If you live in the state of Oregon, odds are high that you’ve heard about the benefits of psilocybin. You may even be familiar with psychedelic assisted therapy and how it can help you in a deeply therapeutic way, but you might still be wondering if psilocybin can actually reduce your anxiety and help you deal with your depression.
First, let’s look at the laws that govern the psilocybin industry in your state. Currently, psychedelics like magic mushrooms are merely decriminalized, so psychedelic assisted therapy with a licensed therapist is not yet available in Oregon.
Mental health professionals put their licensure at risk when they work directly with psychedelic substances like psilocybin.
However, all of that is expected to change due to the passing of Measure 109 which legalizes the administration of psilocybin for mental health purposes in Oregon.
The first-ever state-approved Psilocybin Services Program is expected to roll out in 2022, but until then, it’s important to understand the current legal landscape of psychedelic assisted therapy.
The word therapy can have different definitions, so it’s important to ask yourself clarifying questions like; do you prefer a healing and therapeutic psychedelic experience or a psychedelic trip with a licensed psychotherapist?
The difference may seem small, but it has big implications as only one of those options is currently available to you in the state of Oregon.
“Therapy” typically refers to work being done with a licensed therapist. However, “therapeutic” refers to having a beneficial effect on the body or mind per Merriam-Webster’s definition. So things like yoga, breathwork, meditation and even psychedelics can be considered therapeutic—with or without the presence of a therapist.
The point is you need to have clarity on the level of support and type of experience that you want. The good news is that although psychedelic assisted therapy with a licensed mental health professional is not yet available in Oregon, there are ways to have a supported therapeutic psychedelic experience in your area.
In this article, we’ll explore the different options for legal therapeutic psychedelic experiences near you, and how we can help in your healing journey.
Keep in mind that our services are not provided by licensed mental health professionals as they are not yet allowed to provide direct, in-person support during a psychedelic experience.
The Legal Landscape of Psychedelics in Oregon
In 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize the use and possession of psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, in addition to all federally scheduled substances.
At the same time, the state legalized the manufacture, sale, and administration of psilocybin for mental health purposes by passing Measure 109 which is expected to go into effect in 2022.
It has already started to destigmatize the reputation of psilocybin and will undoubtedly revive psychedelic research and development which has been dormant since the Regan presidency.
In short, the decriminalization of psychedelics in Oregon has allowed us to facilitate guided journeys for people like you while drastically reducing the risk of criminal repercussions.
In fact, the discussion around drug abuse and addiction is starting to shift from a criminal conversation to a mental health conversation. At the same time, it’s important to remember that psychedelics are still considered illegal substances at the federal government level.
While this new industry is still in its infancy, we’re confident that decriminalization will spread in the wake of knowledge and wisdom. Thankfully, Oregon is leading the charge as their Psilocybin Services Program will not only unleash therapeutic potential of psychedelics, it will prove the model for all other states to duplicate.
Download Our Free Psilocybin Sourcing Guide
For harm-reduction purposes, we provide links to online psilocybin vendors, local stores, delivery services, and spore vendors for growing your own medicine at home.
Three Ways to Have a Therapeutic Psychedelic Experience in Oregon
Luckily, you have a few psychedelic substances and experiences to choose from in the state of Oregon. Each offers pros and cons, so be sure to review the following options to see which treatment option is best for you.
1. Ketamine Clinics
Not officially considered a traditional psychedelic, Ketamine has proven to improve the mental and emotional health of those who have used it in a therapeutic setting.
Research shows that it’s effective in treating depression, however ketamine clinics are known to have a less than comprehensive treatment approach so it does carry the risk of having a negative or poorly integrated psychedelic experience.
2. Cannabis-Assisted Therapy
This type of treatment is highly dependent on individual factors so it’s important to know that it might not provide the therapeutic psychedelic experience that you’re truly seeking.
Unlike psilocybin, cannabis is not a traditional entheogen, which is what many people decide that they prefer to sit with, especially after reading Michael Pollan’s book or watching fantastic fungi.
3. Guided Psychedelic Experiences
Often called trip sitting, this psychedelic experience involves a guide who helps you to navigate your healing journey in a therapeutic way. At Psychedelic Passage, we specialize in providing these kinds of holistic healing experiences which hold the potential for true transformation.
Legally, we can do this as we don’t provide psychedelic medicines, and although we’re not licensed mental health professionals, we do facilitate healing experiences that many clients find to be very therapeutic.
We also aim to conduct our services with a strong emphasis on harm reduction. The most popular psychedelic that our clients work with is psilocybin, but we can sit with other forms of psychedelic medicine as well.
We Provide Guided Psychedelic Journeys in Every Major City in Oregon
- Portland
- Salem
- Eugene
- Gresham
- Hillsboro
- Beaverton
- Bend
- Medford
- Springfield
- Corvallis
- Albany
- Tigard
- Lake Oswego
- Oregon City
- Tualatin
- West Linn
This list is not meant to be exhaustive. We provide our trip sitting and guiding services in all major cities in Oregon, including those which are not listed above.
If we can physically get ourselves to you, we will sit for you. If you are curious whether we are able to service your area specifically, please contact us.
The Benefits of Therapeutic Psychedelic Experiences
Psychoactive plants and chemicals like psilocybin have an unknown number of benefits, but research data is already starting to suggest that their healing potential is massive.
You could argue that indigenous people have known this for centuries, but their ancient wisdom is finally being backed by modern science.
Psychedelics help you to access your unconscious brain which enables deep healing to occur, when used purposefully and under the proper supervision.
It creates awareness to old mental models which no longer serve you or limiting beliefs that hold you captive, giving you the opportunity to let go and elevate your life experience.
Therapeutic psychedelic experiences are a deeply integrated form of treatment which provides healing on a spiritual, mental, and physical level. It’s an amazing alternative to more traditional methods of reducing anxiety and stress, and dealing with depression and PTSD.
Are You Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
If you’re considering taking advantage of the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin and psychedelic assisted therapy in Oregon, but don’t know what to do next then we’re here to help.
At Psychedelic Passage, our network of pre-vetted facilitators guide you through a holistic healing journey from intention setting to integration.
Our concierges can connect to you local guides who are ready to facilitate a ceremonial psychedelic experience in the comfort of your own home—book a consult and check out our resources page to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychedelic Therapy in Oregon
1. What is the role of the Oregon Health Authority in psychedelic therapy?
The Oregon Health Authority, in conjunction with the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board, oversees the implementation of psilocybin therapy in Oregon.
This is a treatment for mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression and serious mental health conditions, following the Oregon voters approved Measure 109.
2. What are the mental health conditions that psychedelic therapy can help treat?
Psilocybin therapy has been found in clinical trials to potentially treat mental health conditions like major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. It can also provide mental health therapy for serious mental health conditions.
3. What is the role of the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board in psilocybin therapy?
The Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board, formed under the Oregon Health Authority, helps to regulate the provision of psilocybin services. They guide clinical trials, ensure the safe use of psychedelic drugs like psilocybin for mental health therapy, and oversee psilocybin service centers.
4. What are psilocybin service centers?
Psilocybin service centers are facilities that provide psilocybin therapy and psilocybin-assisted therapy for the treatment of mental health conditions.
They operate under the regulations set by the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board, ensuring the safe use of psychedelic drugs for mental health therapy.
