Leaders Practically Close the Door on “Magic Mushroom” Healing Hubs
Rick Langenberg
In a meeting jam-packed with key agenda items, Green Mountain Falls (GMF) leaders have said “yes” to the idea of having a permanent town manager but have decided to practically close the door on future bids for natural medicine centers, which permit the controlled use of magic mushrooms and other psychedelics as part of a state-mandated program.
And when it comes to tourism, leaders have said “absolutely,” to the need for better preparation action regarding an expected onslaught of more visitors. In addition, the trustees signaled the green light on a proposed $4 million to $6 million concept plan for an expanded pool facility and park.
The small Ute Pass town is hopping these days, following a Green Box Arts festival that attracted more than 20,000 people and a bustling Bronc Day celebration. But with this boom comes serious infrastructure challenges, such as parking, rest room capabilities, better enhancements; and yes, more complaints.
Probably the biggest issue that had immediate impacts dealt with the subject of having a permanent town manager. By a unanimous vote, with one member abstaining, the trustees endorsed the need to operate with a full-time, permanent town manager, who would act essentially as the town government’s head boss. In fact, unlike discussions late last year, the leaders didn’t hesitate in agreeing on the concept of a town manager, a subject that often sparked heated debate in the past.
This brief discussion was led by Mayor Todd Dixon, who stressed that he experienced first-hand the duties associated with this position during a role he performed himself for more than a month. He didn’t get any arguments from fellow trustees.
Newly-appointed Trustee Brandy Moralez stated that it is unreasonable to expect trustees and volunteers to play the role as town administrators in handling grants and day-to-day operations.
Following this pro-town manager vote, the trustees then promptly agreed to an extension of the current contract of Caleb Patterson, who has held the ropes of this position since the beginning of 2025. Under a proposed agreement, his contract, which was slated to end in late December, will now extend through 2027.
A Skeptical Stand on Psychedelic Healing Centers
The trustees last week found themselves slightly at odds on dealing with a complex ordinance regulating natural medicine centers, as required by the state. Of three possible options proposed by Patterson, town leaders by a close 3-2 vote agreed with the recommendations of the planning commission in adopting the strictest-possible guidelines. And with this decision, the prospects of future magic mushroom centers locating in GMF are almost next to impossible.
Moralez strongly disagreed with the stance, citing these centers as helpful to many veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders and incurring medical health problems. “It is very useful treatment,” said Moralez. As a military veteran herself, she stressed the importance of making these options feasible, as part of the ballot issue approved by Colorado voters. “It is very controlling. It is not a party,” said the trustee, in outlining the use of natural medicines for the purpose of mental health treatment.
But other trustees worried about the town’s limited resources in dealing with possible centers that allow psychedelic drugs. Some civic leaders even questioned the state mandate itself. “The state has not done its due diligence,” said Planning Commission member Shelly Scott-Nash. She urged the trustees to come up with guidelines that fully protect the community and residents as much as possible.
Under the new guidelines, a new natural medicine center can’t be located within 750 feet of a church and 500 feet from another rehab facility. If the town had reduced the space requirements slightly, especially when it came to the distances from local churches, more prospective areas could have become available. With the rules approved, the only possibility involves one vacant lot area, away from the downtown core. These centers, under the GMF ordinance, can only operate from 9 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
But when it came to tourism preparation, the town leaders were clearly united. They agreed to have the planning commission review possible steps the town should take in better preparing for an infusion of visitors, similar to what has occurred this summer.
