How Proposition 122 Works

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does the research say about natural medicine?

  Pioneering research from leading medical research institutions such as Johns Hopkins, UCLA, and NYU finds that some psychedelic therapies can be twice as effective as antidepressant medications in treating depression and anxiety. The FDA has designated psilocybin, a natural psychedelic medicine, a “breakthrough therapy” for treating depression – meaning it may demonstrate substantial improvement over what’s currently available.

  To read the latest, visit our news and research page.

• How do psychedelic therapies work?

  Psychedelic therapies work differently than other mental health pharmaceuticals, which need to be taken daily and often come with adverse side effects. In contrast, psychedelic therapies are administered only once or twice a year. Under Proposition 122, adults 21+ would be able to access natural medicines under the guidance of a licensed facilitator.

• Who will Proposition 122 help?

  Studies show that natural medicines can help veterans struggling with PTSD, patients dealing with a terminal illness, and people experiencing depression and anxiety — offering healing and hope where other treatments have failed. Proposition 122 would create access to these medicines for any adult 21+.

• How will Proposition 122 work?

  Initially, Proposition 122 will create regulated therapeutic access to psilocybin, a compound derived from mushrooms that the FDA recently designated a “breakthrough therapy” for treating depression – meaning it may demonstrate substantial improvement over what’s currently available.

  Beginning in June 2026, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies could expand the policy change to include three other natural medicines – dimethyltryptamine, ibogaine, and mescaline (excluding peyote) – all of which demonstrate unique healing and therapeutic properties. This two-tiered approach is designed to allow time to develop appropriate safety and regulatory structures for psilocybin as well as any further natural medicines – pending recommendations from the Natural Medicine Advisory Board established in the measure.

• Would Proposition 122 allow for the sale of Natural Medicines for recreational use?

  No, Proposition 122 establishes a therapeutic program for supervised use of natural medicines by licensed facilitators and removes criminal penalties for personal, spiritual, and healing purposes. It does not establish a commercial market or allow for the recreational sale of natural medicines.

• How would Coloradans be able to access natural medicine?

  Proposition 122 would create a state-regulated therapeutic system for safe, facilitated access to natural psychedelic medicine. Under Proposition 122, adults 21 and older could access psychedelic medicines that show promise in treating mental health conditions while under the guidance of a trained facilitator at designated and licensed healing centers, approved health-care facilities like palliative care, and in the comfort and safety of their own home.

• Would Proposition 122 change criminalization of Natural Medicine?

  Nobody should face prosecution for trying to heal. Proposition 122 ends criminal prosecution simply for the personal use and possession of these natural medicines. Individuals with a criminal record related to natural medicines would be able to petition the courts to seal their record at no cost to them.

• When will Coloradans be able to vote on Proposition 122?

  Coloradans will be able to vote on Proposition 122 on November 8, 2022. You can find more information about voting at rockymountainvoterguide.com.

• Can I read Proposition 122?

  Yes! The full text of Proposition 122 is here.

• What is the connection of natural medicines to Indigenous cultures?

  Natural medicines have been used responsibly with reverence and intention by cultures all over the world for thousands of years for personal healing, ceremony, and religious purposes. Today they remain integral to the health and vitality of many societies. Natural Medicines  are considered sacred for their ability to offer emotional and physical relief, create bonds within and between societies, share knowledge and offer insight.