New Colorado Mushroom Law Could see Prior Records Cleared

Much like the state's legalization of marijuana, Colorado has seen some recent changes take place following the decriminalization of psychedelics, including a recently-signed bill that imposes restrictions but may also help those with prior convictions see them cleared from their criminal records.

Colorado's Governor Signs New Psychedelics Bill

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On Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 23-290, a bill that will further regulate the decriminalization of some psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin or psychedelic mushrooms.

The bill was introduced by Senate President Stephen Fenberg and was amended 14 times before being signed into law by Governor Polis.

SB 23-290 will take effect on July 7, 2023, and has seen opposition from supporters of full legalization of psychedelic drugs due to restrictions placed on cultivation, sale, and use of psychedelics, but one aspect of it has gained praise from these same people.

Colorado's New Psychedelic Bill May Affect Criminal Records

While most of the aspects of the recently-signed bill deal with restrictions on psychedelics, one subject covered appears to address the question regarding the criminal records of Coloradans who were once convicted of something that will now be legal.

It would appear that beginning July 1st, the records of arrests and convictions regarding possession and consumption of certain psychedelics may be eligible to be cleared, according to the new bill.

In essence, if a crime involving certain psychedelic drugs that was committed in Colorado in the past would be considered legal today, that crime may be eligible to be expunged from a Coloradan's criminal record. 

Of course, Colorado's journey of legalization of certain psychedelics is in its infancy following the passage of Proposition 122 back in November, and now Senate Bill 23-290, but there's no doubt that we are currently witnessing history unfold.