OREGON PSILOCYBIN THERAPY
The first state to legalize psilocybin therapy
A landmark moment
“The evidence is clear: psilocybin therapy is an effective intervention for people suffering from depression and anxiety.”
Adie Rae
Neuroscientist, PHD
In November 2020, Oregon became the first state in the United States to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. The measure, known as Measure 109, allows for the supervised administration of psilocybin therapy to individuals aged 21 and older with the guidance of licensed facilitators.
Psilocybin has been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits for a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and addiction. However, its use has been illegal in most parts of the world for decades due to its classification as a Schedule I drug. The legalization of psilocybin therapy in Oregon represents a significant step forward in the field of psychedelic medicine and may serve as a model for other states and countries to follow.
Under Measure 109, the Oregon Health Authority is tasked with creating a regulatory framework for the licensing and oversight of psilocybin therapy providers, which is expected to take several years to fully develop. In the meantime, advocates and supporters of psilocybin therapy are hopeful that the legalization of this treatment modality will lead to increased research, understanding, and acceptance of the potential benefits of psychedelics in treating mental health conditions.
Why this matters
Oregonians now have a new treatment option through a licensed and supervised psilocybin-assisted therapy system. Pioneering studies from medical institutions such as John Hopkins, Harbor UCLA and NYU, suggest that psilocybin therapy may be a revolutionary treatment for depression, anxiety and addiction. This promising research has prompted Oregon to approve legislation that will create a licensed psilocybin therapy program so Oregonians have the best therapeutic options available.
Initiative Petition 34
IP 34 Aimed to bring psilocybin treatment to Oregon through a licensed, regulated system that supports and protects patients to get them the help they need
Initiative Petition 34 was a ballot initiative that was proposed in Oregon in the 2020 election. The initiative sought to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, for individuals over the age of 21 in Oregon. However, unlike Measure 109, which was passed and legalized psilocybin therapy, IP 34 did not pass.
One of the main differences between the two measures was the approach to the legalization of psilocybin therapy. While Measure 109 created a regulated framework for the use of psilocybin in therapy, IP 34 proposed a more broad legalization of the substance, allowing for personal use and cultivation in addition to therapeutic use.
IP 34 faced opposition from some critics who argued that the measure was too broad and lacked appropriate regulations for the use of psilocybin. Additionally, some advocates of psilocybin therapy argued that the measure may have undermined the progress made by Measure 109 in creating a responsible and regulated system for the use of psilocybin in therapy.
Despite the failure of IP 34, the push for the legalization of psychedelics and the exploration of their therapeutic potential continues to gain momentum across the United States and around the world. The decision by Oregon to legalize psilocybin therapy through Measure 109 represents a significant step forward in this movement, and may inspire other states to consider similar measures in the future.
Psychedelic therapy in Oregon
The push for the legalization of psychedelics and the exploration of their therapeutic potential continues to gain momentum across the United States and around the world. The decision by Oregon to legalize psilocybin therapy through Measure 109 represents a significant step forward in this movement, and may inspire other states to consider similar measures in the future.