Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. It is found in over 200 species of fungi (mushrooms). For centuries Indigenous and Tribal communities around the world have used psilocybin for spiritual, ceremonial and other purposes. Psilocybin services will soon be an option in Oregon. However, psilocybin is still a Schedule I substance under the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
Research suggests psilocybin may help address depression, anxiety, trauma and addiction. Studies have also found it can increase spiritual well-being. To learn more about the research on psilocybin benefits and risks, see the 2021 Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board Rapid Evidence Review. It is available in English and Spanish.
In Oregon, “psilocybin services” refers to preparation, administration and integration sessions provided by a licensed facilitator. The psilocybin products consumed must be cultivated or produced by a licensed psilocybin manufacturer and may only be provided to a client at a licensed psilocybin service center during an administration session.
Psilocybin services are available to people age 21 or older and will not require a prescription or medical referral. People accessing psilocybin services are called “clients”.
Ballot Measure 109 (M109) is also known as the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act. It was voted into law by Oregonians in November 2020. It is codified in Oregon Revised Statutes in ORS 475A. M109 directs Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to license and regulate psilocybin products and the provision of psilocybin services. Oregon is the first state in the U.S. to create a regulatory framework for psilocybin services
First, to provide these services, a licensed facilitator must complete:
• A training program with curriculum approved by OPS
• An exam administered by OPS, and
• All other license requirements
After the facilitator is licensed, facilitators can work with clients who are 21 and over and who qualify. A licensed facilitator will help you understand if it is the right time and the right fit for you both.
The client meets with a licensed facilitator for a preparation session. There may be several preparations sessions to get both the client and the facilitator ready for an administration session.
After determining a good fit for both client and facilitator, and administration session is scheduled. The client consumes the product at the service center and begins their session with a licensed facilitator.
The client and the facilitator schedule an integration session for a couple of days out from the psilocybin session. This is a session to follow up with a facilitator and learn about additional peer support and other resources.
1. Psilocybin products are cultivated, produced and/or processed by a licensed manufacturer. They are tracked in a product tracking system.
2. The products are tested by a licensed testing laboratory. The lab must be accredited by the Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP). The test results are entered into the product tracking system.
3. The products are sold or transferred from a licensed manufacturer to a licensed service center. This is tracked in the product tracking system.
You do not need to live in Oregon to access psilocybin services. To access psilocybin services, you must be 21 years of age or older and participate in a preparation session with a licensed facilitator before you will be able to participate in an administration session (the session when psilocybin is consumed at a licensed service center) and subsequent integration sessions.