Bill > SB297

This bill establishes a comprehensive data collection and reporting framework for natural medicine in Colorado, focusing on tracking the health effects and impacts of regulated natural medicine and natural medicine products. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will be responsible for collecting de-identified data from various sources, including all-payer claims data, hospital discharge records, and peer-reviewed research studies. The data will cover areas such as law enforcement incidents, adverse health events, impacts on healthcare facilities, consumer protection claims, and behavioral health impacts. Facilitators and healing centers will be required to provide detailed, anonymized information about natural medicine services, starting July 1, 2026, though this requirement is contingent on sufficient funding. The bill also mandates new labeling requirements for natural medicine products, including prohibitions on labels that might appeal to individuals under 21 and regulations to prevent confusion with food products. Additionally, the bill allows the governor to grant pardons for possession of natural medicine and includes provisions for funding the data collection efforts through gifts, grants, and donations. The data collection program is set to be reviewed in 2030, with potential continuation dependent on available funding and effectiveness. The overall goal is to systematically study and understand the impacts of natural medicine in Colorado while protecting individual privacy.