Emily Johnson
Oregon has become the first state in the US to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms. In 2020, Oregon voters approved Measure 109, which established a regulatory framework for the sale and consumption of psilocybin products. While the state has seen the emergence of psilocybin service centers and facilitators, a lack of customers has been observed, attributed to challenges in marketing and online advertising restrictions. Despite the legalization, a growing number of Oregon cities have voted to ban the substance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in Oregon | In 2020, Oregon became the first state in the US to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin mushrooms. However, in 2024, a growing number of Oregon cities have started to ban the substance. |
| Regulatory framework | The Oregon Psilocybin Services Act establishes a regulatory framework for the manufacture, transportation, delivery, sale, and purchase of psilocybin. |
| Requirements for consumption | Psilocybin must be consumed at a licensed service center under the supervision of a trained and licensed facilitator. |
| Cost | Prices typically range from $800 to $2,500 for a trip and two therapeutic sessions. |
| Forms of consumption | Psilocybin can be consumed in various forms, including dried whole mushrooms, extracts, powdered mushrooms in capsules, tea, or edible food products like chocolate. |
| Advertising restrictions | Magic mushroom businesses must ensure their advertisements do not target children or consumers under 21 years old. |
| Client requirements | Clients must be 21 years of age or older and do not need to be Oregon residents. A prescription or medical referral is not required. |
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What You'll Learn
- Psilocybin services in Oregon are only available to those 21 or older
- Oregon's psilocybin industry is facing challenges attracting customers
- Oregon was the first state to implement a system for tracking the manufacture and sale of psilocybin
- Oregon voters approved Measure 109 in 2020, allowing for the creation of a legal system for offering psilocybin
- Psilocybin services in Oregon are not funded by the state or insurers
Psilocybin services in Oregon are only available to those 21 or older
In 2020, Oregon became the first state in the US to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin, a compound found in psychedelic mushrooms. The Oregon Psilocybin Services Act, also known as Measure 109, established a regulatory framework for the manufacture, transportation, delivery, sale, and purchase of psilocybin. This framework includes strict requirements for licensing of manufacturers, facilitators, and service centers. While this move was hailed as progressive, it is important to note that psilocybin services in Oregon are only available to those 21 or older.
Under this regulatory framework, all psilocybin must be consumed at a licensed service center under the supervision of a trained and licensed facilitator. These facilitators accompany clients on their journey with psilocybin and provide support before, during, and after administration sessions. The facilitators may also offer culturally and linguistically responsive services to meet the diverse needs of their clients. However, it is essential to understand that psilocybin is not covered by the state or insurers, and the cost of therapy can vary depending on the service center.
The legalization of psilocybin in Oregon has sparked interest from entrepreneurs and businesses, with many centers offering supervised "trips" on psilocybin. However, a year into the implementation of the regulated psilocybin mushroom market, the industry is facing challenges in attracting customers. Marketing restrictions, particularly those aimed at preventing advertisements from reaching underage consumers, have made it difficult for businesses to promote their services. Additionally, social media platforms may subtly suppress content related to psilocybin mushrooms, further hindering outreach efforts.
Despite the challenges, advocates of psilocybin therapy believe in its potential benefits for mental health and well-being. Research suggests that psilocybin may help address depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. It has also been used for centuries by Indigenous and Tribal communities for spiritual and ceremonial purposes. However, it is important to remember that psilocybin is still a Schedule I substance under the Federal Controlled Substances Act, and its legalization in Oregon does not change its illegal status at the federal level. As a result, psilocybin services in Oregon are carefully regulated and restricted to those 21 or older.
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Oregon's psilocybin industry is facing challenges attracting customers
One of the main challenges is marketing. Heidi Venture, founder of Vital Reset, a psilocybin center in Hood River, noted that word-of-mouth and open houses are crucial to attracting customers due to strict rules on online advertisements. Magic mushroom businesses must ensure their ads do not target minors, and some believe social media platforms suppress psilocybin-related content. Additionally, with the recent spike in facilitator training programs, the market is becoming increasingly competitive, making it harder for centers to stand out.
Another factor is the cost of psilocybin therapy, which typically ranges from $800 to $2,500 for a trip and two therapeutic sessions. While discounts are sometimes available, this price range may deter potential customers. Furthermore, with the recent vote by several Oregon cities to ban psilocybin, the customer base for these services has shrunk.
To address these challenges, industry advocates emphasize the need to raise awareness about the benefits of psilocybin. Research suggests that psilocybin can help address depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction, and may enhance spiritual well-being. By educating the public about these potential benefits, Oregon's psilocybin industry hopes to attract more customers and demonstrate the value of this regulated market.
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Oregon was the first state to implement a system for tracking the manufacture and sale of psilocybin
In 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. The state also made moves to regulate and make psilocybin available to the public, with the introduction of the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act (also known as Measure 109), which was approved by Oregon voters. This act establishes a regulatory framework for the legal manufacture, transportation, delivery, sale, purchase, and consumption of psilocybin products within the state.
Under the Oregon Psilocin Services Act, the state is required to issue four types of licenses. These are for manufacturers that cultivate and/or process psilocybin products; laboratories that test these products; facilitators who support clients through preparation, administration, and integration sessions; and service centers where psilocybin products are sold and consumed by clients in a supported setting. To obtain a license, applicants must go through a rigorous process, which includes meeting with a licensed facilitator for a preparatory session. During this session, the client will decide on the product type—dried whole mushrooms, extracts, or powdered mushrooms that can be put into capsules or stirred into tea or edibles.
Once the testing requirements are met, licensed manufacturers can send the packaged products to a licensed service center. Throughout this process, the products are tracked in a state-tracking system, which was specifically developed to prevent the transportation of psilocybin into other states. This system is a groundbreaking initiative, as Oregon is the first state to implement such a tracking system.
The cost of psilocybin therapy varies depending on the service center and dosage used, with prices ranging from $500 per individual session for a microdose to $3,500 for a high dose. While the state of Oregon has expressed its commitment to providing access to as many people as possible, there will likely be upfront costs for clients.
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Oregon voters approved Measure 109 in 2020, allowing for the creation of a legal system for offering psilocybin
In November 2020, Oregon voters approved Measure 109, also known as the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act. This measure established a regulatory framework for the "manufacture, delivery, and administration" of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms. With this decision, Oregon became the first state in the United States to legalize this substance, which has been used for centuries by Indigenous and Tribal communities worldwide for spiritual and ceremonial purposes.
The approval of Measure 109 directed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to create a legal system for offering psilocybin services. The OHA has a two-year period to develop the program and establish regulations, with an Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board (OPAB) providing advice and guidance. The program includes the standardization of manufacturing, transportation, delivery, sale, purchase, and administration of psilocybin within the state. A key component of the legal system is the role of licensed facilitators, who administer the drug therapeutically in controlled settings. Clients must undergo a preparation session and can only purchase, possess, and consume psilocybin at a licensed service center under the supervision of a facilitator.
The cost of psilocybin therapy varies depending on the service center, typically ranging from $800 to $2,500 for a trip and two therapeutic sessions. While the industry has faced challenges in attracting customers due to strict rules on advertising and competition from the emerging market, it has also seen a spike in the number of training programs for facilitators. As of June 2024, Oregon's psilocybin industry is a year old and seeking to expand its customer base.
It's important to note that psilocybin is still a Schedule I substance under the Federal Controlled Substances Act, and its legalization in Oregon is specific to a regulated framework. The ballot measure emphasizes the use of psilocybin for "personal development" and restricts its growth and administration to licensed environments. Additionally, cities and counties are permitted to impose regulations on licensed therapy establishments, and local governments can choose to prohibit facilities in their communities.
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Psilocybin services in Oregon are not funded by the state or insurers
In 2020, Oregon became the first state in the US to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin, a compound found in psychedelic or "magic" mushrooms. The Oregon Psilocybin Services Act, also known as Measure 109, established a regulatory framework for the manufacture, transportation, delivery, sale, and purchase of psilocybin in the state. Despite this, psilocybin services in Oregon are not funded by the state or insurers.
Under the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act, psilocybin must be consumed at a licensed service center under the supervision of a trained and licensed facilitator. These facilitators may have diverse professional and personal experiences, which can help them provide culturally and linguistically responsive services to their clients. Service centers and facilitators are required to provide information on the services they offer to support client safety, access, and harm reduction. However, psilocybin products cannot be sold over the counter for off-site consumption, and clients must be 21 or older to access these services.
The cost of psilocybin therapy varies depending on the service center and facilitator, and there is no regulation of the costs by the state. Prices for a "trip" and two therapeutic sessions typically range from $800 to $2,500, although advocates claim that discounts are often available. The cost may depend on factors such as the type of product and the dosage, potency, and strain of the mushrooms. Only natural psilocybin products are permitted, and synthetic psilocybin is not allowed. All products are tested by licensed laboratories before being sent to service centers.
While Oregon was initially praised as a progressive leader in drug reform, a growing number of cities within the state have since voted to ban psilocybin. This highlights the ongoing debate and varying opinions surrounding the therapeutic use of psychedelic mushrooms. Despite the legalization at the state level, the distribution and consumption of psilocybin are still highly regulated, and it is not funded by the state or insurers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Oregon became the first state in the U.S. to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin, the compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, in 2020. Psilocybin services will soon be an option in Oregon.
Psilocybin mushrooms can only be purchased and consumed at a licensed service center under the supervision of a trained and licensed facilitator.
Yes, you must be 21 years of age or older to buy psilocybin mushrooms in Oregon. A prescription or medical referral is not required.
Psilocybin mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including dried whole mushrooms, extracts, powdered mushrooms in capsules, tea, or edibles such as chocolate and other food products.
Yes, but there are strict rules on online advertisements for psilocybin services. Businesses must prove that their advertisements are not reaching children or consumers under 21 years old.
