16 Of 17 Oregon Jurisdictions Voted to Ban Psilocybin Therapy Centers
The future of psilocybin therapy in Oregon has dimmed. Voters in 16 out of 17 jurisdictions approved bans on psilocybin-related businesses this election. To put that in perspective, 94% of Oregon jurisdictions banned psilocybin centers from opening in their area. While this isn’t all of them (only 17 jurisdictions had this on the ballot), this marks a significant shift since Oregon became the first state to regulate psilocybin in 2020. This is starting to feel like cannabis all over again.
Lake Oswego, Warrenton, and Seaside are among the cities that passed bans. Only Nehalem rejected the measure, by a slim margin of three votes. These new restrictions add to the 25 counties and 26 towns that banned psilocybin in 2022.
New: Interested in Being Part of a Psychedelics-Focused Clinical Trial? Sign Up Here
The Impact on Mental Health Treatment
Jason Burdge of the Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association expressed concern. He sees these bans as limiting a crucial mental health resource. Burdge, a former police officer, credits psilocybin therapy with alleviating his job-related PTSD.
The bans may force those seeking treatment to travel long distances. This could be particularly challenging for individuals with PTSD or other conditions.
RELATED: Do Shrooms Show Up On A Drug Test? Here’s a Complete Breakdown
Local Perspectives and Challenges
Lake Oswego Mayor Joe Buck offered insight into the city’s decision. State regulations severely limited potential locations for psilocybin businesses. This prompted the city to put the question to voters.
Buck personally supports psilocybin treatment for those without other options. He acknowledges the therapy’s potential for treating PTSD, addiction, depression, and anxiety.
The Road Ahead for Psilocybin Therapy
Oregon’s psilocybin therapy sector faces significant hurdles. Sessions cost between $1,500 and $3,500, making them inaccessible for many. The industry also grapples with an imbalance between supply and demand.
Advertising restrictions further complicate matters. Psilocybin’s status as a Schedule I drug prohibits service centers from marketing their services. This limits their ability to differentiate themselves and build niche markets.
Despite these challenges, proponents remain hopeful. They look to ongoing FDA studies to provide more clarity on psilocybin’s benefits and potential issues.
As Oregon navigates this uncharted territory, the debate over psilocybin therapy continues. The coming years will likely shape the future of this controversial treatment in the state and beyond.
