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Polis Pardons Coloradans Convicted of Psilocybin Possession

The pardons underscore Colorado’s effort to integrate natural medicines into a regulated industry following decriminalization in 2022.

WESTMINSTER, CO - AUGUST 22 : Joe Stone uses psilocybin mushrooms as a treatment for his cluster headaches at his home in Westminster, Colorado on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Stone typically ingests it through tea or capsule form. In the past, his treatment has been to take sub-psychedelic dose and do low-intensity activities. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
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Overview

  • At the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference in Denver, Gov. Jared Polis issued an executive order clearing four state-level convictions for possession of psilocybin and psilocin.
  • The clemency applies automatically to qualifying cases without individual petitions and mirrors the mass cannabis pardons he granted in 2020.
  • Polis urged local jurisdictions to work with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to identify any remaining convictions for expungement.
  • After voters decriminalized psilocybin and psilocin in 2022, lawmakers created a Natural Medicine Advisory Board and have licensed more than 100 treatment, manufacturing and therapy facilities.
  • The governor indicated additional pardons could follow as regulators finalize rules for other psychedelics such as DMT and mescaline.