…the disappearing
When Denver journalist Chris Walker contacted appointees to inquire about their backgrounds, he learned the governor’s office had prohibited them from speaking with the press or the public… gag order… when Polis announced his board appointments on January 27 [2023], local activists saw few names they recognized. No one from the Nowak Society or Natural Medicine Colorado was appointed. Groups… like SPORE and Decriminalize Nature Boulder, were also passed over…
Various interest groups submitted slates of preferred board candidates to Governor Jared Polis. These groups included a local psychedelic nonprofit called the Nowak Society and “Natural Medicine Colorado,” a political group that promoted Proposition 122 with significant out of state funding. About $4 million came from New Approach, a D.C.-based lobbying firm that funded Oregon’s Measure 109 campaign. Another multi-state lobbying group called the Healing Advocacy Fund, which has close ties to New Approach, interviewed potential board members for its list of preferred candidates. According to Denver activist Ashley Ryan, the Executive Director of the Fund’s Colorado branch, Natasia Poinsatte, conducted those interviews.
Original Article (Psychedelic Week):
The disappearing Colorado psychedelic advisory board
Artwork Fair Use: NealePickett
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