Gov. Jared Polis has granted pardons to four Coloradans convicted of possessing psilocybin and psilocin, following the state’s 2022 decision to legalize natural medicines.
The executive order applies to individuals who were 21 or older at the time of their conviction for possessing these psychedelic substances, commonly found in certain mushrooms. However, the order does not cover those convicted of manufacturing or distributing these substances when they were still illegal.
Polis said his team worked diligently to identify everyone eligible for a pardon and urged local governments to contact the Colorado Bureau of Investigation if they know of anyone who may have been overlooked.
He announced the pardons at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference in Denver, which drew more than 4,000 advocates, researchers, and policymakers.
“This is an important step forward, not only for the individuals who will now have their records cleaned up, but also to address the public policy errors of the past,” Polis said.
Under Proposition 122, passed in 2022, the possession and use of psilocybin and psilocin were legalized. It also allowed licensed healing centers to offer supervised psychedelic treatments, which are gaining recognition for their potential to treat anxiety and depression.
Colorado became the second state in the U.S. to decriminalize natural psychedelics, prompting lawmakers to build a regulatory framework that supports businesses and protects consumers. In 2023, Senate Bill 290 created the Natural Medicine Advisory Board within the Department of Revenue. The board, which includes Native American tribal members, policy experts, and natural medicine practitioners, is responsible for recommending industry regulations.
Last session, lawmakers approved a bill that implemented many of the board’s recommendations and gave Polis the authority to pardon state-level natural medicine offenses.
Polis said over 100 natural medicine businesses are already licensed in Colorado, including six healing centers, two manufacturers, and multiple therapy clinics.
“When we come together, we create better opportunities for breakthroughs,” he said.
He also hinted at more potential pardons as the state considers regulations for other psychedelics, including ibogaine, DMT, and mescaline.
This move follows a similar action Polis took four years ago when he issued mass pardons for over 4,000 cannabis possession convictions after marijuana was legalized in 2012.
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