Oregon’s Psilocybin Legalization Faces Growing Resistance as Cities Enact Bans
PORTLAND, Ore. — Once celebrated for pioneering progressive drug reform, Oregon is witnessing a backlash against psilocybin, the compound in psychedelic mushrooms, just four years after its therapeutic use was legalized. In the November 5 election, voters in four cities, including suburban Portland and coastal towns, enacted fresh restrictions against psilocybin, joining a trend seen across the state as over a dozen communities solidified moratoriums initially approved in 2022.
This shift comes amid rising concerns related to the fentanyl crisis, leading some experts, like Josh Hardman of Psychedelics Alpha, to speculate that the political climate may be swinging back towards more conservative "law and order" sentiments. Massachusetts voters similarly rejected measures to allow personal cultivation of psychedelic drugs, mirroring sentiments in states where proposals for recreational marijuana failed.
Despite the bans, therapeutic psilocybin remains accessible at more than 30 licensed centers in Oregon, although the high costs—up to $2,000 per session—make it financially inaccessible for many. MJ Wilt, who opened a center in Gresham, voiced frustration about the exorbitant costs associated with the licensing process.
Voting patterns indicate a growing skepticism within Oregon towards drug reform. Measure 110, which decriminalized the possession of small amounts of hard drugs, faced legislative rollback earlier this year due to concerns over public drug use and overdose deaths. City officials like Lake Oswego’s Mayor Joe Buck emphasized the need for better management of drug policies to restore public trust.
As discussions continue around the potential benefits of psilocybin for mental health, the regulatory landscape remains fragmented, with some cities opting to embrace psilocybin even if their counties do not. While therapeutic use is theoretically on the rise, public confusion and regulatory challenges cast uncertainty on Oregon’s once-hopeful drug reform trajectory.
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