Colorado just voted to legalize and decriminalize psychedelics. Here’s what happens next

After a long and contentious campaign, Colorado residents have spoken.

The Centennial State has voted to legalize and decriminalize various psychedelic drugs through Proposition 122, also known as the Natural Medicine Health Act.

The supporters declared victory on Wednesday evening. With 88% of the ballots counted, the measure had won a narrow victory: 51.4% of voters supported it and 48.6% opposed it.

Proposal 122 has several components that state officials will implement over the next few years: the decriminalization of psychedelics, the legalization of psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and the possible legalization of other psychedelics, including ibogaine, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and mescaline (non-peyote-derived).

Here’s what happens next.

When will Colorado decriminalize possession of psychedelics?

Decriminalization will take effect upon confirmation of the November vote. Prop 122 decriminalizes possession of the following plant-derived substances: psilocybin, ibogaine, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and mescaline (not derived from peyote). A leading supporter of the measure told Leafly that legal psilocybin “treatment centers” are expected to begin opening in early 2025.

How much can I own?

Prop 122 does not contain any specific language regarding possession limits.

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When Can I Legally Buy Psilocybin and Other Psychedelics?

Prop 122 allows gifting of the psychedelics to begin upon confirmation of the vote.

It will be a while before adults can purchase psilocybin (and its associated treatment regimen) from any federally licensed treatment center.

First, the state must establish a 15-member Natural Medicines Advisory Board, which in turn will create rules for the program. A leading supporter of the measure told Leafly that psilocybin treatment centers are expected to open in early 2025. The Natural Medicines Advisory Board may decide to expand the scope of the Act to include a similarly regulated market for ibogaine, dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and mescaline (not derived from peyote), but not before June 1, 2026.

Can I grow mushrooms at home?

Yes. Personal cultivation of entheogens will be decriminalized once state officials confirm the November vote.

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Will there be treatment centers for psychedelics?

Yes. Prop 122 allows licensed treatment centers to open statewide. Adults will be able to consume psilocybin in a treatment center by 2025. State officials could begin the process of legalizing treatment centers for ibogaine, DMT, and mescaline on or after June 1, 2026.

Is Psilocybin Taxed?

The measure does not contain any specific language in relation to taxation.

Is there a record deletion procedure?

The Natural Medicine Health Act provides that individuals who have served sentences for offenses legalized by the Act may apply to have their records sealed. In Colorado, erasure is typically applied only to juvenile records.

Can my city ban treatment centers?

No, but communities can allocate treatment centers to specific areas and limit their hours of operation, so long as it is not “inappropriate.”