‘Healing centers’ promise to be a safe way to ‘fly’ when consuming psychedelic mushrooms

Whether Colorado regulators even thought about Joe Emerson isn’t known. Emerson is the Alaska Airlines pilot who took psychedelic mushrooms, had a friend drive him to the airport, and took a jump seat on a flight to San Francisco last October. But Emerson did not stop there.  When airborne, he moved into the cockpit to pull levers to shut down the engines, a move that could have taken the lives of all 83 on board.

Nevertheless, regulators from Colorado’s Department of Revenue have finalized the regulations surrounding so-called psychedelic-assistant therapy to begin in 2025. Colorado is joining Oregon in the legalization after voters approved it in 2022.

The new regulations establish Colorado’s psychedelics industry by growing mushrooms, operating a therapy center, or manufacturing psilocybin edibles now with guidance on how to do all of the above legally.

 Licensing processes for psilocybin mushroom growers, manufacturers, and drug testing labs are included, as well as so-called “healing centers” where psychedelic-assisted therapy will take place. 

Depression and end-of-life distress are among the promised treatments.

The rules spell out permitted and prohibited actions at each of the businesses, offer strict guidance on waste disposal, define drug serving sizes and product labeling requirements, and set penalties for individuals caught breaking the laws, among other things.

Another unit,  the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, did set out regulations for people who supervise individuals under the influence of a psychedelic experience. It’s unclear what happens if someone under supervision but on psychedelic mushrooms attempts something like taking down an airplane.

Emerson, who was restrained by the Alaska crew, on the ground faced 83 counts of attempted murder, but prosecutors backed off those charges. Instead, they are going with 83 counts of reckless endangerment. It remains to be seen if there is a plea agreement or trial later this year.

When all this occurred, it is believed that Emerson was experiencing hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder, which is caused by someone taking psychedelic mushrooms.

The bottom line for the new regulations is that it’s now legal in Colorado for people 21 and older to possess, share, and use magic mushrooms, including psilocybin, psilocin, DMT, ibogaine, and mescaline not extracted from peyote.

People 21 and older may also grow psychedelic mushrooms in a private residence as long as people under 21 are kept away from them.

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