United States: Colorado has just become the second state to allow psychedelic therapy. However, in Colorado Springs there are like some leaders who are blocking it, even though many veterans are pushing for the treatment to help with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In November 2022 all the Coloradans legally approved the use of psilocybin or like the psychedelic substance in, for instance, magic mushrooms to treat disorders such as depression and PTSD but it will take two years to set rules for its therapeutic use.
This week, companies and people will be able to apply for licenses to administer the mind-altering substances though treatment is still several months down the line as applications are being processed.
As reported by HealthDay, Psilocybin therapy is legal only in two places, with Colorado the recent addition to Oregon in this kind of treatment, but the drug is banned in all other states and at the federal level. More Oregon cities have said no to psilocybin in the last one year as more cities join the list of the ban. Despite state law hindering Colorado metros from banning the treatment, some conservative cities have tried to prevent what they call “healing centers.”
Colorado Springs is home to 90,000 veterans according to this article. They can now receive psychedelics for PTSD treatment.
— Judith Smith (@s66554694) January 1, 2025
Psychedelic therapy begins in Colorado, causing tension between conservatives and veterans https://t.co/wa1ptyxjsI via @69News
This month in Colorado Springs, members were to decide how to extend the state ban on healing centers from 1,000 feet from some premises like school to 1 mile. Standing at the lectern, soldiers pleaded with them not to.
”We have an opportunity to support veterans, and it’s a really easy one to say ‘Yes’ to,” said Lane Belone, a special forces veteran who said he has gained from his own journeys. Belone also stated that the restrictions would reduce the number of centers since it would mean longer waiting list for the treatment.
And while it has received some support from the right, veterans have succeed in making psychedelic therapy distinct from most other liberal policies spearheaded by democrat such as marijuana legalization.
That distinction was made clear by Councilmember David Leinweber, who said at the city council meeting both that marijuana is “literally killing our kids” and that he supported psilocybin therapy.