{"id":9628,"date":"2023-04-12T12:08:35","date_gmt":"2023-04-12T12:08:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/?p=5614295"},"modified":"2023-04-12T12:08:35","modified_gmt":"2023-04-12T12:08:35","slug":"colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting\/","title":{"rendered":"Colorado\u2019s psychedelic journey begins this week with first advisory board meeting"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"wp_fb_like_button\" style=\"margin:5px 0 5px 5px;float:right;height:100px;\"><script src=\"http:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/all.js#xfbml=1\"><\/script><fb:like href=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting\/\" send=\"true\" layout=\"standard\" width=\"450\" show_faces=\"false\" font=\"arial\" action=\"like\" colorscheme=\"light\"><\/fb:like><\/div><div class=\"media_block\"><\/div>\n<p>On April 13, the 15 people who will advise Colorado regulators on the rollout of legal psychedelics will meet and speak in public for the first time since they were appointed by Gov. Jared Polis.<\/p>\n<p>The members of the Natural Medicine Advisory Board will play a significant role in how the state\u2019s psilocybin-assisted therapy industry takes shape, offering recommendations to the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) as it writes rules to govern the manufacturing, testing and application of psilocybin and psilocin \u2014 two psychoactive compounds in \u201cmagic mushrooms.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside class=\"related right\"> <\/aside>\n<p>The board is due to make its first set of recommendations by Sept. 30, 2023, and DORA is expected to adopt rules and begin accepting license applications by Sept. 30, 2024. Regulations regarding facilitator training and qualification criteria will be adopted early, by Jan. 1, 2024, so that individuals seeking licensure can complete the necessary training programs and apply by the aforementioned date.<\/p>\n<p>In January, The Denver Post attempted to interview all 15 members of the board, but seven declined to be interviewed, referring all questions to DORA; two couldn\u2019t be reached and the others didn\u2019t respond. In addition, the governor\u2019s office refused to make appointees available prior to their confirmation by the Colorado Senate on March 17, citing the need \u201cto ensure the integrity\u201d the board. Now that they are confirmed, the appointees are also subject to DORA\u2019s code of ethics, which states that they can\u2019t discuss board business outside of board meetings, including with the media, said an agency spokesperson.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5619093\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter size-article_inline\"><img class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting.jpg\" alt=\"Psilocybin facilitator students sit with eye masks on while listening to music during an experiential activity at a training session near Damascus, Ore., on Dec. 2, 2022. They are being trained in how to accompany patients tripping on psilocybin as Oregon prepares to become the first state in America to offer controlled use of the psychedelic mushroom to the public. (AP Photo\/Andrew Selsky)\" width=\"3617\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting.jpg 620w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/TDP-Z-AP22355817240301.jpg?fit=780%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 780w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/TDP-Z-AP22355817240301.jpg?fit=810%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 810w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/TDP-Z-AP22355817240301.jpg?fit=1280%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 1280w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/TDP-Z-AP22355817240301.jpg?fit=1860%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 1860w\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Psilocybin facilitator students sit with eye masks on while listening to music during an experiential activity at a training session near Damascus, Ore., on Dec. 2, 2022. They are being trained in how to accompany patients tripping on psilocybin as Oregon prepares to become the first state in America to offer controlled use of the psychedelic mushroom to the public. (AP Photo\/Andrew Selsky)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Since their background, knowledge and input will be substantial, however, the Post, through a Colorado Open Records Act request, procured the Natural Medicine Advisory Board members\u2019 resumes and applications to learn more about the individuals. (To see detailed information about each member\u2019s background and interest in psychedelics, scroll to the bottom of this story.)<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re confident in the professionalism and commitment of the board and will take their recommendations seriously,\u201d said DORA spokesperson Katie O\u2019Donnell.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5619084\" class=\"wp-caption alignright size-article_inline_half\"><img class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-1.jpg\" alt=\"Wendy Buxton-Andrade is a Prowers County Commissioner. Gov. Jared Polis also appointed her to the Natural Medicine Advisory Board, which will help craft regulations for Colorado's new psychedelics industry, through Jan. 31, 2025. (Courtesy of Prower County Government)\" width=\"471\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-1.jpg 620w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/TDP-Z-naturalmedicineboard-01.jpg?fit=310%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 310w\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wendy Buxton-Andrade is a Prowers County Commissioner. (Courtesy of Prowers County Government)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The board is comprised of seven men, seven women and one person who identifies as nonbinary. Eight individuals identify as Caucasian, two as Hispanic, one as Native American and one as African-American. Three members have two or more ethnic identities.<\/p>\n<p>Politically, the board leans left with nine Democrats, two Republicans and one Libertarian. Three are politically unaffiliated. All are volunteers in this capacity and are not being compensated for\u00a0their roles on the board.<\/p>\n<p>Most members of the board have some experience working in healthcare, whether as practicing therapists, researchers, emergency medical professionals, owners or operators of mental health facilities and organizations, and advocates in insurance and policy. Members Sofia Chavez and Clarissa Pinkola Est\u00e9s, specifically, are purveyors of indigenous healing practices.<\/p>\n<p>Several, including former Aspen City Councilman Skippy Uptown Mesirow and Billy Wynne of Wynne Health Group, expressed enthusiasm in their applications about psychedelics\u2019 potential, citing their firsthand experiences, while others cautioned about legalization\u2019s broader implications.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI do worry (that) adolescents will normalize the use of psychedelics with this proposition being passed,\u201d wrote Wendy Buxton-Andrade, a Prowers County commissioner, in her application. \u201cAs elected officials, we need to make sure that we regulate natural medicine, just as we do pharmaceuticals, because they can be equally dangerous to our communities and most importantly to our (constituents).\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The board is expected to explore topics such as the necessary training, educational criteria and qualifications for psychedelics facilitators; equitable and ethical avenues for access to psilocybin services; pubic health messaging regarding the use, effects and risks of psilocybin; standards for product safety and harm reduction; and whether this type of treatment should be covered by insurance, among other subjects. The board will publish an annual report describing its activities and recommendations, the measure states.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/2022\/12\/04\/legal-psilocybin-therapy-oregon-colorado-regulations\/\">Colorado follows only Oregon in legalizing psilocybin<\/a>, which is still a Schedule I substance according to federal law. Oregon also developed an advisory board to work with its health regulators, who followed most of the board\u2019s advice, said Angela Allbee, manager of Oregon Psilocybin Services Section.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oregon.gov\/oha\/PH\/PREVENTIONWELLNESS\/Documents\/Letter-to-OPAB-9-19-22.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Some recommendations were tweaked or changed<\/a> based on feedback provided in public hearings and comment periods. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oregon.gov\/oha\/PH\/PREVENTIONWELLNESS\/Documents\/Letter-to-OPAB-1-14-2022.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Others were nixed<\/a> because they fell outside the purview of rulemaking or were deemed too labor-intensive for the Oregon Health Authority.<\/p>\n<p>In accordance with the Sunshine Law, the Natural Medicine Advisory Board\u2019s meetings will be open to the public; <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1iE5J3kK51jbx_Y-zDbTpJtQtcAC1x4M1\/view\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the first is Thursday, April 13 from 1 to 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what we learned about each member\u2019s background and interest in psychedelics from our CORA request.<\/p>\n<h4>Ricardo Baca<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5616099\" class=\"wp-caption alignright size-article_inline_half\"><img class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-2.jpg\" alt=\"Ricardo Baca, former editor of The Cannabist. (Photo by Cyrus McCrimmon\/Denver Post file)\" width=\"1000\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-2.jpg 620w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/CannabistStaff-__CHM4287.jpg?fit=310%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 310w\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ricardo Baca, former cannabis editor of The Denver Post. (Photo by Cyrus McCrimmon\/Denver Post file)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2027<\/p>\n<p>Ricardo Baca is the founder and CEO of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mygrasslands.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Grasslands<\/a>, a public relations agency that represents cannabis businesses. He also sits on the boards at Colorado Public Radio and the Society for Psychedelic Outreach, Reform and Education (SPORE). A former journalist of 24 years, Baca served as cannabis editor during his tenure at The Denver Post covering the launch of the first legal marijuana market in the world. He was appointed as a representative of traditional indigenous use and public health, drug policy and harm reduction.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why he wants to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cAfter a lifelong career in journalism\u2026 I\u2019ve found my passion for serving my community in roles I couldn\u2019t hold as a journalist \u2014 and it would be an honor to play a role in this historic process,\u201d Baca wrote in his application.<\/p>\n<h4>Katina Banks<\/h4>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2027<\/p>\n<p>Katina Banks is an attorney at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gibsondunn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gibson, Dunn &amp; Crutcher<\/a>, where she\u2019s responsible for developing and maintaining resources and tools that support the firm\u2019s many practice groups. Banks previously served on <a href=\"https:\/\/denvergov.org\/Government\/Agencies-Departments-Offices\/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory\/Citizen-Oversight-Board\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Denver\u2019s Citizen Oversight Board<\/a>, which evaluates practices and policies in the Denver Department of Public Safety, among other commissions. She was appointed as a representative of permitted organization criteria.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why she wants to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cThroughout my professional legal career I have believed in giving back to my community and enjoy volunteer service for the greater good,\u201d Banks wrote in her application. \u201cAlso I have significant civic board\/commission experience to help advance the important public work of these special administrative bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4>Wendy Buxton-Andrade<\/h4>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2025<\/p>\n<p>Wendy Buxton-Andrade currently serves as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prowerscounty.net\/government\/administration\/commissioners\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Prowers County Commissioner<\/a> in southeastern Colorado. Additionally, she is a member of the Attorney General\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/coag.gov\/task-force\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Substance Abuse Task Force<\/a> and chair of the board at <a href=\"https:\/\/resadatreatment.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RESADA<\/a>, an alcohol and drug treatment center in Las Animas. Her background includes stints in education and medical staffing. Buxton-Andrade was appointed as a representative of levels and disparities in access to health care services among different communities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why she wants to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cI am interested on serving on the State of Colorado\u2019s Natural Medicine Advisory Board to explore the programmatic framework for the regulated access for psychedelics within DORA,\u201d Buxton-Andrade wrote, in part, in her application. \u201cI do worry (that) adolescents will normalize the use of psychedelics with this proposition being passed\u2026 As elected officials, we need to make sure that we regulate natural medicine, just as we do pharmaceuticals, because they can be equally dangerous to our communities and most importantly to our constituents.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4>Sofia Chavez<\/h4>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2025<\/p>\n<p>Sofia Chavez is founder of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.estaraprograms.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Estara Health and Wellness<\/a>, a Lakewood facility that specializes in \u201cculture-based care.\u201d She also serves as a clinic and community liaison at Denver Health Federico Pe\u00f1a where she helps patients communicate with their doctors. To that end, Chavez is regarded as an expert in traditional and indigenous healing practices, such as Meso-American healing and reiki, that can be adopted by Western medical professionals. Chavez was appointed to represent traditional and indigenous use and religious use of natural medicine.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why she wants to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cI have promoted clinical and public awareness in the areas of natural medicine for more than 30 years,\u201d she wrote in her application. \u201cMy elders were indigenous people of color, this work of promoting awareness, instilling respect, advocating for research, and addressing historical trauma will improve the determinants of health and increase social justice for all people living in Colorado.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5620288\" class=\"wp-caption alignright size-article_inline_half\"><img class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-3.jpg\" alt=\"Bradley Conner is a professor and director of Addiction Counseling at Colorado State University. Gov. Jared Polis also recently appointed him to the Natural Medicine Advisory Board, which will help craft regulations for Colorado's new psychedelics industry, through Jan. 31, 2025. (Courtesy of Colorado State University)\" width=\"2520\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-3.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-3.jpg 620w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/TDP-Z-natmedadvisoryboard-01.jpg?fit=310%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 310w\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bradley Conner is a professor and director of Addiction Counseling at Colorado State University. (Courtesy of Colorado State University)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>Bradley Conner<\/h4>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2025<\/p>\n<p>Bradley Conner is a <a href=\"https:\/\/psywebserv.psych.colostate.edu\/psylist\/facdetail.php?FirstName=Bradley&amp;LastName=Conner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">professor in the Department of Psychology<\/a> at Colorado State University, where he also serves as director of addiction counseling programs. His research has explored topics such as alcohol and cannabis intoxication, suicide prevention, and the relationship between mental health and substance abuse, among other topics. He was appointed as a representative of natural medicine therapy, medicine and research.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why he wants to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cThis is an important initiative and appropriate implementation is going to be key,\u201d he wrote in this application. \u201cStakeholders need to be involved, especially those with experience in the area.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4>William Dunn<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5619618\" class=\"wp-caption alignright size-article_inline_half\"><img class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-4.jpg\" alt=\"William Dunn is chief clinical officer at Eagle County Paramedic Services. Gov. Jared Polis also appointed him to the Natural Medicine Advisory Board, which will help craft regulations for Colorado's new psychedelics industry, through Jan. 31, 2025. (Courtesy of Eagle County Paramedic Services)\" width=\"648\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-4.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-4.jpg 620w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/TDP-Z-natmedadvisoryboard-01.jpeg?fit=310%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 310w\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">William Dunn is chief clinical officer at Eagle County Paramedic Services. (Courtesy of Eagle County Paramedic Services)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2025<\/p>\n<p>William Dunn is chief clinical officer at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eaglecountyparamedics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eagle County Paramedic Services<\/a> and boasts more than 30 years as a paramedic with experience in rural, urban and suburban communities. He\u2019s also worked on the Vail Ski Patrol since 2007 and currently serves on the Colorado Department of Health and Environment\u2019s Emergency Medical Practice Advisory Council. Dunn represents emergency medical services first responders.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why he wants to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cPsilocybin shows promise in the treatment of trauma \u2014 many of my colleagues have been affected by PTSD \u2014 and many have committed suicide. First and foremost my interest is a strong desire to save my friends from the trauma paramedics suffer,\u201d he wrote in his application. \u201cHowever, I do have an earnestness that if there\u2019s a need for an EMS perspective in the use of psilocybin, I believe my expertise in the industry and experience with governmental entities and boards will make me useful in the process.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4>Clarissa Pinkola Est\u00e9s<\/h4>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2027<\/p>\n<p>Clarissa Pinkola Est\u00e9s is an author and poet, widely known for her book <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarissapinkolaestes.com\/women_who_run_with_the_wolves__myths_and_stories_of_the_wild_woman_archetype_101250.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cWomen Who Run with the Wolves.\u201d<\/a> A self-described \u201cally\u201d of Maria Sabina, the Mexican shaman who first introduced Westerners to \u201cmagic mushrooms\u201d in the 1950s, Pinkola Est\u00e9s boasts a background in psychology, including graduate work in ethno-clinical and analytical psychology. She\u2019s also a post-trauma specialist who worked at Columbine High School for three years following the 1999 mass shooting. Pinkola Est\u00e9s was appointed as a representative of traditional indigenous use and religious use.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why she wants to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cHaving served before with DORA for 13 years as governors\u2019 appointee to Colo. State Grievance Board, I see the deep importance of civic participation for public safety and for better lives for our citizens,\u201d Pinkola Est\u00e9s wrote in her application. \u201cI think I can help to bring new helping ways, while honoring old ways that still work well.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4>Ernestine (Tina) Gonzales<\/h4>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2025<\/p>\n<p>Ernestine Gonzales works in health promotion for Beacon Health Options where she\u2019s responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, including budgets and compliance. Gonzales has spent 18 years working in both for-profit and nonprofit healthcare and in her current role, she worked with the Colorado Department of Corrections to develop a program to help inmates transition from prison back into their communities. Gonzales was appointed as a representative of health care insurance and health care policy, past criminal justice reform efforts in Colorado, and disparities in access to healthcare services among different communities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why she wants to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cI found the best way to being a voice, share experiences, and being a catalyst of change is to get involved with those who impact legislation,\u201d she wrote in her application. \u201cWitnessing what is happening in the communities, boot on the ground and bringing those experiences to those who may not be able to speak with our neighborhoods or rural communities allows for new perspectives on issues.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4>Joshua Goodwin<\/h4>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2027<\/p>\n<p>Joshua Goodwin is co-founder and CEO of <a href=\"https:\/\/operationtruenorthcolorado.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Operation True North<\/a>, a telehealth organization that offers mental health services for veterans, first responders and their families. Prior to Operation True North, Goodwin served in the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations specializing in counterintelligence and counterespionage. He was appointed as a representative of issues confronting veterans.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why he wants to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cAs a combat-wounded retired Air Force veteran, I am passionate about serving this population of heroes and ensuring they have access to world-class mental health care,\u201d Goodwin wrote, in part, in his application. \u201cI believe that psychedelics are the next evolution of that care and that Colorado needs people willing to spearhead its application. I want to ensure the veteran and first responder perspectives are represented on the advisory board.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4>Dr. Alisa Hannum<\/h4>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2027<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Alisa Hannum is a clinical psychologist at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coloradocollege.edu\/offices\/counseling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Colorado College<\/a> where she provides psychotherapy to students experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, the effects of trauma, anxiety, and depression, among other ailments. Hannum has spent the majority of her decade-plus career working with veterans and the Veterans Health Administration to treat sexual trauma and combat-related trauma. She was appointed as a representative of mental and behavioral health providers and issues confronting veterans.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why she wants to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cIn 2020, I became interested in the possibility that psychedelic-assisted therapies may provide a unique avenue to improving care for Veterans with PTSD. I completed a 100-hour training and certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies in December 2021. I also helped to develop and implement a Ketamine Assisted Therapy treatment program at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA in Denver,\u201d Hannum wrote, in part, in her application. \u201cAs someone who is passionate about providing mental health care to individuals who have experienced sexual trauma, I am also very committed to ensuring that the guidelines created by the NMHA include safeguards to prevent abuses that may occur when bad actors implement psychedelic therapies.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4>Sheriff David Lucero<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5619083\" class=\"wp-caption alignright size-article_inline_half\"><img class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-5.jpg\" alt=\"David Lucero is Pueblo County Sheriff. Gov. Jared Polis also recently appointed him to the Natural Medicine Advisory Board, which will help craft regulations for Colorado's new psychedelics industry, through Jan. 31, 2027. (Courtesy of Pueblo County Sheriff)\" width=\"512\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-5.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-5.jpg 620w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/TDP-Z-naturalmedicineboard-03.jpg?fit=310%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 310w\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">David Lucero is Pueblo County Sheriff. (Courtesy of Pueblo County Sheriff)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2027<\/p>\n<p>David Lucero currently serves as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pueblosheriff.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sheriff of Pueblo County<\/a>, where he oversees the law enforcement, detention and emergency services divisions. Lucero joined the Pueblo County Sheriff\u2019s Office in 2004, serving in roles such as patrol deputy, major crimes detective, law enforcement bureau chief and undersheriff. He was elected sheriff in November 2022. Gov. Polis also recently appointed Lucero to the <a href=\"https:\/\/post.colorado.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">State\u2019s Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board<\/a>. He was appointed as a representative of past criminal justice reform.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why he wants to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cI have been a law enforcement officer for the past 23 years. I want to ensure that the implementation of natural medicines in Colorado is safe for the public,\u201d Lucero wrote in his application.<\/p>\n<h4>Heather Lundy Nelson<\/h4>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2027<\/p>\n<aside class=\"related right\"> <\/aside>\n<p>Heather Lundy Nelson is founder and CEO of Edgwater-based <a href=\"https:\/\/www.khesedwellness.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Khesed Wellness<\/a>, a nonprofit that offers discounted therapy to uninsured and underinsured individuals in Colorado and multiple other states. Khesed Wellness also offers several pro bono therapy programs. Lundy Nelson previously served on Denver Mayor Michael Hancock\u2019s Behavioral Health Steering Committee. They were appointed as a representative of mental health and behavioral health providers and disparities in access to health care services among different communities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why they want to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cI am uniquely qualified and passionate about health equity within the natural medicine sector in light of my intersections as a non-binary and queer person, mental health and natural medicine entrepreneur, licensed professional counselor, and someone with lived mental health experience personally transformed by natural medicines,\u201d Lundy Nelson wrote, in part, in their application. \u201cI also started my first company in the cannabis industry (2014) and have first-hand experience about ways the Natural Medicine Advisory Board can learn from and not repeat lesions from the inequities within the cannabis industry, especially as an underrepresented entrepreneur.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4>Dr. Suzanne Sisley<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5619061\" class=\"wp-caption alignright size-article_inline_half\"><img class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-6.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Sue Sisley in her home office in Scottsdale, Ariz., July 15, 2014. Sisley has said the University of Arizona, where she worked, had fired her because of her outspoken support for marijuana research. (Laura Segall\/The New York Times)\" width=\"2795\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-6.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-6.jpg 620w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/MARIJUANA_RESEARCH_3.jpg?fit=310%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 310w\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dr. Sue Sisley in her home office in Scottsdale, Ariz., July 15, 2014. (Laura Segall\/The New York Times)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2027<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Suzanne Sisley currently works as principal investigator at the <a href=\"http:\/\/fieldtohealed.love\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Scottsdale Research Institute\u2019s Field to Healed Foundation<\/a> in Arizona where she grows, manufactures and studies cannabis, psilocybin and LSD for use in clinical trials. She is also an internal medicine\/palliative MD and psychiatrist. She was appointed as a representative of mycology and natural medicine cultivation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why she wants to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cDr. Sisley was granted (the) first-ever DEA C1 license to cultivate her own bulk psilocybin mushrooms for clinical trials at her lab and around the U.S. Her team is the first to develop validated methods for measuring psilocybin\/psilocin potency in whole mushrooms. And she pledged to reject patent opportunities and make all their findings open source for everyone to learn,\u201d Sisley wrote, in part, in her application. \u201cSue is striving to put crucial medically active plants\/fungi through (the) entire FDA drug development process to eventually be available in the market as a safer alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4>Skippy Upton Mesirow<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5619156\" class=\"wp-caption alignright size-article_inline_half\"><img class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-7.jpg\" alt=\"Former Aspen city council member Skippy Mesirow. (Aspen Daily News file photo)\" width=\"1156\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-7.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-7.jpg 620w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/TDP-Z-Skippy-Mesirow-ADN-01.jpg?fit=310%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 310w\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Former Aspen city council member Skippy Mesirow. (Aspen Daily News file photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2025<\/p>\n<p>Until April 11, Skippy Upton Mesirow served as an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspen.gov\/674\/City-Council\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Aspen city councilperson<\/a>. His self-described \u201clife\u2019s mission is to heal our politics.\u201d His background prior to holding public office includes working on Barack Obama\u2019s 2008 presidential campaign and former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White\u2019s campaign in 2010. When he moved to Aspen, he founded an organization called the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.electedleaderscollective.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Elected Leaders Collective<\/a>, which offers mental health and well-being services for elected officals. Upton Mesirow was appointed as a representative of permitted organization criteria.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why he wants to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cAs a sitting City Council member, I do deep policy and legislative work in the mental health space, supporting progressive policy. I have lived and continue to evolve in my own mental health journey. Therapeutic plant medicine retreats have been a significant part of my journey and growth,\u201d Upton Mesirow wrote, in part, in his application. \u201cAmongst legislators who could serve on this commission, I have deep personal experience, extreme passion, and deep lived and studied knowledge of the field, and an amazing network to call on. I am Zendo trained as (a) psychedelic sitter, and will be taking a psychedelic certificate program to myself serve in this field.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4>Billy Wynne<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4833186\" class=\"wp-caption alignright size-article_inline_half\"><img class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-8.jpg\" alt=\"From left, co-founders of Awake, Billy ...\" width=\"2000\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-8.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/colorados-psychedelic-journey-begins-this-week-with-first-advisory-board-meeting-8.jpg 620w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.denverpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/awake-rw-050621-09.jpg?fit=310%2C9999px&amp;ssl=1 310w\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">\n<p>Rachel Woolf, Special to the Denver Post<\/p>\n<p>Awake co-founders Billy Wynne (left) and Christy Wynne, pose ahead of their alcohol-free bar opening, on Thursday, May 6, 2021 in Denver.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>On the board until:<\/strong> Jan. 31, 2025<\/p>\n<p>Billy Wynne is chairman of <a href=\"https:\/\/wynnehealth.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wynne Health Group<\/a>, described as \u201cone of the largest health policy and advocacy firms in Washington.\u201d Wynne also founded <a href=\"https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/2021\/05\/12\/denver-non-alcoholic-bars-awake\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Awake, Denver\u2019s first sober bar<\/a>, and served as the company\u2019s CEO until <a href=\"https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/2022\/08\/10\/awake-sober-non-alcoholic-bar-closing-denver\/\">it closed in 2022<\/a>. He\u2019s also a board member of the <a href=\"https:\/\/zencenterofdenver.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zen Center of Denver<\/a> and completed the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program in 2023. Wynne was appointed as as a representative of health care insurance and healthcare policy and public health.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why he wants to be on the board:<\/strong> \u201cI believe that the natural medicines that will become available to Coloradans due to the Natural Medicine Health Act hold great promise for helping patients with mental illness, an aspect of medicine where there are currently profound shortfalls in access and quality,\u201d Wynne wrote in his application. \u201cI have benefited from the use of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting and thus believe I can bring some valuable personal experience to the work of this Board. More broadly, my long career in health policy should be beneficial to the Board\u2019s work, particularly with regard to considering ways to ensure equitable access to these medicines, including via coverage by private and public insurance programs.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/newsletter-signup\/the-spot\/\">Stay up-to-date with Colorado Politics by signing up for our weekly newsletter, The Spot.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"media_block\"><\/div>\n<p>In mid-March, the state Senate confirmed Gov. Jared Polis\u2019 15 appointees to the Natural Medicine Advisory Board, a newly formed commission that will advise regulators on the rollout of psilocybin-assisted therapy. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[7038,155,7550,52,9449,9450,6907,6811,7754,7420,6807,8452,1344,5630,7143,2435,8454,6892,7620,446,7181,854,7938,2150,4995,7069,77,9,7300,8146,5019,7762,170,1357,441,8147,8148,1777,9451,1,3,7072,6923,9452,160,61,1736],"tags":[7039,2733,7551,2632,9453,9454,6909,6816,7769,7421,6809,8453,3914,5633,7144,2436,8456,6893,7622,3020,7182,3427,7939,4718,4996,7071,2655,7305,8151,5022,7777,2748,3927,3015,8152,8153,4345,9455,7073,6924,9456,2738],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9628"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9628"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9628\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannitrol.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}