating political resistance and public apprehension surrounding psychedelics.
