Colorado's Proposition 122: a measure that could decriminalize psychedelics

• Proposition 122 would decriminalize and regulate certain psychedelic drugs.
• Proponents say that the measure will help tackle the state's mental health crisis.
• Opponents argue that it will give kids more access to drugs.

A "yes" on Proposition 122, also known as the Natural Medicine Health Act of 2022, would classify some psychedelics as natural medicine and decriminalize the transport, growth, and use of said medicines.

Ballot measure details

The state of Colorado was the first state in the country to legalize marijuana for personal use. Now, the state could lean further into its progressive roots and pass a statute that would categorize the psychedelic drugs dimethyltryptamine, ibogaine, mescaline (excluding peyote), and psilocybin and psilocin as natural medicine under state law.

Psilocybin and psilocin would immediately be categorized as natural medicine once the law goes into effect, whereas other drugs would be decriminalized after June 2026.

These natural medicines would become decriminalized the personal use, transport, and growth for people over the age of 21, and people with prior convictions for possession or use of decriminalized natural medicines would be allowed to request that their conviction records be sealed.

The state would create a regulated natural medicine access program, overseen by a natural medicine advisory board, that would oversee the distribution of natural medicines through licensed healing centers.

Currently, Colorado law categorizes these psychedelics as schedule 1 drugs. This initiative was approved to be on the ballot in July.

Support and opposition

Natural Medicine Colorado is leading the campaign in support of Proposition 122. 

The coalition argues that the decriminalization of certain psychedelics will help with the state's mental health and addiction crises. The group cites research that shows the efficacy of psychedelics, combined with psychotherapy, that combats depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses.

Protect Colorado Kids is leading the campaign against Proposition 122. 

Those opposed say the proposition will pave the way for full legalization of these drugs, which will make it easier for kids to access them.

What experts are saying

As of September, polling data shows that 41% of voters opposed Proposition 122, while 36% of voters supported it, and 23% of voters were unsure, according to a poll from Emerson College. 

A similar measure in Oregon, which legalized the use and sale of psilocybin, passed in 2020.