All Roll Calls
Yes: 95 • No: 44
ColoradoSB25-2972025 Regular SessionSenate
Implementation of Colorado Natural Medicine Initiative
Sponsored By: Lisa Feret (Democratic), Matt Ball (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Business & Economic DevelopmentHealth Care & Health InsuranceLiquor, Tobacco, & MarijuanaProfessions & OccupationsPublic HealthState Revenue & Budget
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Governor can pardon natural medicine possession
Colorado’s governor may grant class pardons to people convicted of possessing natural medicine as defined by state law. The usual application requirements covered by this provision do not apply to these defendants. A pardon is not automatic, and the governor may make inquiries before deciding.
Colorado tracks natural medicine safety
Colorado’s health department runs a pilot tracking natural medicine health effects, police incidents, health-system impacts, and consumer complaints. It collects available data without personal identifiers and shares relevant data for public annual reports that protect participant identities. Work depends on sufficient funding and may stop if money runs short; donations cannot improperly influence data or reports. For fiscal year 2025-26, the Governor’s Office receives $208,240 from gifts, grants, and donations for health-department technology services. The pilot ends September 1, 2030, with a required review beforehand by the advisory board and health and regulatory agencies.
Natural medicine data gets privacy protections
With sufficient funding, Colorado’s health department must maintain a natural medicine database with personal identifiers removed. The database is confidential and proprietary, and public-records requests cannot obtain it. It is also protected from subpoenas, discovery, and use as evidence in private civil cases. Only the minimum necessary data may be shared for approved research, public-health work, or specified state regulatory duties. The database requirement ends September 1, 2030.
Natural medicine providers face reporting rules
Beginning July 1, 2026, natural medicine facilitators and healing centers must report data to Colorado’s health department. Reports cover participant demographics, services, session results, health outcomes, and information from before and after sessions. The data must not identify participants, and the state sets reporting details. Reporting duties and related rulemaking apply only if the department receives enough funding for the pilot.
Natural medicine oversight funding falls
For fiscal year 2025-26, the law cuts Colorado’s Department of Revenue natural medicine funding by $78,287. The cut comes from the regulated natural medicines division cash fund. The related staffing allocation falls by one full-time-equivalent position. This budget change does not directly change household benefits or fees.
Natural medicine businesses face licensing changes
Owner and employee license applicants receive name-based court-record checks instead of fingerprint checks, and may pay check and investigation costs. The state may issue conditional licenses, but can deny applications after completed checks show applicants do not qualify. Healing centers must be owned by, employ, or contract with a facilitator who provides services under state requirements. License standards must include environmental, social, and governance criteria. The licensing authority may raise or lower fees to manage reserves.
Natural medicine products face consumer safeguards
The state must set clear label rules for natural medicine products. Labels cannot appeal to people under 21, use “candy” or “candies,” or cause confusion with trademarked foods. Restrictions include colors, pictures, and cartoons aimed at young people. The state may require manufacturers to register products with full ingredient lists and ban youth-appealing or confusing products. These safeguards add business compliance duties; the law also prohibits misrepresentation and unfair practices.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Lisa Feret
Democratic • House
Matt Ball
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Chad Clifford
Democratic • House
Jacque Phillips
Democratic • House
Kyle Brown
Democratic • House
Karen McCormick
Democratic • House
Monica Duran
Democratic • House
Mandy Lindsay
Democratic • House
Cathy Kipp
Democratic • Senate
Katie Wallace
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/6/2025
Third reading: Bill
Yes: 43 • No: 22
House vote • 5/3/2025
Refer Senate Bill 25-297 to the Committee of the Whole.
Yes: 7 • No: 4
House vote • 5/1/2025
Refer Senate Bill 25-297 to the Committee on Appropriations.
Yes: 10 • No: 2
Senate vote • 4/30/2025
Third reading: Bill
Yes: 23 • No: 12
Senate vote • 4/29/2025
Refer Senate Bill 25-297, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.
Yes: 5 • No: 2
Senate vote • 4/23/2025
Refer Senate Bill 25-297, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations.
Yes: 7 • No: 2
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
6/3/2025HouseSigned by the President of the Senate
5/15/2025SenateSigned by the Speaker of the House
5/15/2025HouseSent to the Governor
5/15/2025HouseHouse Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
5/6/2025HouseHouse Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments
5/5/2025HouseHouse Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole
5/3/2025HouseHouse Second Reading Special Order - Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
5/3/2025HouseHouse Committee on Finance Refer Unamended to Appropriations
5/1/2025HouseSenate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
4/30/2025SenateIntroduced In House - Assigned to Finance
4/30/2025HouseSenate Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole
4/29/2025SenateSenate Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
4/29/2025SenateSenate Committee on Health & Human Services Refer Amended to Appropriations
4/23/2025SenateIntroduced In Senate - Assigned to Health & Human Services
4/15/2025Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed
Final Act
Introduced
Reengrossed
Rerevised
Revised
Signed Act