Are Mushrooms Legal in Oregon? A Simple Guide to Psilocybin Legality
If you've heard about the growing interest in mushrooms, you might be wondering about the legality of psilocybin mushrooms in Oregon. These mushrooms, often called “magic mushrooms,” contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring compound known for its psychedelic effects. Over the past few years, Oregon has made significant strides in how it handles psilocybin, but understanding the current laws can be a bit tricky. So, let's break it down simply.
What Are Psilocybin Mushrooms?
Before diving into the legality, it’s helpful to know what psilocybin mushrooms actually are. Psilocybin is a compound found in over 180 species of mushrooms. When consumed, it can cause changes in perception, mood, and thought patterns, often leading to altered states of consciousness. These mushrooms have been used for centuries in various cultural and spiritual practices.
Psilocybin Legality in Oregon
As of 2020, Oregon became the first state in the U.S. to pass a measure that legalized the regulated adult use of psilocybin with the passage of Measure 109. This means that while psilocybin mushrooms are still illegal for general recreational use, there are some exceptions. Measure 109 allows adults over the age of 21 to use psilocybin mushrooms for any purpose, but only in a licensed, supervised setting.
What Else Does Measure 109 Do?
Licensing Framework: Measure 109 created processes for facilitators, service centers, mushroom producers, and testing labs to obtain and maintain licenses. You are able to view license status on the Oregon Psilocybin Services website.
Consumer Protections: Unlike receiving psilocybin services in the “underground”, Measure 109 offers consumers extra protections, like confidence that professionals have gone through training processes and ways to submit complaints to the licensing authority if the services received were problematic.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re an Oregon resident (or planning to visit), here’s what you need to know:
For Therapeutic or Recreational Adult Use: If you’re interested in trying psilocybin as part of a therapeutic experience, or even for other personal reasons, reach out to us here at PNW Integrative Center for more information on getting started.
For Personal Use Outside a Licensed Service Center: If you're hoping to just buy or use psilocybin mushrooms casually outside of a licensed service center, that’s still illegal in Oregon.
Risks and Eligibility: Psilocybin is not for everyone. We encourage all participants to discuss their plans with a medical doctor familiar with their medical history prior to participating in psilocybin services.