Once upon a time in the land of Oregon, where mushrooms weren’t just for pizza toppings anymore, the state decided to sprinkle a little magic by legalizing therapeutic psilocybin. But, just when you thought everyone was ready to trip the light fantastic, a plot twist emerged: a handful of cities decided to pull the plug on the party, banning the substance faster than you can say “fungi.”
In a recent election, four cities joined the mushroom mutiny, with others turning their temporary bans into permanent “no-fly zones” for the psychedelic spores. Apparently, the ghost of policies past, like the infamous fentanyl crisis, has everyone in a tizzy, causing a domino effect of drug policy paranoia. Despite these local bans, over 30 licensed centers in Oregon continue to offer psilocybin therapy, but with a price tag reminiscent of a gourmet mushroom risotto.
You see, back in 2020, Measure 109 gave psilocybin the green light but allowed towns to opt-out, leading to a patchwork of rules more confusing than a psychedelic mural. It’s a bit like cannabis: half the states that legalized it let localities opt out, making it a game of “to weed or not to weed.” Only Colorado stands with Oregon in the psilocybin parade, allowing local rules but no outright bans on therapeutic centers.
While psilocybin is being hailed as a potential mental health marvel, Fractal Soul, an Oregon center, reports mostly happy customers, albeit amidst public bewilderment over the difference between therapy and decriminalization. Unlike your corner cannabis shop, psilocybin can’t be taken to-go; it must be consumed under watchful eyes at licensed centers. Since June 2023
Published Date: 2024-11-22