The Ultimate Guide to Decriminalized Natural Medicine in Colorado

May 29, 2023

Another key step in bringing natural psychedelic medicine to Colorado was completed when Gov. Polis signed SB23-290, the Natural Medicine Health Act’s implementation bill. This bill is the most comprehensive piece of legislation ever passed by a state government related to a state-authorized natural psychedelic medicine program. It builds upon the values of the NMHA with a renewed focus on indigenous voices, safety, and regulatory efficiency. The measure goes into effect on July 1, 2023. Read our full analysis of the bill.

The Ultimate Guide to SB23-290, Colorado’s Natural Medicine Regulation and Legalization Bill

By Joshua Kappel, Juliana Todeschi, George Winfrey
May 24, 2023

Another key step in bringing natural psychedelic medicine to Colorado was completed this week. Governor Polis signed SB23-290, the Natural Medicine Health Act’s implementation bill. This bill is the most comprehensive piece of legislation ever passed by a state government related to a state-authorized natural psychedelic medicine program. It builds upon the values of the NMHA with a renewed focus on indigenous voices, safety, and regulatory efficiency. The measure goes into effect on July 1, 2023. Read our full analysis of the bill.

What You Need to Know About SB23-290, Colorado’s Natural Medicine Health Act Implementation Bill

By Genevieve Meehan and Sara Simons
May 3, 2023

Since its introduction on April 18, SB23-290, the implementation bill for the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA), made its way through the Colorado Legislature and now awaits the governor's signature. Although the bill started off with a couple of policy positions that were antithetical to the voter-initiated act, after a series of amendments and a lot of work by Colorado activists and lawyers, it seems clear SB23-290 builds off the intent of the NMHA to create a natural psychedelic ecosystem in Colorado based in equity and safety. Read this Vicente Insights post for key aspects of the bill.

Colorado Psychedelics Update: State House of Representatives Passes Natural Medicine Health Act Implementation Bill SB23-290 with Amendments

By Joshua Kappel
May 1, 2023

Since its introduction on April 18, SB23-290, the implementation bill for the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA), made its way through the Colorado House and has now passed with amendments that have generally brought this bill even closer to the original intent of Prop 122! Read this Vicente Insights post for the latest updates and next steps for the bill.    

Colorado Psychedelics Update: Natural Medicine Health Act Implementation Bill SB23-290 Engrossed, Reengrossed, and Heading to the House

By Joshua Kappel, Juliana Todeschi
Apr 25, 2023

Since its introduction on April 18, SB23-290, the implementation bill for the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA), has gone through the Colorado Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees and several amendments have been made. The reengrossed version of the now 91-page bill heads to the state House with a new sponsor, Representative Judy Amabile. Read this Vicente Insights post for the latest updates and next steps for the bill.    

Colorado Psychedelics Update: Natural Medicine Health Act Implementation Bill SB23-290 Amended During Public Hearing

By Joshua Kappel
Apr 21, 2023

SB23-290, the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA) implementation bill, had a hearing on April 20 in Colorado’s Senate Finance Committee. Amendments made during the hearing were a significant step in the right direction. Read this Vicente Insights post for our summary of the hearing and next steps for the bill.    

Colorado Psychedelics Update: Natural Medicine Regulation and Legalization Bill Introduced in Colorado Legislature

By Joshua Kappel, Barine Majewska
Apr 19, 2023

SB23-290 was introduced in the Colorado Legislature to amend and implement Proposition 122, the Natural Medicine Health Act that was passed by Colorado voters in November. There will be a public hearing on this bill tomorrow, April 20. If passed, SB23-290 would completely replace the NMHA.

Forming Psychedelic Companies: 10 Lessons from the Cannabis Industry

By Charles Alovisetti
Mar 22, 2023

A new industry is emerging in the United States, and entrepreneurs in the psychedelics space must make critical decisions at the onset of new ventures regarding how to set up and structure their new businesses. Luckily, we have access to another industry with a complex legal framework and a patchwork of different state laws: cannabis. And after forming hundreds of cannabis companies with clients over the past decade, Vicente LLP has lessons to be shared.

Vicente LLP and Grasslands Invite You to An Evening of Connection with Cannabis and Psychedelic Professionals During SXSW in Austin

Feb 23, 2023

Calling all cannabis and psychedelic industry professionals! RSVP to attend our private networking event and fundraiser during SXSW in Austin, co-hosted with Grasslands: A Journalism-Minded Agency.

Psychedelic Policy Reform in Michigan: A Brief History

By Krissy Atterholt
Feb 14, 2023

Michigan leads the Midwest in affording its communities local protection for psychedelic-based activities. This article gives a breakdown of notable moments in Michigan's psychedelic legislative history.

Explore the Legal Landscape for Microdosing Psychedelics with Josh Kappel on the Third Wave Podcast

Feb 9, 2023

What is microdosing and what does the path to legalizing responsible psychedelic use look like? Get the low-down from the Third Wave Podcast featuring Josh Kappel, Alli Schaper and Marie Mbouni, M.D.

Guidelines for the Personal Use of Psychedelics Under Colorado’s Natural Medicine Health Act of 2022

By Yolanda Clarke and Jaime Greenwood
Feb 3, 2023

Colorado's Natural Medicine Health Act provides a path for responsible access to psychedelic natural medicines. If you're interested in the personal use of natural medicines in Colorado, read this article to find out what is and is not permitted.

[Webinar] Psychedelic Opportunities in Oregon and Colorado

Jan 12, 2023

As states like Oregon and Colorado develop regulated pathways for people to get involved in the regulated psychedelics industry, possibilities—and questions—are increasing: What are the opportunities now, what’s next, and where? Get answers by watching this recorded session.

Proposition 122 Co-author Joshua Kappel Slated to Participate in Chacruna’s Community Forum on The Future of Colorado Psychedelics

Jan 10, 2023

Certain psychedelics were decriminalized in Colorado, now what? Join Chacruna’s Community Forum on January 18 for an in-depth discussion about the Natural Medicine Health Act.

Colorado Prop 122 Co-author Josh Kappel Joins Psychedelic Passage Podcast to Address Protections and Regulations Under the Natural Medicine Health Act

Jan 6, 2023

"Can I start selling mushrooms in Colorado now?" Joshua Kappel answers your questions about Proposition 122 on the Psychedelics Passage podcast. Listen here!

VS Participating in Upcoming Drug Conviction Record Sealing Clinic Hosted by The Color of Cannabis and NAACP Denver

Dec 23, 2022

On January 7, 2023, the VS team will provide legal services at a drug conviction record sealing clinic in Denver, Colorado.

Oregon Psilocybin Services Releases New Proposed Rules and Public Comment Period

By Yolanda Clarke, Jamie Greenwood
Nov 16, 2022

In another exciting step towards implementing psilocybin services, the Oregon Psilocybin Services Section issued updated proposed rules under the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act this month, making significant changes to the previous iteration. Make your voices heard! The public comment period is open through November 21, 2022.

Colorado Votes on Psilocybin: Josh Kappel Joins Higher Practice Podcast to Discuss Prop. 122

Nov 4, 2022

Josh Kappel recently discussed everything related to Proposition 122: The Natural Medicine Health Act with Higher Practice Podcast. Listen now!

[Webinar] Cannabis & Psychedelics On the Ballot

Nov 1, 2022

The November 2022 ballot has those interested in cannabis and psychedelic policy reform on their toes. From supporting adult-use cannabis initiatives in Arkansas, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Maryland, to potential psychedelic reform in Colorado, there is plenty of excitement!

Colorado Prop 122: A Transformative Measure Grounded in Equity and Healing

By Joshua Kappel and Tucker Wentz
Oct 11, 2022

Vicente Sederberg LLP is proud to stand with Natural Medicine Colorado and support Proposition 122. This measure not only provides safe access to natural psychedelic medicines, but does so in a way that is grounded in equity and conscious capitalism while also protecting legacy communities and existing medicine keepers.

Colorado Prop 122's Historic Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Requirements

By Marc Ross
Oct 11, 2022

Colorado Prop 122, The Natural Medicine Health Act, requires that licensed entities participating in the Natural Medicine Regulated Access Program must meet specific ESG criteria.

The Natural Medicine Health Act of 2022: A Measure to Access Psychedelic Medicine in Colorado

By Colleen Mitchell, Yolanda Clarke
Oct 10, 2022

Prop 122 would create a regulated system for adults aged 21 and older to access natural psychedelic medicine, such as psilocybin, in a supervised setting to treat various mental health conditions. It would also allow for the cultivation, possession, personal use, and gifting of psychedelic medicine for adults aged 21 and older. Read this for an overview of the proposition’s key components.

Oregon Health Authority Publishes Psilocybin Draft Rules: License Types, Ownership Requirements, and Location Specifics

By Sally Kent Peebles
Sep 9, 2022

Oregon Health Authority published the remaining draft rules to implement 'Measure 109' – the Oregon voter initiative passed in November 2020 which directed the OHA to license and regulate psilocybin products and the provision of psilocybin services. Read more about psilocybin licensing rules.

Join VS at the Emergence Psychedelic Education Festival in Denver!

Sep 7, 2022

Don’t miss the Emergence Psychedelic Education Festival on October 1, 2022. The event will feature psychedelic practitioners and advocates, including VS’s Barine Majewska.

Psychedelic Law Summit Will Feature Josh Kappel on September 8th, 2022

Aug 10, 2022

Josh Kappel will be featured in a legalization and regulation panel at the Psychedelic Law Summit hosted by InsidePractice, "Legalization or Regulation: Pathways to Psychedelic Access"

Joshua Kappel Speaks on Microdosing, Psychedelics Policy and More for Into the Multiverse Podcast

Aug 8, 2022

VS founding partner Joshua Kappel was a featured guest on a panel hosted by Into The Multiverse Podcast to discuss the history and future of psychedelic microdosing.

Psychedelica Lex Interviews Joshua Kappel About Colorado’s Natural Medicine Health Act

Jul 22, 2022

Joshua Kappel was interviewed by Psychedelica Lex to discuss his advocacy for the Colorado Natural Medicine Health Act, a measure on the Fall ballot.

Natural Medicine Health Act — A Groundbreaking Ballot Measure for Access to Psychedelic Therapy

Jul 22, 2022

It's official! Coloradans will have the chance to vote on a historic ballot initiative this year to legalize possession of certain psychedelics, establish a therapeutic model for supervised psilocybin treatment and provide a pathway for record sealing for prior convictions.

Understanding the Current Legal Status of Psychedelics in the United States

By Charlie Alovisetti, Genevieve Meehan, Josh Kappel
May 27, 2022

Do commercial opportunities for entrepreneurs exist in psychedelics? We explore the current limited legal pathways and potential opportunities via proposed legislation and ballot initiatives in this article.

[Webinar] Psychedelics Policy in Colorado & Beyond

Jan 19, 2022

Watch this live session on Thursday, January 27 at 12 p.m. MT to explore the latest in local and national psychedelics policy, with a focus on initiatives in Colorado and Denver.

Vicente Sederberg LLP Entheogens Update: December 2021

Dec 13, 2021

Update on psychedelics-related legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy psychedelics news and events.

Financing Adaptogenic Mushroom Companies: Seven Basic Regulatory Points to Understand

By Charles Alovisetti, Joshua Kappel, Andrea Golan
Dec 2, 2021

As we wait for federal legalization and/or state-regulated psilocybin markets to emerge, what can a motivated entrepreneur interested in mycelium pursue?

What is the Process for Federal Psilocybin Registration?

By Shane Pennington
Oct 18, 2021

An introduction to the different registrations available for schedule I substances such as psilocybin and psilocin.

Psychedelics and Mental Health Therapy in Colorado: DORA and Potential Regulatory Response

By James Nechleba
Oct 6, 2021

How can mental health practitioners map the new territory of psychedelics use in mental health therapy and stay within Colorado law?

Barine Majewska Presents 'The Red Flags and Grey Areas in Psychedelic Practice' for CLE Companion

Sep 22, 2021

Barine Majewska presented an entheogen-focused CLE, The Red Flags and Grey Areas in Psychedelic Practice, which illuminates the top 10 issues that attorneys should consider when counseling clients in the psychedelic space.

What’s Next for Drug Policy Reform and Psychedelics in Colorado?

By Jonathan Cherkoss
Aug 30, 2021

Oregon voters passed two of the nation’s most sweeping drug policy reform measures in U.S. history in 2020, energizing grassroots organizers in Colorado and across the country. What's next for decriminalization and psychedelics reform in Colorado?

SXSW 2022 Panelpicker is Open! Vote for 'Psychedelics Ecosystem: Collaboration & Community'

Aug 13, 2021

Vote for the VS-led panel "Psychedelics Ecosystem: Collaboration & Community" to be included in SXSW 2022!

Psychedelics As Medicine: Right To Try Case Versus DEA

By Shane Pennington
Aug 9, 2021

In what could be a groundbreaking case for psychedelic medicine, VS counsel Shane Pennington is part of a team working on an exciting and very important Ninth Circuit challenge to the DEA's refusal to accommodate state and federal right to try laws.

A Call for Inclusivity and Humility in the Psychedelic Renaissance

By Barine Majewska
Aug 4, 2021

When we discuss inclusivity in the quickly emerging psychedelic industry, it is important to also acknowledge the inclusivity of different viewpoints about the administration of psychedelic medicine.

Barine Majewska to Participate in Psychedelic Club of Denver's 'Exploring Ways to End the Drug War' Forum

Jul 28, 2021

VS entheogens and emerging therapies attorney Barine Majewska, alongside other leaders in the psychedelic and drug policy space will explore political and policy avenues for ending the war on drugs in this upcoming forum.

Cannalaw Summit Will Feature Vicente Sederberg Attorneys

Apr 19, 2021

Christian Sederberg and Barine Majewska will speak on cannabis law and psychedelics during the Cannalaw Summit on May 6, 2021.

Celebrating 10 Years at the Leading Edge of Cannabis Law

By Vicente Sederberg LLP
Dec 1, 2020

For our 10th anniversary, we take a look back at VS's history of leadership in cannabis law, the marijuana and hemp industries, and drug policy reform.

Cannabis in the 2020 Election: Where Did We Win?

Nov 11, 2020

Josh Kappel and Charlie Alovisetti give a post-election update for investors in this CanopyBoulder Investor Hub event.

Courtney Barnes Discusses Decriminalize Nature Oakland's Proposed Ordinance for Entheogenic Substance Therapy

Aug 12, 2020

Watch this interview to learn more about the measure to allow Oakland residents to use entheogenic substances in community-based treatments and VS's involvement in drafting the proposed ordinance.

Josh Kappel Discusses Psilocybin Mushrooms on The Real Dirt with Chip Baker Podcast

May 27, 2020

VS partner Josh Kappel chatted about entheogens on The Real Dirt with Chip Baker.

Denver Becomes First City in the U.S. to Vote in Favor of Decriminalizing Psilocybin Mushrooms

May 22, 2019

Vicente Sederberg was proud to assist the initiative proponents in drafting a measure that can mitigate the harms being caused by current state laws that treat psilocybin possession as a felony offense.