Exploring the Rise of Magic Mushrooms in Oregon: From Illegal to Legally Supervised Therapy

As of January 1st, 2023, Oregon has officially become the first state in the nation to allow the use of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, for adults aged 21 and older. This move follows the passing of a ballot measure in 2020, which directed the Oregon Health Authority to regulate and license the manufacturing, transportation, sale, and provision of psilocybin products and services.

While the possession and use of magic mushrooms had previously been decriminalized in Oregon, the new law takes things a step further by allowing for the supervised use of psilocybin in therapeutic settings. This is a major development in the growing movement to legalize psychedelic substances, which have shown promise in treating a variety of mental health conditions.

Studies have found that, when paired with talk therapy, psilocybin can help individuals struggling with addiction and alleviate symptoms of depression. The mechanism behind how psilocybin works is not yet fully understood, but scientists believe it promotes neural connections in the brain.

It should be noted that while the use of psilocybin is now legal in Oregon, the state has not yet legalized the retail sale of magic mushrooms. The process of regulating and licensing psilocybin service providers is still ongoing, and it may be some time before approved applicants can begin offering their services. Additionally, even though psilocybin is legal in Oregon, individuals should not expect to be able to purchase it from any retail store, as well as that there are more legal restrictions than just being above 21.

Facilitators for psilocybin therapy are also undergoing intensive training to become licensed guides. Many of these individuals already have experience in the mental health field, as the skills required for working with clients during psychedelic experiences are similar. As Nathan Howard, the operations director at InnerTrek, an approved psilocybin facilitator training company, explains, "You are going to be sitting with people undergoing perhaps one of the most intimate, intense experiences of their lives. You don’t want to direct the experience—you’re there to observe—but you also might need to hold their hand at certain moments."

Despite the positive developments in Oregon, it's important to remember that psilocybin is still a Schedule 1 controlled substance at the federal level and its legal status may change in the future. However, with more and more states considering the legalization of psychedelic substances, it seems that the tide is beginning to turn in favor of these plant-based therapies.