Measure 109 seeks to legalize, regulate psilocybin therapy

Oregon voters are considering Measure 109, which if approved would legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in what is commonly referred to as "magic mushrooms."

As awareness of mental health issues grows across the state, experts are looking for effective treatments.

Measure 109 would make oregon the first state to legalize psilocybin therapies... which experts say show promise.

But as kezi 9 news reporter chris lueneburg shows us -- opponents say being on the cutting edge comes with its risks.

"psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in what's commonly referred to as 'magic mushrooms.'

When ingested, experts say it acts on serotonin receptors in the brain& it's mind-altering effects distort perception& which some say helps users see things in a new light and promote mindfulness."

Dr nick gideonse is the medical director of two hospice centers in the salem and portland areas end-of-life care to up to 125 people at time.

"at any given time, a substantial number of them, not most, but a substantial number, can really be stuck in cycles of anxiety and depression over profound distress at what they are facing in their end of life-care.

Really existential questions, doubt and dread."

Dr. gideonse thinks psilocybin could help some patients inch make breakthroughs and find relief.

"i see the potential of profound benefit, maybe for not very large numbers of patients, but very profound benefits for some patients."

While dr. gideonse sees opportunity for those in end roponents point to promising studies from research institutions that psilocybin can assist those experiencing depression, anxiety, and addiction.

Commercial nat but the oregon psychiatric physicians association opposes the measure-- pointing out that the federal food and drug administration has only designated it as a breakthrough treatment for major depressive disorder& "we take rare political stands, but when we are concerned about our patients, that's when we take a stand.

That's what we've done with measure 109."

President dr. nicole cirino says psylocibin can worsen or unmask psychatric illness or psychotic disorders& she believes that sylocibin should stay in a medical setting.

"what they've kind of done is stripped medical and mental health monitoring from the facilities by not requiring a prescription, not requiring a diagnosis, a medical evaluation or a mental health evaluation and they are in facilities that are not medical facilities."

While the measure legalizes the production and distribution of psilocybhe administration of it would involve a preperation session in which facilitators look for risk factors, the actual adminsitration session in which a client consumes it under supervision long as six hours& and an integration session in which the client reflects on the experience.

Commercial nat the measure requires the oregon health authority to develop regulations for two years& which would create requirements for who get's screened out as a client& and how intensely facilitators are trained.

The text of the measure requires facilitators only to have a g-e-d, complete that training and pass an examination.

"competence and safety are our top values going into this, and it's doable."

Chief petitioner tom eckert says that opponents want psilocybin regulated as a pharmaceutical drugnstead of a naturally occuring and theraputic agent.

"i see no reason to stop anyone from accessing these services as long as they can safely benefit because we are all kind of wounded and kind of have growth to do and that's what this is all about."

Though he understands some people's reservations& dr gideonse says he believes these rules would control use enough to keep clients safe "we're looking at the same evidence.

We're just looking at the risk, benefit ratio a bit differently."

"the measure says that taxes on psilocybin will pay for it's own regulatory program, but that two year development period& potentially ending during december 202ould cost $5.4 million coming from the state's general fund.

In the studio, chris lueneburg kezi 9 news."