Colorado was already on the cutting-edge of drug legalization when it became one of the first two states – Washington being the second – to legalize the recreational use of cannabis in 2012. Fast-forward ten years and, once again, a prominent city in the Centennial State is paving the way.
Proponents are speaking in front of multiple City Councils throughout the state. Their goal is to legalize the use of, or at least make pursuance of the law against mushrooms the lowest level priority for law enforcement.
A resolution under consideration
The Boulder City Council is considering a resolution that would legalize psilocybin mushrooms that have shown positive results in addiction recovery. Should the initiative pass, Boulder would join Denver residents who approved a measure to decriminalize mushrooms in 2019.
Since the Denver vote, there has been no significant increase in arrests for mushroom distribution. Anything resembling significant public health, safety, or increased criminal activity has not occurred based on data provided by the Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Policy Review Panel. The board is composed of not only proponents, but also city officials, law enforcement members, harm reduction professionals, and lawyers.
While under consideration, City Council members have not indicated that they would move forward at this point. However, the proposal may be added to the city’s work plan. Concurrently, Boulder residents are taking a page from Denver proponents and gathering signatures for a potential ballot measure in the future.
Changing the perception of certain drugs considered illegal, yet extremely helpful to users, will take time. For now, the possibility of an arrest for mushrooms remains a possibility, requiring the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.