Sunday, July 28, 2019

Oregon's Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Initiative

Activists in Oregon are pushing for decriminalizing psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by more than 200 species of mushrooms. Oregon is considering a measure in 2020 to allow access to "guided psilocybin services," while lowering penalties for possession. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that psilocybin-assisted therapy is a safe and uniquely effective treatment for depression and anxiety, PTSD, and addiction to drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. Additionally, the measure would create access to services for those interested in personal development and open doors for new research. Investigating alternative treatments for mental illnesses is vital, as currently, many people are suffering and they have no hope of relief using available drugs and therapies.

According to PSI Chief Petitioners Tom and Sheri Eckert, "The intent of the 2020 Psilocybin Service Initiative of Oregon is to advance a breakthrough therapeutic model currently being perfected in research settings at top universities around the world. The service model involves a sequence of facilitated sessions, including assessment and preparation, psilocybin administration, and integration afterwards. We envision a community-based framework, where licensed providers, along with licensed producers of psilocybin mushrooms, blaze trails in Oregon in accordance with evolving practice standards."

At a meeting hosted by the Oregon Psilocybin Society ("OPS"), Tom Eckert (co-founder of the OPS) explained that the measure is focused on bringing psilocybin services to Oregon. The proposed psilocybin services would require a participant to engage in three therapeutic phases: Screening; Guided Mushroom Consumption; and Integration. Eckert emphasized that a person could benefit from psilocybin therapy "immediately" and completely upon consuming mushrooms, which Eckert described as a "one shot deal." Eckert contrasted the proposed one-time psilocybin therapy with conventional pharmaceutical approaches, which often require a patient to adopt a long term pill popping routine. To learn more, visit the Oregon Psilocybin Society's "Psilocybin Services Initiative" website by clicking this link.

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