ColoradoHB26-13252026 Regular SessionHouse

Natural Medicine

Sponsored By: Jarvis Caldwell (Republican), Lisa Feret (Democratic), Matt Ball (Democratic), Rod Pelton (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Human ServicesLiquor, Tobacco, & Marijuana

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 5 mixed.

Provider protections limit patient malpractice payments

The law limits civil malpractice money damages against physicians, health-care professionals, and sites for injuries from ibogaine received through the pilot. Beginning August 12, 2026, similar limits protect facilitators who perform or supervise natural medicine services, not just ibogaine pilot services. These protections cover physical and psychological injuries. They do not cover injuries directly caused by intentional misconduct, gross negligence, or a departure from generally accepted practice. Administrative proceedings remain available, but injured participants have fewer paths to malpractice payments for covered injuries.

State can set ibogaine safety rules

The director may set safety rules for people receiving ibogaine. Rules may cover medical screening, continuous monitoring, and oversight by trained and experienced medical professionals. They may also cover extended aftercare and referrals for further support. The law authorizes these rules but does not itself require specific tests, monitoring, or aftercare.

New funds support natural medicine programs

A dedicated state fund pays for ibogaine pilot administration and grants to selected research sites without yearly spending approval. It accepts gifts, grants, donations, and money appropriated or transferred by the legislature. If the fund never reaches $150,000 by January 1, 2028, required contributions are returned and further donations stop. The same rule applies if remaining operating funds are not received within 365 days after notice of the initial funding milestone. Money left after required returns transfers to the regulated natural medicine fund before the pilot fund is repealed. Beginning August 12, 2026, the regulated fund also accepts public or private gifts, grants, donations, and pilot-fund transfers; no grant amounts are set.

Former medicine license holders face penalties

Beginning August 12, 2026, the state may discipline natural medicine license holders for violating the program's law or rules. This authority covers active, expired, and surrendered licenses. Penalties may include fines, suspension, restrictions, revocation, and other authorized penalties. Letting a license expire or surrendering it does not end the state's disciplinary authority.

Ibogaine access expands with funding limits

Certain semi-synthetic ibogaine made from Tabernanthe iboga, Voacanga africana, or another board-recommended source can qualify as natural medicine. Use in regulated sessions still needs the required board recommendation or approval and state licensing permission. Other fully synthetic forms and synthetic analogs remain excluded. Beginning August 12, 2026, the advisory board must prioritize ibogaine, including additional plant sources, using research on safety and effectiveness. The licensing authority need not add medicines without funding for direct and indirect administration costs; once funded, it sets the program's scope with the advisory board and state health and regulatory agencies.

Priority license reviews and flexible fees

Beginning August 12, 2026, ibogaine pilot participants receive first priority for natural medicine license application reviews. Colorado residents come next, followed by applicants with another priority status set by rule. Earlier review does not guarantee a license. The state may also set different application fees by medicine type for applicants seeking to grow, make, test, or dispense it. The law sets no fee amounts and does not say which fees rise or fall.

Ibogaine providers must share Indigenous benefits

Beginning August 12, 2026, licensees seeking to grow, make, test, dispense, or administer ibogaine must establish benefit-sharing plans. They must consult Indigenous communities or their authorized representatives, and the plans must directly benefit those communities. Licensees may use a third party for consultation. They must keep records of consultation and plan development and make them public upon request. Indigenous communities do not have to disclose traditional knowledge, ceremonies, or cultural expressions.

Ibogaine research starts only with funding

The law creates a Colorado program to study ibogaine for mental health conditions and substance use disorders. It starts only after receiving at least $150,000 in donations, grants, gifts, or equivalent in-kind support before January 1, 2028. It ends unless enough additional support covers remaining operating costs within 365 days after the program provisions take effect. The Behavioral Health Administration may select up to five sites, but each needs federal approval before operating. Applicants must plan to seek federal approval and establish Indigenous benefit-sharing plans that document sourcing. The agency must form an application review committee, notify applicants within 90 days after the application deadline, and help selected sites seek federal research approval. Sites submit research data annually, and the agency publishes findings at least annually. Pilot participants receive protection from prosecution or discipline only for conduct the program permits; federal law remains unchanged.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Andrew Boesenecker
Democratic • House
Ava Flanell
Republican • House
Carlos Barron
Republican • House
Chad Clifford
Democratic • House
Gretchen Rydin
Democratic • House
Jennifer Bacon
Democratic • House
Jacque Phillips
Democratic • House
Kyle Brown
Democratic • House
Karen McCormick
Democratic • House
Kenny Nguyen
Democratic • House
Monica Duran
Democratic • House
Meg Froelich
Democratic • House
Mandy Lindsay
Democratic • House
Manny Rutinel
Democratic • House
Matt Soper
Republican • House
Naquetta Ricks
Democratic • House
Ryan Gonzalez
Republican • House
Sheila Lieder
Democratic • House
Ty Winter
Republican • House
Cathy Kipp
Democratic • Senate
James Coleman
Democratic • Senate
Jessie Danielson
Democratic • Senate
Julie Gonzales
Democratic • Senate
Janice Marchman
Democratic • Senate
Katie Wallace
Democratic • Senate
Lisa Cutter
Democratic • Senate
Marc Catlin
Republican • Senate
Nick Hinrichsen
Democratic • Senate
Tom Sullivan
Democratic • Senate
William Lindstedt
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 235 • No: 31

Senate vote • 5/13/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 30 • No: 5

House vote • 5/13/2026

Senate amendments: Concur

Yes: 59 • No: 6

House vote • 5/13/2026

Senate amendments: Repass

Yes: 56 • No: 9

Senate vote • 5/11/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1325, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/11/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1325 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 5 • No: 2

House vote • 5/9/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 56 • No: 7

House vote • 5/7/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1325, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 10 • No: 1

House vote • 3/24/2026