In a profound New York Times article, Oregon has marked a groundbreaking shift in drug policy, becoming the first state in the United States to legalize the adult use of psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in "magic" mushrooms. The measure, known as Measure 109, was approved by Oregon voters and came into effect on January 1, 2023.
As the state embarked on implementing this historic change, a group of about two dozen individuals, primarily experienced mental health professionals, gathered for a four-day training course in early December to become certified "magic" mushroom facilitators. Led by the consultancy Fluence, the course, costing nearly $10,000 per participant, aimed to prepare facilitators for their role in supervised psilocybin sessions.
Despite the absence of actual mushrooms during the training—due to ongoing regulatory developments on production and sale—participants engaged in role-playing exercises, utilizing meditation and intensive breathing practices to simulate altered states of consciousness, akin to those induced by the psychedelic trip.
Jason Wright, a 48-year-old hospital psychiatric nurse from Portland and one of the participants, expressed enthusiasm about being part of an experiment that could transform society's relationship with drugs that were unjustly criminalized. He sees the potential for psilocybin to address mental health issues such as severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and end-of-life anxiety.
Psilocybin and other psychedelics are being studied for their therapeutic potential, with research suggesting their ability to promote neuroplasticity—a rewiring of the brain—and provide fresh perspectives on longstanding psychiatric problems. Studies have indicated promising results in treating conditions like alcohol-use disorder.
Measure 109 authorized the establishment of psilocybin service centers where individuals over 21 can consume the mushrooms under supervision. Certified facilitators must be present during these sessions, which can last several hours. Unlike cannabis, psilocybin will not be available for retail sale; consumption is restricted to licensed service centers.
Oregon's move towards psilocybin legalization has garnered attention as a groundbreaking policy shift, influencing other jurisdictions to reconsider their stance on mind-altering substances. In 2020, Oregon also made history by decriminalizing the personal possession of small amounts of hard drugs.
However, the regulatory transition has not been without challenges. Some counties in Oregon have opted out of the program, expressing reservations. Entrepreneurs have also faced legal repercussions for prematurely selling psilocybin mushrooms.
Oregon's decision aligns with a broader trend in the United States, with states like Colorado voting to remove criminal penalties for certain psychedelics. Scientific interest in psychedelics has reached federal levels, with the Food and Drug Administration granting breakthrough therapy status for psilocybin in treating major depressive disorder.
As Oregon navigates the complex regulatory landscape, the state aims to create a model that can guide the responsible implementation of psychedelic therapy, addressing issues such as affordability and the potential exclusion of marginalized populations. The state's innovative approach is expected to set a precedent, with other jurisdictions considering similar measures and the possibility of federal policy adjustments in the near future.
A Guide to Psychedelic Health Care
Psychedelics — though mostly still illegal — have surged in popularity in recent years as alternative treatments for mental health.
As psychedelics move from the underground to mainstream medicine, clinicians aspiring to work in the field are inducing altered states with deep breathing.
Many drugs known for mind-altering trips are being studied to treat depression, substance use and other disorders. This is what researchers have learned so far.
While psychedelics are showing real promise for therapeutic use, they can be dangerous for some. Here’s what to know about who should be cautious.
Ketamine, the once-taboo drug, has been repurposed to treat depression and is even available for delivery. But how safe is the drug for use at home?
For some couples on the brink of divorce, taking MDMA was a last resort. The drug, known as ecstasy, ended up being the only thing that worked.
Can psychedelics treat extreme grief and trauma? Here’s what we know and don’t know about the drugs’ effectiveness.
Comments