What is the Oregon Magic Mushroom Program? How will it benefit people?

Exactly one month ago, Oregon became the first state in the US to legalize the use of psychedelic mushrooms for psychiatric purposes.

Psilocybin, a “magic” substance that allows therapists to treat anxiety and depression in patients, has been considered legal and decriminalized since Election Day (November 3). The law has been called Measure 109.

Once legislation is passed, Oregonians can opt for magic mushroom treatment, even without a prescription. However, if a person decides to take mushrooms without professional guidance, the Oregon government could legally prosecute them.

Since the substance has been decriminalized statewide, people who possess a negligible amount of the fungus (0.5g – 5g) would pose little threat to police and authorities.

Scientists who agree with Measure 109 think the new app will allow more research on the benefits of psilocybin, which could help many therapists and their patients. However, legalization seems to pass much faster than science can conduct research, so overall development might not be as easy as some think.

What is psilocybin for?

As the US has begun to ease restrictions on psychedelic drugs, more experts could delve into deeper studies on the subject.

Some scientists from New York University and Johns Hopkins University tested mushrooms in a laboratory setting, finding less anxious and depressed brain activity in those surveyed. However, those who had pre-existing mental conditions and a long history of cancer have shown the best progress in fighting cognitive difficulties by using magic mushrooms.

With more research, experts could fully test the hypothesis that people immune to antidepressants could achieve peace of mind through the use of magic mushrooms. For now, the only clue to support the theory is a study in which two doses of magic mushrooms were used successfully to treat depression.

Before Measure 109 went into effect, experts had backed up their theories with the aforementioned report.

Doctors have compared mental illness to physical illness, saying there are endless ways to treat something visible, while depression and anxiety still lack promising treatments. As psilocybin showed high effectiveness in these patients, Americans have recognized the importance of accepting magic mushrooms for wider use.

What is impressive is the fact that people without signs of mental health conditions have shown greater satisfaction with life after receiving professional counseling on psilocybin. People who simply feel lonely or distracted could see immense benefits if the substance becomes more affordable and accessible around the world.

When does regulation become genuine?

The whole process should be completed in two years; that’s how long it takes to pass a legislature as significant as this one.

Measure 109 ultimately depends on how the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) decides to maneuver forward and the way long it’ll take the institution to structure the project.

What does this legislation mean for science?

Once the OHA passes Measure 109, scientists hope to find even more benefits that magic mushrooms can bring.

Many criticize laboratory environments as artificial and not enough to draw a conclusion, so the natural environment could potentially create more clarity around the substance and help obtain accurate answers.

On the other hand, some fear that the government did not think about the harmful side effects of the program. People who have occasionally used it as a recreational drug have witnessed bad trips and psychosis, among other health problems.

Once a proper structure is established, patients and their therapists will know much more than is currently known.