Secure a Licence to Practice Natural Medicine- Colorado’s New Division
From caring for customers to public education campaigns to issuing various regulations, Colorado’s new Medical Natural Medicine Division is tasked with a range of responsibilities and making sure that patient safety regulations are up to standard. Shannon Gray, the Communications Supervisor of the Division, recently sent out an email with the job description, with the salary range lying between $87,000 and $113,000. The Division also received $530,000 as general funding for the next fiscal year.

From Licence Costs to Data Collection- Details of the New Division
The exact cost of the licence put forward by the Division hasn’t been determined yet, but they are considering $2,000 annually per facility. The Division has also stipulated that the “Facilitators” serving customers will be required to acquire a Division-issued license for as much as $3,000 per person. A license to providing counseling or social work is not compulsory as of yet, according to Dominique Mendiola, leading the project.

The Listening Sessions- Understanding the Implications of the New Division
To gain an understanding of the concerns of people from all around the state that the regulations would affect, the Division decided to hold virtual listening sessions. Through the meetings they learned the importance of radio advertisement and classified ads in rural communities with low internet accessibility. These sessions took place every week, discussing topics related to first and multi-responder training, public education campaigns and cultivating practices.

Everything You Need to Know About Licensing and Regulations
The Division will be responsible for the regulation and licensing of the cultivation, manufacture, transportation and testing of medicines. It will also be keeping a close watch on the license of healing centers offering natural medicine for individuals aged 21 and above. The responsibilities also include data collection, promotion and training. Additionally, through the website that is to be created, they plan on providing public education materials as well as training materials for law enforcement and EMS.

Comparing Natural Medicine Laws State-wise
Oregon is the only state so far that has a similar office that only oversees the regulation and licensing of psilocybin only. However, Colorado’s Division could oversee the licensing and regulation of plants like psilocin, Ibogaine, mescaline and DMT as well. The plan is to start issuing the licenses from December 2024.

Conclusion
The new Natural Medicine Division in Colorado brings with a set of new regulations and responsibilities related to the cultivation, manufacture, transportation, and testing of natural medicines. With $530,000 being allotted as general funding to get the division running, it expects to start issuing licenses in December 2024.