In 2022, Colorado decided to make magic mushrooms and other psychedelics legally kosher, leading to some trippy planning in Colorado Springs. The city is gearing up to open “Natural Medicine” centers, where you can get your dose of enlightenment starting January 2025, assuming the paperwork doesn’t get lost in the cosmic void. But don’t worry, they’re not sprouting up next to your kid’s school or your grandma’s daycare—thanks to a new ordinance passed 7-3, these centers must keep a respectful one-mile distance from such places.
Councilmember Yolanda Avilah is all for having these centers scattered like confetti in each city district, especially to help veterans dealing with PTSD. She’s got veteran Lane Malone backing her up, who thinks these centers should be as easy to find as a Starbucks. But not everyone’s on board the psychedelic express—Henny Lasley is waving her caution flag, worried that the centers might attract curious kiddos, despite age restrictions that should keep them out.
The city council will have a second go-round with the ordinance in December, just in time to decide if these centers are a holiday gift or a New Year’s resolution gone wrong.
Published Date: 2024-11-26