California Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Allow Psychedelic Therapy
Dear supporter,
As 2024 launches into its second month, we at the Healing Advocacy Fund are continuing to work towards developing a leading national organization in the state-regulated psychedelic access space. We have much to look forward to this year, as we bring in a new Executive Director sometime in the first half, and continue to see remarkable progress in Oregon and Colorado as their psilocybin therapy programs continue on their respective journeys.
Nationally, I’m excited to share a hot-off-the-press release about California’s SB 1012, which was introduced today, and would allow adults 21 and older to use certain psychedelic substances in a therapeutic context, in a safe and controlled environment, and under the supervision of a licensed and trained facilitator. This is an incredible step forward for Californians, and the country, and we are hopeful that they will soon join Oregon and Colorado with a state-regulated psilocybin therapy program. We will continue to share updates as the bill progresses through the California Legislature.
We are also sharing a recent resource we developed with Oregon Service Centers who opted-in to sharing their information publicly. Some might have heard that there are long waitlists for psilocybin services in Oregon, however, many service centers are currently accepting new clients without a wait, and due to marketing rules, advertising is not allowed. If you are a client interested in seeking services, this is a great place to start to find a service center near you.
Additionally, clients might want to know what to ask a prospective licensed psilocybin facilitator, and here’s a list of questions one might ask to ensure a good match. This, and other useful resources about safety, and access in Oregon’s psilocybin program can be found in our recently released, extensive Client Education Guide.
Do you know someone who is interested in accessing psilocybin services in Oregon? Share this resource with a friend, and help inform their decision about accessing psilocybin therapy with safety top of mind.
Onward,
Sam Chapman
Executive Director
UPDATES
Up to Date Numbers on Oregon Psilocybin Services Program Licensing
The following information has been compiled through the OHA’s Psilocybin Services website.
These numbers are updated on a weekly basis and are subject to change. Last updated 2/13/24.
California Senator Weiner, Assemblymember Waldron Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Allow Supervised Therapeutic Use of Psychedelics
On February 13th, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Marie Waldron (R-Valley Center) introduced Senate Bill 1012, which allows adults 21 and older to use certain psychedelic substances in a therapeutic context, in a safe and controlled environment, and under the supervision of a licensed and trained facilitator. The bill does not allow the sale, personal possession, or use of psychedelics outside of a regulated therapeutic context.
> Read the full release
Healing Advocacy Fund Releases Oregon Psilocybin Service Center Directory
In May of 2023, the first state-regulated psilocybin service center opened its doors in Oregon. Since then, new service centers have opened their doors across the state, many of which do not have waitlists. Similarly, many prospective clients are seeking access to psilocybin services. Psilocybin service centers offer a range of types of services, from group to individual sessions to specialized services for certain communities, or those who offer sliding scale services.
The Healing Advocacy Fund is sharing a directory of current service centers offering psilocybin services* across the state of Oregon to support prospective clients, and the nascent psilocybin community in continuing to thrive. This is an *opt-in* list, and may not be comprehensive of all service providers.
This directory does not constitute an endorsement of any kind by the Healing Advocacy Fund. All prospective clients considering services are encouraged to consult their doctor, and to do their own research to ensure the services and providers they are seeking are a good fit for their needs.
*This directory is reflective of service providers who opted-in to sharing their information and is accurate as of January 26th, 2024.
> Access the directory
EVENTS
Webinar Series: Natural Psychedelic Medicines for Mental Health
In partnership with Mental Health Colorado, Natural Psychedelic Medicines for Mental Health is a 4-part webinar series that will focus on psilocybin therapy, upcoming regulation, and how to discuss natural medicines with your patients.
Thank you to the 400+ participants who attended the first installment of our webinar series! Missed the first one? Don’t worry, there’s still time to sign up for our remaining three sessions.
Session 2: Stories of Healing
February 15 at 4 pm MT
Hear firsthand accounts from individuals who have worked with psychedelics to address mental and/or behavioral health challenges. This session will dive deeper into the research and the application of psychedelics for specific conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain, and substance use disorder.
> Register for the Feb. 15 session
Session 3: Training to Facilitate Psychedelic Therapies
February 28 at 12 pm MT
> Register for the Feb. 28 session
Session 4: It Takes a Village: Integrative Approaches to Maximize the Benefits of Psychedelic Therapies
March 14 at 12 pm MT
> Register for the March 14 Session
RESOURCES
Questions to Discuss with a Prospective Licensed Psilocybin Facilitator in Oregon
Looking for more information on how to choose the right psilocybin facilitator for you? The Healing Advocacy Fund’s Client Education guide offers a deep-dive into the need-to-know about picking the right facilitator for you, including: their training and trauma informed experience, spiritual, religious, and cultural beliefs, how to make plans for adverse events, consent around touch, and more.
> Read more
IN THE NEWS
Psychedelic Policy Reform & Legal Markets in 2023
Psychedelic Alpha
According to research by Calyx Law, more than half of U.S. states considered some form of psychedelics-related legislation in 2023. While the majority of these efforts failed, that’s not necessarily a bad omen: according to LexisNexis, 20% of bills introduced are eventually passed, when averaging across all 50 state legislatures. Here, we review a handful of notable 2023 stories in state-level psychedelic policy reform and related developments.
> Read the article
How the United States Embraced Psychedelics
El Pais
After half-a-century of prohibition, the United States is about to legalize psilocybin and MDMA for clinical use, to treat people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or terminal cancer. Scientists, patients, clandestine therapists and war veterans speak with EL PAÍS about the bright spots and shadows of this rebirth
> Read the article