City Council Proposes New Natural Medicine Use Category for Zoning Regulations

The Brighton City Council held a study session on July 15, 2025, to discuss the introduction of a new zoning category for natural medicine cultivation, manufacturing, and testing facilities. This initiative aims to align local regulations with state laws regarding the use of natural medicine, including psilocybin.

During the meeting, city staff explained that the current zoning does not permit these uses in any district. To address this, they proposed creating a new category that would allow such facilities in industrial zones by right and as a conditional use in commercial zones. The proposal includes adopting state regulations, which feature a 1,000-foot buffer from certain locations, while also ensuring that any new construction adheres to the city’s design standards.

Additionally, staff recommended two amendments to the city’s definitions: one to clarify the new use category and another to revise the definition of medical care to specify that natural medicine healing centers are not included in this category.

Council members raised questions about personal cultivation limits for psilocybin, confirming that personal use is permitted under specific conditions, including size restrictions and safety measures. The discussion highlighted the complexities of integrating state laws into local governance and the ongoing evolution of regulations surrounding natural medicine.

The council is expected to consider the proposed changes in future meetings, as staff remains available for further inquiries.