John Miller
As of 2023, Oregon became the first state in the US to allow adults to use psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, under supervision. Since then, Colorado and Illinois have also approved the supervised use of psilocybin for adults. In Oregon, adults over 21 can consume psychedelic mushrooms under the supervision of a state-certified facilitator in a controlled setting. These facilitators are trained to guide patients through hallucinogenic trips and assist them without shaping or suppressing their thoughts and feelings. The legalization of supervised psilocybin use aims to provide a safe and effective treatment option for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder. While the industry faces challenges, including strict advertising regulations and limited customer awareness, it offers a promising approach to mental health treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Oregon and Colorado, US |
| Age Limit | 21 and above |
| Administration | State-certified facilitators |
| Facilitator Qualifications | Intensive training, experience in mental health |
| Facilitator Role | Impassive, non-intrusive support, recognize negative physical responses |
| Cost | $800-$2,500 for a trip and two therapeutic sessions |
| Legality | Psilocybin remains illegal at the federal level |
| Advertisement | Cannot reach children or consumers under 21 |
| Market | Short on customers |
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What You'll Learn
Oregon was the first state to legalise supervised mushroom use
On January 1, 2023, Oregon became the first state in the US to legalise the controlled consumption of psilocybin, the active psychedelic ingredient in "magic mushrooms". This move was the result of a ballot measure that voters approved in 2020, which directed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to regulate the manufacturing, transportation, delivery, sale, and purchase of psilocybin products and services.
Under this new law, adults aged 21 and older can legally access psilocybin services in Oregon. This means they can consume psychedelic mushrooms under the supervision of a state-certified facilitator in licensed facilities. The facilitators are responsible for administering the substance and guiding individuals through their altered states of consciousness during the trip, which can last several hours.
The legalisation of psilocybin in Oregon is significant because it recognises the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms in treating mental health conditions. Studies have shown that psilocybin can help treat trauma, depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder. It is believed that psilocybin promotes reorganisation and restructuring of the brain, allowing individuals with mental illnesses to adopt more positive patterns of thought.
While the retail sale of magic mushrooms remains illegal in Oregon, the state's new Psilocybin Services Section is reviewing license applications from manufacturers, laboratories, service centres, and facilitators. Approved applicants are expected to begin offering psilocybin services later in 2023. Oregon's pioneering move towards legalising supervised mushroom use has set a precedent for other states and localities, influencing the ongoing discussion around drug reform and mental health treatment in the US.
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Colorado followed, with voters approving supervised use in 2022
In November 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition 122, a citizen-driven initiative to decriminalize the use of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in so-called magic mushrooms. The proposition passed with 53% of the vote, representing a slim margin of victory. This decision builds on the state's history of drug reform, including the legalization of medical marijuana in 2000 and the distribution of recreational cannabis in 2014.
The new law allows individuals over the age of 21 to legally possess, consume, and share small amounts of psilocybin mushrooms without facing criminal penalties. However, it is important to note that the sale and unregulated distribution of psilocybin outside of licensed therapeutic settings remain prohibited. Similar to marijuana laws, possessing mushrooms on federal property can result in federal charges, as the decriminalization is specific to the state of Colorado.
The state plans to implement a system similar to Oregon's, without retail dispensaries. Instead, certified facilitators will administer the drug at newly licensed "healing centers" or existing healthcare facilities. Psilocybin cannot be taken off the premises of these centers, and there are limits on the number of centers. The law emphasizes personal possession limits and responsible use while maintaining protections against misuse or trafficking.
Colorado's Division of Regulatory Affairs, law enforcement, and advocates are working together to determine many of the specific regulations surrounding the implementation of Proposition 122. The state must issue rules for drug testing standards, license requirements, and health and safety warnings by January 1, 2024, and begin accepting applications for licensed facilities to administer psilocybin by September of that year.
The initiative also establishes the "Natural Medicine Advisory Board" to explore and evaluate ongoing research into the potential health benefits of psychedelic drugs and make recommendations to the legislature and other state entities. This move reflects the growing scientific research on the potential benefits of psychedelics in treating mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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Psilocybin is still illegal at the federal level
Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in so-called "magic mushrooms", is illegal in the United States under federal law. It is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means that it is deemed to have no medicinal benefit and a high potential for abuse and addiction. Possession, distribution, and manufacture of psilocybin can result in large fines and long prison sentences under federal law. However, state laws vary, and in some places, psilocybin is decriminalized or legal for medicinal or therapeutic use.
In Oregon, voters passed a ballot initiative in November 2020 that made "magic mushrooms" legal for mental health treatment in supervised settings for individuals aged 21 and older. The state has established licensed service centers where state-certified facilitators guide patients in hallucinogenic trips, which may help treat mental health conditions. Oregon has also become the first state to provide state-regulated access to magic mushrooms, with a new study establishing a series of practices to ensure the safety and effectiveness of psilocybin services.
Colorado has followed Oregon's lead, with voters approving a ballot measure in November 2022 to legalize the supervised use of psilocybin at state-approved centers. The state will allow individuals aged 21 and up to use, grow, and share mushrooms, though retail sales will not be permitted. Denver, Colorado, became the first city in the United States to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms in May 2019, with the initiative prohibiting the city from using resources to prosecute people for their use or possession.
While psilocybin remains illegal at the federal level, decriminalization and legalization efforts are ongoing in various states and cities across the United States. As of 2025, more than a dozen cities nationwide have deprioritized or decriminalized psilocybin, and states such as New Mexico have passed laws to establish therapeutic psilocybin programs. Research into the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin is contributing to continuing changes in legislation, and it is predicted that psychedelics will be legalized throughout the US by 2037.
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Facilitators must recognise negative physical responses and act
Although negative physical responses to psychedelics are rare, facilitators must be able to recognise them and act immediately. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) requires facilitators to be trained to identify negative physical reactions and respond if clients need additional medical attention.
Facilitators must be able to recognise the signs of a 'bad trip', which can be influenced by the user's mental state, personality, and immediate environment. A pre-existing mental health condition may also increase the risk of a bad trip. Feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis can be signs of a bad trip. In addition, the user's cardiovascular system may be affected, with a racing heart and dangerous rises in blood pressure. Facilitators should also be aware of the potential for delayed headaches, which usually pass within a day.
It is also important for facilitators to be aware of the potential negative effects of mixing mushrooms with other substances. For example, stimulants can increase energy levels and anxiety, leading to an unpleasant or scary mushroom experience. Mixing mushrooms with opioids can cause sedation, and combining them with alcohol can lower inhibitions and lead to dangerous situations.
In the case of a negative physical response, facilitators should be prepared to administer additional medical attention. This may include providing a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment to help reduce the risk of a negative experience. Facilitators should also be trained to recognise when a hospital visit is necessary.
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The industry is facing challenges attracting customers
The psychedelic industry has witnessed a rapid increase in monetary value, with numerous companies being formed and billions of dollars invested. Despite this growth, the industry faces challenges in attracting customers due to various factors. Firstly, the legal status of psychedelics varies, making it challenging for businesses to expand globally and navigate complex regulatory landscapes. For instance, while some states in the US have legalized supervised psychedelic use, it remains illegal at the federal level, creating uncertainty for potential customers.
Another challenge lies in the negative perception and stigma associated with psychedelics. Many people still view these substances negatively, making it crucial for companies to educate customers about the benefits and safety of their products. Building trust and providing clear, fact-based information are essential to overcoming this hurdle. This includes partnering with respected experts and organizations to enhance the public perception of psychedelics and navigate ethical considerations.
Additionally, companies must navigate regulatory barriers, treatment costs, intellectual property issues, and the logistics of administration. These complexities impact their ability to attract customers, as they influence the availability, accessibility, and affordability of psychedelic treatments. Furthermore, the industry must address concerns related to adverse effects, ensuring that therapeutic benefits reach vulnerable and marginalized communities.
To stand out in this emerging market, companies must also focus on brand identity and design trends. Crafting memorable identities, utilizing visual elements, and sharing their brand story are essential for building emotional connections with customers. Emphasizing education and providing factual information about effects, uses, and safety helps establish trustworthiness in this sensitive market. Additionally, hosting events, retreats, seminars, and utilizing digital marketing techniques can attract customers by showcasing the benefits of psychedelics in safe and controlled settings.
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Frequently asked questions
You must be 21 or older and be in Oregon or Colorado, the only two states that have approved the supervised use of psilocybin.
In Oregon, you can take mushrooms at a state-licensed center. In Colorado, you can take them at state-approved centers.
State-certified facilitators, who have often had experience working in the mental health field, supervise the trips.
Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, has shown promise in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder.
