I know about that Rocky Mountain High, but this is a little ridiculous, don't you think?
Colorado has become the second state to legalize the use of psychedelic drugs, specifically the chemical compound psilocybin which is found in magic mushrooms.
The law allowing the psychedelic to be used in treating PTSD for veterans was passed back in 2022. The last two years have been spent in regulating the use of the drugs.
This week, companies and people will be able to apply for licenses to administer the mind-altering drug, though treatment will likely not be available for some months as applications are processed.
Colorado joined Oregon in legalizing psilocybin therapy, though the drug remains illegal in most other states and federally. Over the last year, a growing number of Oregon cities have voted to ban psilocybin. While Colorado metros cannot ban the treatment under state law, several conservative cities have worked to preemptively restrict what are known as 'healing centers.'
Weird, some people oppose having psychedelic drug dens in their city where US military veterans are given a concoction of mind-altering drugs.
Conservatives are so "intolerant" and "radical"!
While research has shown promise for psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and MDMA, also known as molly, in helping people with conditions such as alcoholism, depression and PTSD, the scientific field remains in its relatively early stages.
'I'm very positive about the potential value, but I'm very concerned that we've gotten too far ahead of our skis,' said Jeffrey Lieberman, a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, who's been involved in studies of psychedelic drugs' therapeutic efficacy.
The risks, said Lieberman, include customers being misled and paying out of pocket for expensive treatments. He also said there are cases where the drugs can exacerbate some extreme mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia.
Our vets should get the help they need. But there's something about using them as guinea pigs for an experimental drug and using their suffering to push for the legalization of such a drug that feels ... gross.
The drugs are heavily regulated in Colorado. Recreational use is outlawed and there are far more restrictions than marijuana, which was legalized in the the Centennial State a decade ago.
Of course, as with marijuana, it always starts out medicinal, doesn't it?
P.S. Now check out our latest video 👇
