Colorado Springs Restricts Psychedelic Therapy Despite Veterans' Advocacy

The city council's new rules limit access to psilocybin treatment, creating tension between conservative leaders and veterans who see it as vital for PTSD recovery.

Colorado has become the second state to legalize psilocybin therapy for conditions such as PTSD and depression, following a 2022 ballot measure and two years of regulatory preparation.
In Colorado Springs, conservative city leaders have expanded restrictions on 'healing centers,' increasing the buffer zone from schools and other locations to one mile, despite state law preventing outright bans.
Veterans, including special forces veteran Lane Belone, have voiced strong support for psilocybin therapy, arguing that the new restrictions will lead to fewer centers and longer treatment wait times.
Psilocybin therapy in Colorado will be tightly regulated, requiring licensed facilitators, risk assessments, and controlled settings, with no recreational dispensaries allowed.
While research shows potential for psychedelics in treating mental health issues, concerns remain over the lack of FDA approval, high treatment costs, and the need for further clinical trials.