Archive

[Webinar] Cannabis & Psychedelics On the 2024 Ballot

Oct 24, 2024

Campaign leaders and experts at Vicente LLP and Marijuana Policy Project discuss the details of various cannabis reform initiatives on the 2024 election ballot and potential opportunities in Florida, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and South Dakota's cannabis markets during this webinar. Plus, panelists provide an update on psychedelic reform in Massachusetts.

Colorado Psychedelics Program: Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin 14

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.

Colorado Psychedelics Update: Regulators Finalize Natural Medicine Program Rules

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.

Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin 13.5: The Birth of a Regulated Psychedelics Program

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.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin 13: Peaking in July (2024)

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.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin 12: May and June 2024

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.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin 11.5: Rule Review & Roadmap

By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Jun 13, 2024

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #11.5 features a deep dive into the current state of the program's rules. Facilitator training, licensing, and business regulations are all being actively established, with details on license types, qualifications, and operational requirements. The public is encouraged to participate in shaping these rules through written comments and hearings.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #11: March & April 2024

By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Apr 30, 2024

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #11 features summaries of the draft rules covering licensing and financial interests and general/operational rules, the stakeholder meeting feedback on those rules, and notes from the combined subcommittee meeting on April 12 and the full Natural Medicine Advisory Board meeting on April 19.

Colorado Natural Medicine Program Draft Rules Released And Public Hearing Scheduled

By Barine Majewska
Apr 24, 2024

DORA recently presented additional draft rules for Colorado’s regulated natural medicine market to the Natural Medicine Advisory Board, focused on facilitator conduct and relationships, administrative sessions, informed consent, record keeping and advertising. DORA will host a virtual public hearing on the new rules on April 26 and the Natural Medicine Division of the Department of Revenue will host a stakeholder meeting on Healing Center requirements on May 1. These are important opportunities to make your voices heard! Read this article for details on the rules and instructions for joining the meetings.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #10.1: Legislative Update

By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Apr 9, 2024

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #10.1 features Vicente LLP's review of SB 24-198, the first legislative update since the passing of SB23-290 in 2023, which implemented the NMHA.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #10: March 2024

By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Apr 6, 2024

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #10 focuses on updates from the recent meeting of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board, where draft rules for Facilitator licensing and training were discussed.

Vicente Attorneys Will Sponsor and Attend Bridging the Worlds Psychedelics Conference

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.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #9: February/March 2024

By Vicente LLP, Psychedelic Alpha
Mar 20, 2024

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #9 focuses on updates from the recent meeting of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board and listening sessions held by the Department of Revenue and the Department of Regulatory Agencies Stakeholder Engagement Meeting.

Colorado's Draft Natural Medicine Rules: Full Breakdown & Commentary

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.

New Year, New Rules: Updated Oregon Psilocybin Services Regulations Now in Effect

By Yolanda Clarke
Feb 27, 2024

Oregon's psilocybin program has updated its regulations, clarifying existing rules and addressing new areas like data reporting and facilitator training. Key changes involve distinguishing between mandatory anonymized data collection and optional personal information from clients, requiring state licensing or specific exemptions for facilitator training programs, and emphasizing nondirective facilitation with support resources instead of advice. Read this Insights post to learn more about the recent rule changes for psilocybin in Oregon.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #8.1: Recommendation Round-Up

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.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #8: January 2024

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

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #7: December 2023

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.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #6: November 2023

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Dec 13, 2023

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #6 focuses on updates from the recent subcommittee meetings and the full meeting of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board.

A Potential Breakthrough for Psychedelic Treatments: Ninth Circuit Court Ruling on Psilocybin Rescheduling

By Jason Adelstone
Dec 7, 2023

On October 27, 2023, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, in Aggarwal v. DEA, held that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) must reconsider its denial of a petition to transfer psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms” from Schedule I to Schedule II. Read this Insights post for more information about the Ninth Circuit Court’s order to reschedule psilocybin.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #5: October 2023

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Nov 14, 2023

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #5 focuses on updates from the October subcommittee meetings and the full meeting of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board.

Colorado Psychedelics Implementation Update: DOR Natural Medicine Division Listening Sessions - Part 1

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Oct 24, 2023

As part of the pre-rulemaking process, the Colorado Department of Revenue's Natural Medicine Division began holding public “Listening Sessions” with the goal of gathering information from the public at large. The October sessions consisted of five, one-hour, online meetings focused on specific topics announced in advance. Read this article for a summary of the first five sessions.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #4: September 2023

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Oct 17, 2023

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #4 focuses on updates from the September subcommittee meetings and the full meeting of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #3: August 2023

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Sep 7, 2023

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #3 focuses on updates from the August subcommittee meetings and the full meeting of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board. In addition, the Department of Revenue will hold NMHA listening sessions throughout September.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #2: July 2023

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Aug 14, 2023

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #2 focuses on updates from the July subcommittee meetings and full meeting of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board.

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletin #1: Background

By Joshua Kappel, Jeff Fitzgerald, Psychedelic Alpha
Aug 14, 2023

Colorado Natural Medicine Advisory Bulletins provide updates on the implementation of Colorado's legal psychedelics program, the Natural Medicine Health Act. Bulletin #1 focuses on the Natural Medicine Advisory Board: What is the board, how does the board work, what subcommittees exist, what have they done so far, and what's next?

City of West Hollywood Community Educational Forum on Psilocybin Features Psychedelics Attorney Joshua Kappel

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.

Join Vicente LLP at Psychedelic Science 2023 in Denver

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!

Legal Guide to Decriminalized Natural Medicine in Colorado

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.

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.

Buying a Ketamine Clinic: Why, How, and Risks to Understand

May 11, 2023

With ketamine being the only approved psychedelic drug for medical use, ketamine clinics offer a unique opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs looking to enter the expanding market of innovative mental health therapies. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the growing demand for ketamine clinics and the unique regulatory considerations involved in transactions involving these businesses.

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.    

[Webinar] Equitable Access & Psychedelics

Apr 13, 2023

Making psychedelic-assisted therapy and training opportunities accessible to historically and systematically oppressed populations is essential to creating a more equitable healthcare model. But how can this be achieved? Watch this webinar for a discussion on equity and psychedelics with professionals from Alchemy Community Therapy Center.

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.

[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.

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.

[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.

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.

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.