On January 1st, Oregon made history as the first state to legalize psychedelics like psilocybin for adult use. This naturally occurring psychedelic has already shown potential in treating a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and end-of-life anxiety among those with terminal illnesses.
As scientists continue to explore the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin and other psychedelics, it is believed that these drugs promote neuroplasticity– a process which allows for rewiring of the brain. This in turn helps patients gain new perspectives on their longstanding mental health issues.
A recent study of alcohol-use disorder demonstrated that two doses of psilocybin in tandem with talk therapy radically diminished heavy drinking for members by 83%, and nearly half had completely stopped consuming it within the span of only eight months.
Although the long-term benefits remain to be seen, Measure 109 authorizes and creates psilocybin service centers so people over 21 can consume psychedelic mushrooms with a state-certified facilitator present. Given that each journey may last up to five or six hours, these services provide an important safety component in addition to potential therapeutic effects.
While cannabis can be purchased at many dispensaries across Oregon, consuming psilocybin must take place in an approved service center. Despite its popularity and potential benefits, the state currently does not allow for its retail sale.
With Measure 109’s passing in Oregon, drug reform supporters now have a revolutionary policy milestone to celebrate. They hope it will be the inspiration needed for other states and local governments to follow suit–and ultimately effect an alteration of long standing federal prohibitions on drugs.
Oregon has set the tone for possible national reform
In 2020, Oregon citizens created a lasting mark on history by overwhelmingly voting to decriminalize the personal possession of trace amounts of hard drugs such as heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine.
Even though psilocybin and other similar drugs are still strictly prohibited by the federal government, creating a regulatory conflict with Oregon’s rapid growth of decriminalization initiatives, it has already impacted other regions.
Last November, Colorado citizens passed a ballot measure to remove criminal sanctions for having certain psychedelic drugs. Since then, legislatures across New York and Washington have proposed similar bills, while the District of Columbia and Seattle set precedent by decriminalizing psilocybin within their respective cities over the last three years. Altogether roughly a dozen states are currently engaged in these progressive reform efforts.
If Senate Bill 58 passes in California, magic mushrooms may be decriminalized, meaning that possession and use for personal purposes would no longer carry a criminal penalty. This could represent a major shift in the way psychedelic substances are regulated across the country.
Interest in psychedelics is at an all-time high among the scientific community, and even government officials are getting involved. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration granted psilocybin “breakthrough therapy” status for major depressive disorder; a crucial step that has set it on course to receive full FDA approval within two years or less. Similarly, MDMA (or Ecstasy) appears well poised to earn FDA authorization soon too be used as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder due to its significant therapeutic potential.
Sam Chapman, the executive director of the Healing Advocacy Fund which has been actively involved with Measure 109 execution, noted that:
“Psychedelic medicine is starting to transcend partisan politics in a way that few issues have. It’s our responsibility to create a golden standard that’s worthy of wider implementation.”
Oregon will now continue to explore the potential of psychedelics, as well as ensure that access to this form of therapy is available and safe. With Oregon leading the way, the future looks bright for psychedelic medicine.
Whether Oregon’s decision to legalize psychedelic mushrooms will have an impact on the nation and the world remains to be seen. But Oregon has certainly set a precedent that’s worth following. Oregon has shown that it is possible to create sensible, evidence-based policies around therapeutic psychedelics, and to do so with the support of a broad base of citizens.
In the end, Oregon’s decision may prove to be an important catalyst in a larger movement that could bring meaningful changes to drug policy on a global level.
