We’re nearly there: Oregon gets ready for psilocybin therapy
As summer ripens around us, Oregon is moving closer to delivering the nation’s first state-regulated psilocybin services. As of this writing, the Oregon Health Authority has approved 3 service center licenses, with 23 more applications pending. As summer continues, we expect more service centers to be licensed and opening, with dozens of facilitators working with clients to deliver this breakthrough therapy by the end of the year.
Everyone involved in the Oregon psilocybin therapy ecosystem understands the responsibility to build a program that keeps clients safe. A recent New York Times article detailed the best practices of psychedelic therapy, and their recommendations dovetail nicely with the Oregon Model: licensed training programs for facilitators, the ability to choose the right facilitator for your needs, a preparation session and an integration session following administration.
As always, the Oregon Model would not be possible without the energy and time of talented and hardworking people like Kate Gillespie, the Clinical Director of Subtle Winds Facilitator Training & Transformative Healing Center. Here is Kate in our series of videos about the people in Oregon’s community, talking about the power of psilocybin to help with addiction:
We remain grateful to Kate and the hundreds of other people working behind the scenes to roll out Oregon’s program. And as we all look forward to services beginning, we know that you and so many other people will continue to work to ensure this program delivers on its promise.
UPDATES
Inaugural Aspen Psychedelic Symposium is a Success
With over 450 people attending the first Aspen Psychedelic Symposium on Friday, June 2nd at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colorado, the daylong event was a resounding success! The symposium, which was presented by the Healing Advocacy Fund, Aspen Public Radio, and the Aspen Psychedelic Resource Center, featured a panel discussion on implementation of Colorado’s Natural Medicine Health Act as well as discussions about mental health, neuroscience, research and traditional use.
Image: Aspen Daily News, Aspen Psychedelic Symposium Launches
Applications Now Being Accepted for Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board Subcommittees
Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) is seeking applications for volunteers to serve on subcommittees of the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board (OPAB). Subcommittees will consist of both Governor-appointed board members and members who are appointed through an open application process. The Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board will select subcommittee members during their August 4, 2023, meeting.
If you are interested in applying to serve on a subcommittee, please submit the application form to OHA.PsilocybinAdvisoryBoard@odhsoha.oregon.gov by Friday, June 23rd, 2023.
> More information
> Application form
Oregon Psilocybin Services July Public Listening Sessions
Public Listening Sessions are an opportunity to provide feedback about the implementation and ongoing administration of the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act (Measure 109/ ORS 475A) to the Health Authority’s Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) section.
In late summer, OPS plans to assemble a 2023 Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) and will open administrative rules for minor adjustments and technical fixes. OPS may also open rules associated with any legislation that passes in the 2023 Legislative Session. Please note that OPS will not consider recommendations for more significant policy changes until 2024. The Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board (OPAB) and subcommittees will be working to develop policy recommendations for the 2024 rulemaking process. Additional public listening sessions and opportunities to participate in RACs for significant policy changes will be announced in 2024.
Everyone is invited to participate in these open forums.
Tuesday, July 18, 6–8pm PDT
Wednesday, July 19, noon–2pm PDT
Thursday, July 20, 11am–1pm PDT
> More information & zoom links
Emerge Webinar: 280E and Psilocybin
Miss the Emerge Law Group webinar on 280E and psilocybin? You can still catch the insights from this expert panel on creative business structuring solutions to help mitigate 280E’s impact, including practical perspectives from CPAs and tax attorneys with deep knowledge concerning the IRS’ approach to 280E (watch the recording here). Whether you’re planning to be a facilitator or a service center operator, this is a must watch webinar.
Special thanks to the incredible group of speakers including Dave Kopilak, business attorney at Emerge Law Group; Kaci Hohmann, business attorney at Emerge Law Group; Matt Walding, tax attorney at Santos Walding LLP; Scott Bargaehr, certified public accountant at Lewis Group CPAs; and Dean Guske, certified public accountant at Guske & Company, Inc.
> View the recording of the webinar
280E and Psilocybin: Understanding and Mitigating the Impacts
IN THE NEWS
Meet Oregon’s First Psilocybin Facilitators
Jefferson Public Radio
Hear stories of four people becoming Oregon psilocybin facilitators, including HAF Fellow Dr. Jarrod Franklin and community members Steve Elfrink, Mandy Miller, and Chelsea Phegley.
Aspen Symposium Takes on Question of Medical Uses for Psychedelics Now That It’s Legal
The Aspen Times
From Michael Pollan to Netflix and Prince Harry to The New York Times, the buzz around psychedelic therapy has a grip on pop culture.
Closer to home, the recent state passage of the Natural Medicine Act/Proposition 122, which decriminalizes “the personal possession, growing, sharing, and use — but not the sale — of five natural psychedelic substances by individuals aged 21 and over, including two substances found in psychedelic mushrooms,” opened the door to Colorado becoming a leader in psychedelic research and treatments.
Kentucky Looks To Fund Psychedelics Research With ‘No Less Than’ $42 Million In Opioid Settlement Funds
Marijuana Moment
A Kentucky administrative commission announced on Wednesday that it is preparing to potentially distribute at least $42 million in funding for research into the potential of the psychedelic ibogaine for the treatment of opioid addiction.
At an event that featured Attorney General Daniel Cameron (R)—who is also the Republican nominee in this November’s gubernatorial election—officials with the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission said the body will be spearheading the psychedelics research effort, using funds received from a legal settlement with major opioid manufacturers.