Exploring The Impact Of Oregon’s Measure 109: Legalizing Psilocybin Therapy

Is psilocybin legal in Oregon?

Yes, psilocybin is legal for therapeutic use in Oregon. In November 2020, Oregon voters passed
Measure 109, which legalized the use of psilocybin in licensed therapeutic settings. The
measure allows for licensed therapists to administer psilocybin to patients for the purpose of
treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
It’s important to note that psilocybin remains illegal under federal law, and the measure does not
legalize psilocybin for recreational use or for use outside of licensed therapeutic settings. The
measure also includes strict regulations and oversight to ensure the safe and responsible use of
psilocybin in therapy.
As of early 2023, the regulations for implementing Measure 109 are still being developed, and it
may take several years before licensed psilocybin therapy is widely available in Oregon.

How does the legal psilocybin program in Oregon work?

The legal psilocybin program in Oregon, which was established by Measure 109, allows for
licensed therapists to administer psilocybin to patients for the purpose of treating mental health
conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Here is an overview of how the program works:

Licensing: The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is responsible for licensing and regulating
psilocybin therapy providers. Licensed providers must meet strict qualifications and
undergo training in psilocybin therapy.
Patient screening: Patients must undergo a thorough screening process to determine
their eligibility for psilocybin therapy. This includes a medical evaluation and a mental
health assessment.
Therapy session: Psilocybin therapy sessions typically last several hours and are
conducted in a safe and comfortable environment under the supervision of a licensed
therapist. Patients are given a carefully measured dose of psilocybin and are
encouraged to explore their thoughts and emotions while the drug takes effect.
Integration and follow-up: After the therapy session, patients receive support and
guidance in integrating their experience into their daily lives. Follow-up sessions with the
therapist are also typically scheduled to monitor progress and address any lingering
issues.
It’s important to note that the legal psilocybin program in Oregon is strictly regulated and only available to patients who meet specific eligibility criteria. The program also includes safeguards to ensure the safe and responsible use of psilocybin, such as dosage limits and requirements for licensed supervision

How does psilocybin lab testing work in Oregon?

In Oregon, psilocybin lab testing is typically performed to ensure the safety and purity of
psilocybin-containing products, such as mushrooms or extracts, that are intended for human
consumption. Here is an overview of how psilocybin lab testing works in Oregon:

Sample collection: A sample of the psilocybin-containing product is collected and
prepared for testing. The sample is typically sent to a certified lab for analysis.
Chemical analysis: The lab performs chemical analysis to determine the concentration of
psilocybin and other psychoactive compounds in the sample. The lab may also test for
the presence of contaminants or adulterants, such as heavy metals or pesticides.
Results reporting: The lab reports the results of the analysis to the product manufacturer
or distributor, who is responsible for ensuring that the product meets safety and purity
standards. If the product fails to meet these standards, it may be recalled or removed
from the market.
Compliance with regulations: In Oregon, psilocybin lab testing is subject to regulations
and standards set by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The OHA requires that
psilocybin-containing products intended for human consumption be tested by a certified
lab and meet specific safety and purity standards.
It’s important to note that psilocybin lab testing is not required for personal use of psilocybin-
containing products in Oregon, but it is recommended to ensure the safety and purity of the
product. Additionally, the legal psilocybin program in Oregon, established by Measure 109,
requires that all psilocybin products used in therapy be tested by a certified lab and meet
specific safety and purity standards.

How does psilocybin retail work in Oregon?

The Psilocybin Service Center (PSC) is a term used in Oregon’s Measure 109 to refer to the
facilities where psilocybin therapy will be conducted. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is
responsible for developing and implementing regulations to ensure the safety and efficacy of
psilocybin therapy services.
Here is an overview of some of the regulations and requirements that may be included in the
regulations for PSCs in Oregon:

Licensing and certification: Providers and facilities offering psilocybin therapy would
need to be licensed and/or certified by the OHA to ensure that they meet specific
standards for safety, quality, and ethical conduct.
Patient eligibility and screening: Patients seeking psilocybin therapy would need to
undergo screening and evaluation to ensure that they are appropriate candidates for
treatment and that they do not have any medical or mental health conditions that could
increase the risk of adverse effects.
Treatment protocols and guidelines: PSCs would need to follow specific treatment
protocols and guidelines established by the OHA, which would include requirements for
dosing, administration, monitoring, and follow-up care.
Record-keeping and reporting: PSCs would need to maintain detailed records of patient
care, including information about the psilocybin products used, dosing, adverse
reactions, and outcomes. They would also need to report data to the OHA for monitoring
and quality improvement purposes.
Safety and security: PSCs would need to ensure the safety and security of their facilities,
including proper storage and handling of psilocybin products, as well as compliance with
state and federal regulations related to controlled substances.

What to expect from a licensed facilitator

A licensed psilocybin facilitator is an individual who has obtained a license from the Oregon
Health Authority to provide psilocybin-assisted therapy at a licensed psilocybin service center in
Oregon. The licensing process is expected to involve meeting certain qualifications, completing
specific training programs, and demonstrating competency in the safe and effective use of
psilocybin and best practices for conducting psilocybin-assisted therapy sessions. The goal of
licensing psilocybin facilitators is to ensure that individuals who receive psilocybin therapy in
Oregon do so in a safe, controlled, and therapeutic environment under the guidance of qualified
professionals.
Being a competent and compassionate facilitator involves having a combination of skills, traits,
and qualities that enable you to effectively guide and support individuals or groups towards
achieving their goals while also showing empathy and concern for their well-being. Here are
some characteristics that I believe exemplify a competent and compassionate facilitator:

Active listening: A competent and compassionate facilitator must be able to listen
carefully to what others are saying and understand their perspectives and needs.
Clear communication: Effective communication is essential for a facilitator to convey
information and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Flexibility: A good facilitator should be adaptable and able to adjust their approach to
meet the needs of different individuals or groups.
Empathy: A compassionate facilitator must be able to understand and relate to the
emotions of others and show concern for their well-being.
Conflict resolution: Facilitators must be able to manage and resolve conflicts that arise
within a group.
Collaboration: A competent and compassionate facilitator should encourage
collaboration and teamwork among group members.
Encouragement: An effective facilitator should be able to provide encouragement and
support to participants, helping them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Respect: A compassionate facilitator should treat all participants with respect, regardless
of their backgrounds, beliefs, or opinions.
Overall, being a competent and compassionate facilitator means being a good listener,
communicator, collaborator, and leader, while also showing empathy, flexibility, and respect
towards others.

How big will the psilocybin market be?

Estimating the size of the psilocybin market is difficult as it is a relatively new and rapidly evolving industry. However, there is growing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin and other psychedelics, which is leading to increased investment in research, development, and commercialization of these substances.

According to a report by Data Bridge Market Research, the global psilocybin market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.3% from 2021 to 2028. This growth is attributed to factors such as increasing awareness and acceptance of the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, growing prevalence of mental health disorders, and a shift in societal attitudes towards mental health treatment.

Another report by Deloitte estimates that the total addressable market for psychedelic- assisted therapies could be worth up to $100 billion, with psilocybin being a significant part of that market. However, it is important to note that these estimates are based on various assumptions and the actual size of the psilocybin market may differ.

It is also worth noting that the legality and regulatory status of psilocybin vary greatly across different countries and jurisdictions, which could impact the growth and size of the market in the future.

What other states are considering legalizing psilocybin

Currently, several states in the United States are considering legalizing psilocybin for
medical or therapeutic purposes, either through legislative action or through voter
initiatives. These states include:

California: In California, a bill has been introduced that would decriminalize the
possession and personal use of psilocybin for adults over 21 years of age.
Colorado: Colorado has already decriminalized the possession and use of
psilocybin mushrooms in certain cities, and advocates are now pushing for
statewide legalization for medical purposes.
Connecticut: Connecticut lawmakers are considering a bill that would legalize
psilocybin for medical use.
Florida: In Florida, a ballot initiative has been filed that would legalize psilocybin
therapy for individuals with mental health conditions.
Hawaii: Hawaii lawmakers have introduced a bill that would create a psilocybin
therapy program for certain mental health conditions.
Michigan: In Michigan, a ballot initiative has been proposed that would legalize
psilocybin therapy for individuals with mental health conditions.
New York: New York lawmakers are considering a bill that would legalize
psilocybin for medical purposes.

It is important to note that the legal status of psilocybin varies greatly across different
states and jurisdictions, and the path to legalization can be complex and challenging.
Additionally, the regulations and guidelines for legal psilocybin therapy can vary widely
depending on the state or jurisdiction.