Legal status

In November 2020, Oregon became the first state in the United States to legalize psilocybin therapy through Measure 109. The measure was approved by 56% of voters and allows for the legal use of psilocybin, the active ingredient in "magic mushrooms," in a licensed and regulated therapeutic setting.

Measure 109 established regulations for psilocybin-assisted therapy in the state. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will oversee these regulations, which will include requirements for training programs, licensing of facilitators, licensed service centers, and licensed manufacturers.

One of the key aspects of the measure is the requirement for specialized training for facilitators who will administer psilocybin therapy. These training programs are designed to provide facilitators with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and effectively guide patients through the experience. The training programs are also be required to address issues related to cultural equity and working with diverse populations.

Under Measure 109, psilocybin-assisted therapy will only be available in licensed service centers, which will be subject to strict regulations regarding safety, security, and patient care. These centers will also be required to have staff who are responsible for overseeing all aspects of patient care and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

In addition, licensed manufacturers will be responsible for producing and distributing psilocybin products to licensed service centers, following strict regulations for quality control and safety.

The measure was motivated by the growing body of research showing the potential effectiveness of psilocybin therapy for treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Supporters of the measure argued that psilocybin therapy offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments, which can be expensive and have a range of negative side effects.