Emily Johnson
In November 2020, Oregon became the first U.S. state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for supervised non-medical use after the Ballot Measure 109 passed. The measure marked a significant shift in drug policy, reflecting growing recognition of psilocybin's potential benefits and paving the way for regulated use and further research. Psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, is best known for its mind-altering effects and has been used both recreationally and in therapeutic settings. Oregon's Psilocybin Law allows licensed professionals to administer psilocybin in controlled settings, providing therapeutic benefits for various mental health conditions. However, in 2024, a growing number of Oregon cities voted to ban the substance, recriminalizing psilocybin in the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First state to legalize | Oregon |
| Date of legalization | November 2020 |
| Name of the law | Measure 109 |
| Other names | Oregon Psilocybin Services Act |
| Type of compound | Psilocybin |
| Found in | More than 200 species of mushrooms |
| Use | Therapeutic |
| Age limit | 21 and above |
| Availability | Only at licensed service centers |
| Facilitator | A state-certified facilitator must be present |
| Sessions | Preparation, administration, and integration |
| Cost | $1000 to $3000 or more |
| Insurance coverage | Not covered by insurance |
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What You'll Learn
Oregon's Psilocybin Law
The law requires the state to issue four types of licenses: manufacturers, laboratories, facilitators, and service centers. Service centers are where psilocybin products are sold and consumed by clients in a supervised setting. A key requirement is the presence of a state-certified facilitator during drug-induced journeys, which can last up to six hours. The facilitators must undergo a rigorous training program that covers various aspects, including Indigenous traditions involving hallucinogens and the potential adverse reactions of the drug.
Oregon's approach to psilocybin therapy includes strict oversight and regulation of service centers, ensuring a safe environment for clients. While the treatments are not covered by insurance and can be expensive, they offer significant benefits for various mental health conditions. The law has drawn attention from across the country, with clients travelling to Oregon to seek treatment for chronic mental illnesses.
However, in 2024, a growing number of Oregon cities voted to ban the substance, effectively recriminalizing psilocybin in those areas. Despite this setback, Oregon's Psilocybin Law represents a significant shift in drug policy and a step forward for the use of psilocybin in therapy, providing new options for treating mental health issues.
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Psilocybin therapy
In November 2020, Oregon became the first U.S. state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for supervised non-medical use. This came about after the Ballot Measure 109 passed, allowing licensed professionals to administer psilocybin in controlled settings for therapeutic purposes. The measure also decriminalized other psychedelics such as ayahuasca and mescaline. Since then, hundreds of people, mostly from out of state, have travelled to Oregon to legally use psilocybin in a safe and regulated environment.
Psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, is known for its mind-altering effects and has been used both recreationally and in therapeutic settings. While the use and possession of psilocybin remain illegal under federal law in the United States, Oregon's Psilocybin Law represents a significant shift in drug policy and a growing recognition of the potential therapeutic benefits of the substance. This has paved the way for further research and the development of regulated psilocybin therapy.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy (P-AT) is an emerging approach that combines psilocybin with various forms of psychotherapy to support the treatment of mental health conditions. While research into psilocybin therapy is ongoing, there is a growing body of scientific research suggesting that it can be effective in treating major depressive disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and other intractable conditions. In addition, psilocybin therapy has shown potential in reducing suicidal behaviour and thoughts in patients with depression, although further research is needed to understand its effects on individuals experiencing suicidality.
To undergo psilocybin therapy in Oregon, individuals must be at least 21 years old and undergo a preparation session with a licensed facilitator before the psilocybin experience. They must also participate in an integration session afterward to process the experience. The cost of psilocybin therapy can vary widely, typically ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 or more for the entire process. These fees cover the facilitator's time, the psilocybin substance, and the use of the facility. While insurance companies do not typically cover the cost of psilocybin therapy, the benefits of this novel treatment modality can be significant for those seeking alternative approaches to mental health treatment.
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Psilocybin service centres
In November 2020, Oregon became the first U.S. state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for supervised non-medical use after the Ballot Measure 109 passed. Psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, is known for its mind-altering effects and has been used both recreationally and in therapeutic settings.
The Oregon Psilocybin Services Act, or Measure 109, establishes a regulatory framework for receiving psilocybin. The law requires the state to issue four license types: manufacturers, laboratories, facilitators, and service centers. Psilocybin service centers are where anyone over 21 can consume the mushrooms in a supervised setting. A key requirement is that a state-certified facilitator must be present during the drug-induced journey, which can last up to six hours. The facilitator must undergo a preparation session with the client before the psilocybin experience and an integration session afterward. While insurance doesn't typically cover these treatments, and they can be pricey, the benefits can be significant.
The first licensed psilocybin center in Oregon opened in Eugene in June, and since then, hundreds of people have used psilocybin legally in the state. However, only a minority of them are from Oregon, with most customers traveling from out of state to take the drug in a safe setting. The owners of these centers have expressed their happiness that Oregon's regulated industry is reaching people from across the country.
Psilocybin services in Oregon are not product-centered. Instead, they focus on clients accessing psilocybin services as a health and wellness option. There are numerous ways to consume psilocybin, including eating dried, whole mushrooms, drinking tea, consuming edible food products such as chocolate, or swallowing capsules containing ground homogenized fungi.
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Psilocybin's future
In November 2020, Oregon became the first U.S. state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for supervised non-medical use after the Ballot Measure 109 passed. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in more than 200 species of mushrooms that grow naturally worldwide. For centuries, Indigenous and Tribal communities have used psilocybin for spiritual, ceremonial, and other purposes.
The Oregon Psilocybin Services Act, or Measure 109, established a regulatory framework for receiving psilocybin. The law requires the state to issue four license types: manufacturers, laboratories, facilitators, and service centers. Service centers are where psilocybin products are sold and consumed by clients in a supported setting. The Oregon psilocybin services model focuses on clients accessing psilocybin services as a health and wellness option. There are numerous ways to consume psilocybin, including eating dried, whole mushrooms, drinking tea, consuming edible food products, or swallowing capsules.
While Oregon's approach to psilocybin therapy includes rigorous oversight and regulation of service centers, insurance companies typically do not cover the cost of psilocybin therapy. The cost of psilocybin therapy can vary widely, with initial consultations ranging from $100 to $200, preparation sessions from $100 to $300, and the core psilocybin session itself between $500 and $2,000. Despite the cost, psilocybin therapy has the potential to be life-changing for many people's health and well-being. One client shared that their experience with psilocybin "completely changed the direction of my life and my family."
Although Oregon was the first state to decriminalize psilocybin, other cities and states have followed suit. In May 2019, Denver, Colorado, became the first city in the United States to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, with Oakland and Santa Cruz, California, decriminalizing soon after. In November 2020, Washington, D.C., decriminalized psilocybin, followed by Somerville, Massachusetts, in January 2021. As of August 2024, decriminalization efforts have not included synthetic psychedelics such as LSD and MDMA. While psilocybin is still federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, Oregon's Psilocybin Law represents a significant shift in drug policy within the United States.
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Oregon's progressive stance
Oregon has been at the forefront of the movement to decriminalize psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms. In November 2020, Oregon voters passed Measure 109, also known as the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act, which established a regulatory framework for the use of psilocybin. This made Oregon the first state in the U.S. to legalize the regulated use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, marking a significant shift in drug policy.
The Oregon Psilocybin Services Act allows for the creation of psilocybin service centers where individuals over the age of 21 can consume the mushrooms in a supervised setting. A key requirement is the presence of a state-certified facilitator during the drug-induced journey, which can last up to six hours. The facilitators may have diverse professional backgrounds, including social workers, hospice nurses, and psychiatrists, allowing for culturally responsive services. The law also outlines strict standards that service centers must meet to obtain and maintain their licenses, ensuring a safe environment for clients.
The state's progressive stance on psilocybin is rooted in the growing recognition of its potential therapeutic benefits. Scientific research suggests that psilocybin may be effective in addressing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. It is also believed to increase spiritual well-being. By legalizing psilocybin for supervised therapeutic use, Oregon has provided a new option for individuals seeking treatment for these conditions in a safe and regulated environment.
While Oregon's approach to psilocybin decriminalization has been groundbreaking, it is important to note that insurance companies typically do not cover the cost of psilocybin therapy. The treatments can be expensive, with the total cost for the entire process ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Additionally, in 2024, a growing number of Oregon cities began to vote to ban the substance, recriminalizing it in parts of the state. Despite these challenges, Oregon's progressive stance on psilocybin has paved the way for further research and the potential for regulated use in other states.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Oregon became the first U.S. state to legalize the regulated use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes in November 2020. The Oregon Psilocybin Services Act establishes a regulatory framework for receiving psilocybin, also known as psychedelic mushrooms.
The Oregon Psilocybin Services Act is not a dispensary model like the legalization of marijuana. Instead, it focuses on clients accessing psilocybin services as a health and wellness option. The law requires the state to issue four license types: manufacturers, laboratories, facilitators, and service centers.
The certification programs are open to anyone with a high school diploma who has passed a background check. Licensure is limited to Oregon residents until 2025. However, most applicants chosen by the Fluence program have previous experience in the field of mental health.
