Psychiatrist Humphry Osmond first coined the word “psychedelic” in the 1950s, using it to describe the mind-altering effects of substances like mescaline and LSD. He derived the term from the Greek word psykhē, meaning “mind,” and dēloun, meaning “show.” It’s been widely interpreted to mean “mind manifesting.”
Coloradans have likely heard much about psychedelics in the last year since voters chose to legalize and decriminalize certain drugs at the ballot box in November 2022.
The Natural Medicine Health Act legalized psilocybin and psilocin, which are compounds found in “magic mushrooms,” for use in therapeutic settings. Bolstered by new research that suggests psychedelics can be effective tools to treat mental health, the measure paved the way for so-called “healing centers” where locals aged 21 and up will soon be able to have a journey under the supervision of a licensed professional.
The newly minted law also removed criminal penalties for the personal possession, use, cultivation and sharing of psilocybin and psilocin, as well as ibogaine, mescaline, and DMT.
While Colorado regulators figure out exactly how to roll out a brand-new industry around psychedelic-assisted therapy — the latest board meeting takes place Oct. 20 — it’s worth noting that experimentation has long been happening underground as a growing number of Americans have sought to improve their mental health.
For thousands of years prior, indigenous cultures have also used substances like psilocybin and peyote for spiritual and religious ceremonies.
As research in the space continues to be conducted and published, more states in the U.S. are considering following in the footsteps of Colorado and Oregon where psilocybin is now legal.
The Denver Post will continue to cover developments in psychedelics policy, science and culture to keep locals informed about the emerging sector. As part of that effort, our reporters also want to know what burning questions readers have.
What’s on your mind as it relates to psychedelics in Colorado, or in general? We’ll do our best to touch base as we investigate your areas of interest.