1

Natural Medicine Health Act - FAQs

What is the Natural Medicine Health Act of 2022?

The Natural Medicine Health Act of 2022 is an initiated measure related to the use of certain plants or fungi for people 21 years of age and older which received approval from Colorado voters in the November 2022 Colorado General Election.

What is Senate Bill 23-290: Natural Medicine Legalization and Regulation?

Senate Bill 23-290: Natural Medicine Legalization and Regulation establishes the regulatory framework for natural medicine and its products. You can read more about the bill here.

What natural medicines are included in this Act?

“Natural medicine" means the following substances:

  • Psilocybin; or psilocyn.
  • Dimethyltryptamine, if recommended by the board and approved by the director and the executive director of the state licensing authority for inclusion on or after June 1, 2026.
  • Ibogaine, if recommended by the board and approved by the director and the executive director of the state licensing authority.
  • Mescaline, if recommended by the board and approved by the director and the executive director of the state licensing authority for inclusion on or after June 1, 2026.
  • Mescaline does not include Peyote, meaning all parts of the plant classified botanically as Lophophora Williamsii Lemaire, whether growing or not; its seed; any extract from any part of the plant, and every compound, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant; or its seeds or extracts. 
How can I get involved in rulemaking related to this Act?

You may sign up for rulemaking updates for all DPO programs here.

What does the Act do?

This Act legalizes access to certain plants or fungi for people 21 years of age and older within a venue created for supervised participation by state-licensed facilitators by September 2024. 

The Act also decriminalizes personal use of certain plans and fungi for individuals over the age of 21.

What are the different roles of DORA and the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) in implementing this Act?

DORA 

  • Licenses and regulates Facilitators (persons licensed to provide natural medicine and related services). 
  • Manages the Natural Medicine Advisory Board 
  • Manages the Federally Recognized Tribes & Indigenous Community Work Group
  • Has Annual Reporting responsibilities (in coordination with DOR)

DOR

  • Licenses and regulates healing centers, cultivations, manufacturers, and testing facilities under a new Natural Medicine Division
  • Manages a testing and certification program (in coordination with CDPHE)
  • Is responsible for data collection 
  • Manages public education campaigns
  • Produces training materials for first and multi-responders
  • Has Annual Reporting responsibilities (in coordination with DORA)
What is a facilitator?

A facilitator is an individual who is twenty-one years of age or older; has the necessary qualifications, training, experience, and knowledge, as required pursuant to Article 170 or rules promulgated pursuant to Article 170, to perform and supervise natural medicine services for a participant; and is licensed by the Director of the Division of Professions and Occupations to engage in the practice of facilitation.

When will facilitator licenses be available?

Facilitator licenses will be available no later than December 31, 2024.

What role will local governments have in regulating natural medicines?

A local jurisdiction shall not prohibit a facilitator from providing natural medicine services within its boundaries if the individual is a licensed facilitator pursuant to Article 170. A local jurisdiction shall not adopt ordinances or regulations that are unreasonable or in conflict with Article 170.

What other states allow legal use of natural medicines?

The State of Oregon passed Ballot Measure 109 in November 2020. This measure directs the Oregon Health Authority to license and regulate the manufacturing, transportation, delivery, sale, and purchase of psilocybin products and the provision of psilocybin services. The Oregon Psilocybin Services Section began accepting applications for licensure on January 2, 2023.