The Centennial City Council meeting on January 7, 2025, focused on the proposed ordinance regarding healing centers and the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms. The discussion highlighted concerns about the proximity of these centers to parks and schools, as well as the implications of allowing home-based cultivation.

Council members expressed mixed feelings about the healing centers, emphasizing that the primary concern lies not with the centers themselves but with the potential for unregulated home cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms. One council member noted that while healing centers are regulated and secure, the risk arises from individuals growing mushrooms in small spaces without oversight.

Public comments were made by two individuals, including Allison Lee, a licensed counselor and co-owner of a proposed healing center. Lee advocated for the ordinance, citing the safety profile of psilocybin and the need for access to natural medicine. She urged the council to consider eliminating restrictions that limit non-clinical facilitators from operating outside designated areas, arguing that this could lead to safer practices and better access for those in need.

Bennett Rutledge, another speaker, raised concerns about the emergency status of the ordinance, suggesting that it could impose penalties on activities that residents may not be aware of. He also questioned the potential for new fees or taxes associated with the regulation of healing centers and cultivation, which he argued could violate local governance rules.

The meeting concluded with a call for further consideration of the ordinance and its implications for the community. The council plans to review the feedback received and continue discussions on how to balance regulation with access to healing services.