Colorado Governor Pardons Psilocybin Offenses: What This Means for the Future of Psychedelic Justice
In a bold move that marks a turning point in Colorado’s evolving psychedelic policy, Governor Jared Polis has officially pardoned all state-level convictions related to psilocybin and psilocin possession. This announcement came during his speech at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference in Denver, where he signed the executive order live on stage—cementing Colorado’s role as a national leader in the emerging world of natural medicine reform.
But beyond the headlines, what does this mean for those previously convicted? And how does it affect the future of psychedelics in Colorado and beyond?
Let’s unpack it.
A First-of-Its-Kind Psilocybin Pardon
Governor Polis’s executive order grants full, unconditional pardons to individuals previously convicted under state law for possession of psilocybin or psilocin—the active compounds found in psychedelic mushrooms. These are the same substances that were decriminalized statewide when voters passed Proposition 122 back in 2022.
To be eligible, individuals had to be 21 years or older at the time of the offense—the same age threshold set by Prop 122 for legal use. If you meet that criteria and your conviction was under state jurisdiction, you’re now officially pardoned. No paperwork. No court date. No red tape.
Governor Polis noted during the announcement that only a handful of state-level convictions were identified (just four, in fact), but emphasized that this action is symbolic of a much larger shift in how Colorado handles psilocybin-related justice.
A Long Time Coming: The Journey from Decriminalization to Pardons
Colorado has been on the cutting edge of psychedelic reform for years. After legalizing cannabis and establishing one of the most mature adult-use markets in the country, the state made headlines again when Prop 122 passed in 2022. That landmark measure not only decriminalized the personal possession and cultivation of entheogens like psilocybin, but also laid the groundwork for licensed natural medicine healing centers—facilities where trained facilitators can legally guide people through psychedelic experiences.
But while legalization changes the law going forward, it doesn’t erase the past. That’s where these new pardons come in.
By issuing this executive order, Polis effectively aligns Colorado’s criminal justice system with its current psychedelic policy. He also encouraged municipal governments and local jurisdictions to follow suit, since many psilocybin-related charges were handled locally, not at the state level.
Why This Matters
For many people, a criminal conviction—even for something as simple as possessing a small amount of mushrooms—can cause long-lasting harm. It can limit job prospects, affect housing applications, and restrict access to education or professional licenses. Even after a law changes, the stigma and collateral consequences of a criminal record linger.
That’s why this pardon is so important.
It’s not just symbolic. It’s restorative.
This is a recognition that people shouldn’t continue to suffer for actions that are no longer considered crimes. It’s also a major step toward equity in the emerging psychedelic industry. If Colorado is going to build a legal system around psychedelic therapy, it makes sense to first clear the records of those punished under outdated laws.
What If You Have a Psilocybin Conviction?
If your charge was handled by the state, and you were 21 or older at the time of the offense, your pardon is automatic. You don’t need to do anything.
However, if your conviction was from a local or municipal court, it’s not included in this order. That’s where things get a little murkier.
Governor Polis has made it clear that he’s urging cities and counties to implement their own clemency programs. In the meantime, individuals with convictions outside of state jurisdiction can apply for a pardon through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
It’s not ideal—but it’s a start.
More Than Just a Pardon: Colorado’s Larger Psychedelic Vision
The governor’s announcement wasn’t just about cleaning up old records. It’s part of a broader push to integrate psilocybin into Colorado’s legal and medical infrastructure.
Just before the mass pardon, Polis signed Senate Bill 25-297 into law. This legislation gives the governor authority to grant psychedelic-related pardons, but it also does much more:
- It strengthens oversight for Colorado’s natural medicine healing centers
- It mandates better data collection on enforcement and outcomes
- And it loosens certain requirements that were preventing facilitators from participating in the legal system
Essentially, this is Colorado doubling down on its investment in a regulated, safe, and equitable psychedelic industry.
Polis also called on federal agencies—like the FDA—to approve therapeutic use of psilocybin analogues and push for insurance coverage. He emphasized that while decriminalization is critical, access to healing shouldn’t depend on wealth or privilege.
Public Response & What Comes Next
The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Organizations like the Last Prisoner Project and Students for Sensible Drug Policy have praised Polis for taking action. Colorado is now being viewed as a national model for how states can begin to reconcile the past while building a future-oriented psychedelic policy.
That said, there are valid criticisms.
Some argue that the order doesn’t go far enough. With only four convictions affected directly, the practical impact of the pardon might seem small. Others point out that local governments may drag their feet, leaving many people with convictions in legal limbo unless they actively pursue clemency.
Still, the precedent is powerful.
By issuing these pardons, Colorado has set the tone for other states exploring their own psychedelic laws. As more jurisdictions look at decriminalization or therapeutic legalization, expect to see growing pressure to include retroactive justice as part of the package.
Final Thoughts: Justice That Grows with Policy
Colorado’s move to pardon psilocybin offenses isn’t just a legal maneuver—it’s a cultural signal.
It tells us that progress doesn’t just mean new business opportunities or flashy legislation. It means acknowledging the harm done to people in the past. It means clearing paths for those who were punished under laws that no longer reflect our values.
If Colorado can lead on cannabis and psychedelics, it can also lead on justice.
And maybe, just maybe, other states will follow suit.
If you or someone you know has a prior psilocybin conviction, visit the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s website to learn more about record sealing or petitioning for a pardon.
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