No, cannibalism is illegal in Colorado under multiple statutes, including criminal mischief and abuse of a corpse, with penalties ranging from Class 2 misdemeanors to Class 2 felonies. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) enforces corpse handling regulations, while local district attorneys prosecute cases under C.R.S. § 18-13-101 (abuse of corpse) and § 18-13-103 (criminal mischief). Recent 2026 legislative proposals aim to clarify “consensual cannibalism” ambiguities, but no exceptions exist for private acts.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Colorado
- C.R.S. § 18-13-101 (Abuse of a Corpse): Prohibits mutilation, dismemberment, or consumption of human remains, with felony charges for aggravated violations (e.g., intent to defile).
- C.R.S. § 18-13-103 (Criminal Mischief): Covers destruction or unauthorized use of property, including human bodies, punishable by up to 12 years imprisonment if classified as a felony.
- CDPHE Regulation 6 CCR 1014-1 (Death Care): Mandates licensed facilities for corpse disposal, explicitly barring private consumption or unauthorized handling under § 25-2-103(1)(b).
Local jurisdictions, such as Denver’s Office of the Medical Examiner, collaborate with law enforcement to investigate suspected violations. The 2026 Colorado General Assembly’s interim committee on “Post-Mortem Rights” may introduce stricter penalties, including mandatory psychological evaluations for offenders. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1111) also overlaps where interstate activity is involved.