Mar 24, 2025
Vicente founding partner Joshua Kappel is slated to speak during NoCo Hemp Expo 2025 in a panel about the current landscape for psilocybin therapy. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with multiple members of our team in Estes Park during the event. If you’ll be attending, be sure to reach out—we’d love to connect!
Mar 7, 2025
Vicente partner Joshua Kappel joined Healing Advocacy Fund and the National Psychedelics Association during the “Nuts & Bolts: Colorado Natural Medicine Business Webinar,” which provided insights for business license applicants navigating Colorado’s regulated natural medicine program, including regulatory requirements, business structuring, and legal considerations. Watch the replay!
By Juliana Todeschi, Joshua Kappel
Mar 4, 2025
Colorado’s Natural Medicine Division has finalized its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements for Natural Medicine Business licensing. These guidelines help applicants create plans that promote sustainability, social impact, and ethical governance. Notably, the rules emphasize honoring Indigenous communities and ensuring transparency in business operations.
Feb 21, 2025
Vicente LLP is proud to announce that founding partner Joshua Kappel has been recognized as a 2025 Lawyer of the Year by Law Week Colorado. This honor highlights his outstanding leadership in cannabis and psychedelics law, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping policy such as Colorado’s Natural Medicine Health Act and Amendment 64, advocating for drug reform nationwide, and guiding businesses in these evolving sectors.
Feb 19, 2025
Watch this recorded session, where members of Vicente’s Psychedelics & Emerging Therapies team provide an overview of Colorado’s Natural Medicine program and answer attendee questions related to starting a natural medicine business, facilitator license requirements, manufacturing, healing centers, personal use provisions, property zoning, advertising restrictions and more.
By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Jan 8, 2025
Colorado's Natural Medicine Program has officially opened applications for facilitators and businesses. Prospective licensing applicants can access licensing guides and FAQs published by the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), which include operational guidelines for businesses interested in the cultivation, manufacturing, and testing of natural medicine products and more. In this Bulletin, we examine the remaining open questions for the program, as well as several ongoing controversies, the most significant being the questions of at-home facilitation and microdosing.
Dec 18, 2024
Join Vicente LLP and Healing Advocacy Fund in a pre-recorded session for an opportunity to hear how Colorado’s Natural Medicine Program rules have come together. We will also discuss business structures and licensing, followed by a Q&A session with leading psychedelic policy experts.
Nov 8, 2024
On November 13, Vicente founding partner Joshua Kappel will provide training for DU Law students on how to get involved with local and state drug policy during a two-part educational series hosted by Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP).
Oct 30, 2024
Join Vicente founding partner Joshua Kappel on November 8 for the 2024 Colorado Psychological Association’s Fall Symposium on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. Joshua will discuss the process required to access psilocybin therapy in Colorado, the qualifications and training requirements to become a licensed facilitator, and more during his session. Register now!
By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Oct 24, 2024
Having completed the initial rulemaking push in July, Colorado regulators are putting the finishing touches on the state’s regulated Natural Medicine program by fine-tuning rules and setting fees. Since Bulletin 13, The Department of Revenue’s Natural Medicine Division released proposed fees for Natural Medicine Businesses. The Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Office of Natural Medicine Licensure recently published proposed revisions to rules related to facilitator licensing and training. Simultaneously, the Natural Medicine Advisory Board, its subcommittees, and the Federally Recognized American Tribes and Indigenous Community Working Group continue to grapple with remaining issues, old and new. In this Bulletin, we first look at big-picture questions such as fees and rule changes. Then, we’ll look at what each group has been working on since the last update.
Oct 7, 2024
Vicente founding partner Josh Kappel discusses his extensive work in psychedelic policy reform, Colorado’s Natural Medicine Program and his predictions about the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy across the United States on Third Wave’s “The Psychedelic Podcast.” Listen now!
Aug 28, 2024
Join Vicente founding partner Joshua Kappel and Healing Advocacy Fund director Natasia Poinsatte for a reMind webinar on September 10 to learn about Colorado’s final rules for its psychedelic therapy program. Register now!
Aug 28, 2024
Vicente founding partner Joshua Kappel will discuss opportunities for providers and patients in Colorado’s state-regulated psychedelic therapies program during The 2024 Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council conference on September 25. Register now!
By Joshua Kappel, Barine Majewska
Aug 23, 2024
Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies and Department of Revenue have finalized rules for facilitator licensing and business operations under the Natural Medicine program, which launches January 1. Read on for the latest update on the rules, local government restrictions and proposed licensing and application fees.
By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Aug 21, 2024
Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. As the first round of rulemaking for Colorado’s regulated Natural Medicine program comes to a close, Vicente LLP and Psychedelic Alpha provide an overview of the first set of final rules which give a good picture of how the state will regulate facilitators, their training programs, and other Natural Medicine Businesses.
By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Aug 21, 2024
Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. The Natural Medicine Advisory Board (“NMAB”), as well as the Federally Recognized Tribes and Indigenous Community Working Group, are continuing to develop recommendations. The Department of Revenue (“DOR”) has concluded its initial rulemaking, having released a final set of consolidated draft rules and held final public comment.
Aug 15, 2024
Vicente LLP is pleased to announce that 15 of its attorneys were once again recognized in the 2025 edition of the Best Lawyers® awards. Eight attorneys earned spots on The Best Lawyers in America® list, while seven were included in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.
By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Jul 11, 2024
Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. After months of meetings and revisions, regulations are close to completion. The rules cover licensing and conduct for facilitators and businesses that cultivate, manufacture or sell natural medicine products. Public comment on the proposed rules ends soon, with upcoming meetings for those interested in learning more and providing feedback.
By Joshua Kappel, Barine Majewska, Jeff Fitzgerald
Jul 3, 2024
Facilitator Training Program applications are the first available under Colorado's new Natural Medicine Health program. Learn about the application process in this Vicente Insights article.
May 23, 2024
Watch this session hosted by Vicente’s Psychedelics & Emerging Therapies team. We dive into the rules and discuss what you need to know to be prepared to participate in Colorado's Natural Medicine program launching on January 1, 2025!
May 14, 2024
Join Vicente LLP attorneys at the 2024 Aspen Psychedelic Symposium for a weekend of panels, groundbreaking research, and firsthand insights into the transformative world of psychedelic medicines. This two-day gathering, sponsored by Vicente, will take place in Aspen, Colorado, from May 31 to June 1. Register now!
Apr 22, 2024
Curious about microdosing psychedelics? Join Vicente LLP psychedelics attorney Joshua Kappel on April 25 at NeueHouse in New York City for a night filled with education, resources, and legality around microdosing. RSVP now!
Apr 5, 2024
Vicente LLP founding partner Joshua Kappel and counsel Barine Majewska will be at the upcoming “Cultivating Roots for Cultural Change: the Bay Area’s Annual Spring Conference on Plant Medicines & Psychedelic Science.” Hosted by Chacruna, the event will take place on April 27 and 28, 2024, at the historical Brava Theater Center in San Francisco, California.
Apr 5, 2024
On April 18, 2024, Vicente LLP attorneys Joshua Kappel and Barine Majewska will attend the “Bridging the Worlds: The Confluence of Indigenous Wisdom and Psychedelic Science” conference at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO. Vicente is a sponsor of the event, which will explore the future of psychedelic research in the context of its historical and cultural significance.
By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Mar 5, 2024
Vicente LLP provides a full breakdown of the first set of draft rules regarding Colorado's regulated psychedelics program. The thirty-nine pages of draft rules cover facilitator licensing and training programs, representing months of work by the Natural Medicine Advisory Board and state regulators.
By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Feb 27, 2024
Vicente LLP shares a high-level overview of the first draft rules for Colorado's regulated natural medicine market. These draft rules focus on facilitator qualifications, education requirements, and training programs.
Feb 21, 2024
RSVP to attend our private event and fundraiser during SXSW in Austin, co-hosted with Grasslands: A Journalism-Minded Agency.
By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Feb 15, 2024
Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #8.1 gives context to the 123 recommendations which will form the basis of the regulated nature medicine program approved by Colorado voters in November 2022.
By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Feb 14, 2024
Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #8 focuses on updates on the NMAB's initial set of recommendations for the state’s regulated natural medicine program
By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Jan 18, 2024
Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #7 focuses on updates from the recent subcommittee meetings.
Nov 29, 2023
Vicente LLP psychedelics attorneys Joshua Kappel and Shawn Hauser were selected to speak on panels focused on functional alcohol substitutes and psilocybin medicine during the Psychedelics Track at SXSW in March 2024.
Oct 26, 2023
Vicente LLP founding partner Joshua Kappel will discuss the new age of psychedelics and how natural medicines can help entrepreneurs at the prestigious Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala on November 1.
Oct 2, 2023
Joshua Kappel is a featured speaker at the Psychedelic Missouri Freedom Conference, which will be held on October 21. His panel discussion, “Decriminalizing & Commercializing Psychedelics,” will also feature Andreas Met of Satya Therapeutics and Saint Louis University adjunct professor Charlotte Jones.
Aug 29, 2023
What are the latest updates on Natural Medicines in Colorado? What are the opportunities for entering Colorado’s psychedelic ecosystem? Attend Joshua Kappel and Yolanda Clarke’s sessions at PsyCon Denver on September 29 to find out the answers to these questions. Register now!
Aug 9, 2023
SXSW 2024 Panel Picker is open for voting! Vicente LLP founding partner Joshua Kappel, along with other esteemed professionals, proposed a highly engaging panel titled, “The Bar’s New Top Shelf: Elevation Over Inebriation,” which focuses on functional alcohol substitutes such as Kanna, Kava, Psilocybin, Kratom, and other compounds. Vote today!
Jul 12, 2023
Learn about and support psychedelic policy by attending a community educational forum on psilocybin, featuring Vicente LLP founding partner Joshua Kappel, at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers on July 25, 2023. The educational forum will explore the full spectrum of psilocybin-related topics, including a discussion of past and current legislation aimed at decriminalizing psilocybin mushrooms and other hallucinogenic substances.
Jun 7, 2023
The largest psychedelic gathering in history is coming to Denver June 19-23 and Vicente LLP is ecstatic to sponsor the conference and welcome the global psychedelic community to our hometown. Let’s connect at the conference and the many networking events that week!
May 29, 2023
Colorado is the first state to decriminalize natural psychedelics for personal and communal use. This guide contains information on personal use, civil protections, and Colorado's regulated natural medicine access program. Natural psychedelics remain illegal under federal law. Please be conscientious and know the laws.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apr 4, 2023
Vicente attorneys Joshua Kappel and Jennifer Cabrera are participating in Trailblazers’ highly anticipated second annual event in New York City on April 24-25!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Nov 10, 2022
VS unpacks the cannabis- and psychedelics-related results of the 2022 election and discusses the implications of President Biden’s recent Executive Scheduling reform.
Nov 8, 2022
We're excited to announce that Vicente Sederberg LLP was ranked in U.S. News – Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" 2023 Edition! VS is ranked nationally for Land Use & Zoning Law and regionally for Corporate Law in Colorado and Land Use & Zoning Law in Massachusetts.
Nov 7, 2022
Amendment 64 made history in 2012. Leaders of Vicente Sederberg and its consulting affiliate, VS Strategies, played key roles in drafting, passing, and implementing the historic ballot initiative.
Nov 4, 2022
Josh Kappel recently discussed everything related to Proposition 122: The Natural Medicine Health Act with Higher Practice Podcast. Listen now!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Aug 19, 2022
VS is pleased to announce that 14 attorneys from national cannabis law firm Vicente Sederberg LLP (VS) were recognized this week by Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession.
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"
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apr 19, 2022
The feature recounts the closely intertwined origins and growth of Vicente Sederberg and the legal cannabis market in Colorado and 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.
Dec 13, 2021
Update on psychedelics-related legislation and rulemaking, regulatory changes, and other noteworthy psychedelics news and events.
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?
By Vicente Sederberg LLP
Dec 22, 2020
Ten events from the past decade that established Colorado as a global leader on marijuana and hemp policy.
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.
Nov 11, 2020
Josh Kappel and Charlie Alovisetti give a post-election update for investors in this CanopyBoulder Investor Hub event.
May 27, 2020
VS partner Josh Kappel chatted about entheogens on The Real Dirt with Chip Baker.
Apr 28, 2020
VS founding partner Josh Kappel recently discussed cannabis business eligibility for CARES Act programs with Marijuana Business Daily
Apr 2, 2020
Josh Kappel discusses COVID-19 stimulus packages and the impact on the cannabis industry in this CanopyBoulder Investor Hub event.
Apr 1, 2020
Watch this interactive discussion with the nation’s leading employment and cannabis industry law firms, Littler Mendelson and Vicente Sederberg, about the known and possible employment-related legal issues arising from COVID-19’s threat and uncertainty.
Mar 27, 2020
Watch the replay of this timely discussion on coronavirus (COVID-19) regulatory updates affecting the cannabis industry.
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.