Are you wondering whether psychedelic mushrooms are legal? If you live in the state of Oregon, then the answer is yes! It’s a brave new frontier where psychedelic mushrooms are no longer just labeled as a Schedule 1 substance but rather embraced for their therapeutic potential. While federal regulations may still classify them as illegal, Oregon has taken a step forward by legalizing their use in a therapeutic setting. The success of this experiment will set the stage for future legalization in other states.
We’ve analyzed the content, frameworks, and process of legalization from the Oregon Health Authority to give you the latest and most accurate information. Legalizing psychedelic mushrooms is a win for society. The collective decision of Oregonians and their lawmakers reflects a deep belief in the benefits of psilocybin for personal growth and healing. Here’s what you need to know about legal psychedelic mushrooms in Oregon.
1. Legal Psychedelic Mushrooms in Oregon: Historical Overview
In 2019, subcommittees with representation from over 68 organizations in public health, healthcare, social services, education, academia, transportation, housing, and the business community joined forces.
They identified five priority areas: addressing institutional bias, adversity, trauma, and toxic stress, promoting behavioral health, addressing economic drivers of health, and ensuring access to equitable preventative healthcare.
COVID-19 exposed the health disparities in Oregon, especially for BIPOC communities and other marginalized populations.
But here’s the good news: the Oregon Health Authority has a plan to eliminate health inequities by 2030. It’s called Healthier Together Oregon, and it’s all about improving health through community-driven strategies that prioritize equity. It’s clear that psilocybin services can play a role in creating healthier communities in Oregon by addressing these priorities. Their commitment is to align the work and focus on equitable access to psilocybin services and collaboration with communities.
Moreover, Oregon acknowledges the historical use of psilocybin by indigenous and tribal communities. They also recognize the significance of the research conducted by medical and academic institutions in driving their efforts forward. Finally, OHA acknowledges the bias and stigma created by the war on drugs and pledges to promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in their work, particularly addressing the negative impact on black, indigenous, people of color, and tribal communities. Talk about progress!
Ballot Measure 109 was passed by Oregon voters in 2020, creating the first-ever license program for the provision of psilocybin products and services. The measure is now codified in statute as ORS Chapter 475-a.
2. Types of Legal Psilocybin Service Licenses
Psilocybin in Oregon is regulated through four types of licenses: manufacturers, testing laboratories, service centers, and facilitators.
Manufacturers License
Manufacturers with a license have the opportunity to cultivate fungi containing psilocybin and produce a variety of products, such as extracts and edibles. However, they are subject to production limits and can only cultivate the Psilocybe cubensis species. Wild harvest of fungi is not permitted, ensuring sustainable and responsible practices.
Laboratory License
Testing laboratories play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of psilocybin products. They conduct required tests for psilocybin content and species identification, ensuring that the products meet the highest standards. This ensures that you can trust the psilocybin products available in Oregon’s service centers.
Service Center License
Service centers are welcoming and supportive locations where licensed facilitators provide psilocybin services. Unlike a traditional retail model, clients who are 21 years of age or older can access psilocybin services without a prescription or referral from a medical or clinical provider. However, it’s important to note that clients cannot take psilocybin away from the service center, creating a safe and controlled environment for the journey.
Facilitator License
Facilitator licenses are acquired at approved OHA schools. These facilitators provide support and guidance throughout your psilocybin experience, helping you navigate any challenges that may arise. With their expertise, you can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing.
Oregon Psilocybin Services has set up comprehensive systems and processes for the licensing and regulation of legal psychedelic mushroom products and services during the two-year development period. The rules for this regulatory framework will be adopted by December 31st, 2022. License applications are accepted on January 2nd, 2023. This ensures that you can access psilocybin services in a regulated and responsible manner.
3. Psilocybin Services Step-by-Step Overview
You meet with a licensed facilitator for one or more preparation sessions.
Embarking on a journey of personal growth and healing takes courage and self-leadership, and our licensed facilitators are here to support you every step of the way. During one or more preparation sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with a trained professional who will create a caring and inviting atmosphere for you to explore your intentions, concerns, and aspirations. Our facilitators will listen with empathy and provide guidance as you reflect on your past experiences, your present emotions, and your future hopes. Through these sessions, you’ll gain insights and tools to help you navigate the psilocybin experience with intention and mindfulness, unlocking the potential for profound transformation.
Psilocybin Product Administration: Safe and Supported Sessions at our Licensed Service Center
Once you feel ready to take the next step in your personal journey, you can purchase a legal psychedelic mushroom product from our licensed service center. Our products are carefully curated and quality assured to ensure your safety and comfort. You’ll then have an administration session with a licensed facilitator who will provide a safe and supportive environment for you to consume the psilocybin product. Our trained facilitators will be by your side throughout the session, offering guidance and assistance as needed. You’ll be able to let go, relax, and trust in the process as you embark on a unique and introspective journey with the psilocybin experience as your guide.
Integration Support: Optional Sessions for Meaningful Integration after Your Psilocybin Experience
After your administration session, you may choose to participate in optional integration sessions. These sessions are designed to support you integrate your psilocybin experience. They help form a connection into your daily life in a meaningful and sustainable way. Our licensed facilitators provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space for you to reflect on your insights, emotions, and visions that arose during your psilocybin journey. You can explore new patterns, gain clarity, and uncover dreams and visions that may have been buried within you. Our facilitators will help you connect the dots, identify actionable steps, and develop strategies to implement positive changes in your life moving forward. Your journey doesn’t end with the administration session – it’s just the beginning of a transformational process that can continue to unfold long after your psilocybin experience.
5. How will psilocybin products get to a licensed service center?
- Cultivation and Processing – Psilocybin products are cultivated and processed by a licensed manufacturer. This involves growing and harvesting psilocybin mushrooms, extracting psilocybin from the mushrooms, and formulating it into various products such as capsules, gummies, or tinctures.
- Testing – Once the psilocybin products are produced, they are sent to a licensed testing laboratory that has been accredited by the Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP). The products undergo rigorous testing to ensure their safety, potency, and quality. Test results are entered into the state product tracking system, which helps in maintaining accountability and preventing interstate commerce, as prohibited by ORS-4758.
- Product Tracking – Throughout the entire process, from cultivation to testing, psilocybin products are tracked in the state product tracking system. Licensed manufacturers, testing labs, and service centers are required to enter relevant information about the products, such as batch numbers, quantities, and test results, into the tracking system. This helps in maintaining transparency and traceability of the products.
- Transfer to Service Center – Once the psilocybin products have passed the testing requirements, they can be sold or transferred from the licensed manufacturer to a licensed service center. The service center is responsible for providing a safe and controlled environment for the distribution of psilocybin products to qualified individuals who are seeking psilocybin-assisted therapy. The transfer of products is recorded in the product tracking system to ensure proper documentation and accountability.
- Compliance with Regulations – Throughout the entire process, all parties involved, including licensed manufacturers, testing labs, and service centers, must comply with the regulations set forth by the Oregon Health Authority’s Psilocybin Services Program. This includes following strict guidelines for cultivation, processing, testing, and distribution of psilocybin products to ensure public health and safety.
Regulations and policies will evolve over time as data is collected and aftereffects are observed. The psilocybin services program in Oregon has been carefully considered, with a focus on safety and accessibility. This step towards psychedelic mushroom legalization aims to change the stigma around its use. When used intentionally and in a supportive environment, psilocybin has the potential to heal unseen wounds. Join us in supporting the responsible and accountable use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes in Oregon.