Psychedelics in the Treatment of Mental Health: Are They Right For You?

We have all heard the rumblings about Oregon being one of the first states to allow psychedelics in the treatment of mental health issues, but where do we stand with the new rules and regulations?

Mushrooms – Medicine with Magical Promise

Oregon made history when it became the first, and only, state in the country to legalize Psilocybin. Yes, you read that right. Oregon voters historically approved the legalization of this naturally occurring psychedelic for personal development in 2020.

Psilocybin, commonly called magic mushrooms, is produced by more than 200 species of fungi and can create a euphoric feeling by shifting perceptions of space and time. Because of this, experts believe psilocybin can help people dealing with:

• Depression;
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder;
• Quitting smoking;
• Alcohol or cocaine addiction;
• Cluster Headaches; and
• End-of-life psychological distress.

In addition to the healing aspects of Psilocybin, the psychedelic drug MDMA, or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, has also shown promising results. A recent study, mentioned by the Multi Disciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, found that MDMA can help symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and disordered eating, by:

• Decreasing feelings of fear and defensiveness;
• Increasing feelings of wellbeing;
• Increasing sociability and extroversion;
• Increasing interpersonal trust; and
• Creating an alert state of consciousness.

All of this is especially important, given that Oregon, with the highest prevalence of mental illness in the nation, has declared addiction a public health crisis. This of course, has been compounded with the addition of pandemic pressures.

So, what does this mean for you right now? 

The short answer is, not much – until 2023. Within the next year the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will release their rules and guidelines for psilocybin use, but we already know:

• Psilocybin will not be available in stores;
• Psilocybin will not be available for those under 21;
• You cannot legally grow your own psilocybin at home;
• Preparation, administration and integration therapy sessions, occurring in state-licensed clinics, will be required;
• Consumption outside of licensed clinics will not be allowed; and
• Psilocybin remains a Schedule 1 drug under federal rules and is not approved for medical uses.

*By January 2, 2023, the OHA will begin taking applications to license practitioners in the manufacturing, operation and testing of psilocybin products, and approve sites for conducting psychedelic sessions.*

What does this mean for Willamette Wellness Center?

Our mission is to alleviate suffering and increase overall quality of life for our clients. We constantly review all interventions, including legalized psychedelics, that are found to be safe and effective. In the future, we hope to offer psychedelic treatment to our Oregon residents as a licensed and regulated provider.

We will keep you up-to-date on the latest news surrounding psychedelics in Oregon, as updates become available.

Be Well,

Content was gathered by attending a training by Barb Hansen, MA, RN, CEO and Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board Member – Considerations in the use of psilocybin in end-of-life care and bereavement support.