In a development the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies has described as a “landmark moment for drug policy reform and restorative justice,” Colorado Governor Jared Polis has announced statewide pardons for citizens convicted of psilocybin and psilocin possession.
The reveal, which received a standing ovation, was made at the ongoing Psychedelic Science conference in Denver, presented by MAPS. It will conclude on Friday.
“Granting these pardons is an important step forward for the individuals who will now have this cleared from their record,” Polis said at the podium, “but also to acknowledge the error in public policy that lead to their conviction.”
He pointed out that although the executive order applies to state level convictions, most Coloradans with the misfortune of having a possession charge on their record were prosecuted at the municipal level. The governor encouraged them to seek clemency from mayors and council representatives.
Only four state-level convictions required forgiveness, but the move is symbolic of the state’s progressive stance on psychedelic drugs.
“I am excited about what lies ahead,” Polis added, “about the data, the science, the benefits, the risks, learning about how these natural medicines can help people, whether it’s an addiction recovery, whether it’s PTSD.”
Psychedelic Science has been held five times since 2010. It is a leading event focused on psychedelic research, therapeutics, culture and policy. This year’s conference featured over 180 exhibitors.
What an incredible start to Psychedelic Science 2025! Day 1 brought together brilliant minds, groundbreaking research and thousands of passionate advocates.
We started out strong with breaking news from Colorado Governor Jared Polis who announced a mass pardon for psilocybin… pic.twitter.com/33cih5DYV6
— Psychedelic Science (@PsychedelicSci) June 19, 2025
Read more: New Mexico follows in Oregon & Colorado’s footsteps by legalizing psilocybin therapy
Colorado was already a leader in American psychedelics reform
Alongside Oregon, New Mexico, Washington and California, the state has become a pioneer when it comes to psychedelic therapeutics and drug policy amendments.
In late 2022, Colorado implemented the Natural Medicine Health Act, thereby decriminalizing a group of natural psychedelic substances. The ballot measure’s provisions came into force in January.
Having psilocybin, DMT, mescaline or ibogaine in your possession is no longer a crime within state borders.
To date, Colorado has issued licenses for eight psychedelic healing centres. The first psilocybin clinic to obtain one, The Center Origin, received its authorization at the beginning of April.
This certified psychedelic complex, located in Denver, facilitated the state’s first regulated high-dose psilocybin session on Jun. 6. Its leader was one of the presenters at this year’s Psychedelic Science showcase.
“We are proud to be helping set the standard for legal, compassionate care,” said Center Origin CEO Elizabeth Cooke.
Additional facilities that have obtained licenses must fulfill other stringent criteria before being able to administer the natural drug.
Read more: Colorado licenses its first magic mushroom therapy clinic
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