Here in Oregon, we are facing an acute mental health crisis. According to Mental Health America, Oregon’s mental health crisis is the 3rd worst in the country. Among those most impacted are Oregon's veterans.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released its annual report on veteran suicide in September; Oregon’s veterans’ suicide rate is 20 percent higher than the national rate, prompting Oregon veterans to voice support for the benefits of psilocybin services for soldiers returning home from combat.

That’s why Oregon veterans like Armand LeComte are calling for access to psilocybin therapy through Oregon’s groundbreaking program, passed by Oregon voters in 2020 and set to be implemented next year.

“While Oregon veterans are facing a PTSD crisis, many have found healing and help with natural medicines like psilocybin, which have worked where other treatments have failed,” said LeComte. “With psilocybin therapy, we can allow veterans with PTSD who have not recovered using other treatments to recover and truly heal. What’s more, they can access this breakthrough treatment close to home, in the communities where they live.”

At the same time, over a hundred Oregon cities and counties are asking voters to ban outright or delay pieces of Measure 109 in November. HAF expects that despite election results in some of these jurisdictions, up to half the state’s population will be able to access psilocybin services in their local community next year. Seventeen of the state’s 20 most populous cities have moved forward with no or minimal additional regulations. Watch for future reporting on these elections and the various impacts of no and yes votes locally.

Draft Rules & Public Comment in November

After draft rules were released at the beginning of September, Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) convened three Rules Advisory Committees (RACs) over the course of the month to discuss the proposed rules on 1) packaging, labeling and product transportation, 2) licensing, facilities and operations, and 3) facilitator conduct, preparation, administration and integration sessions. September draft rules will be revised based on RAC input and public comment feedback. The next version of draft rules will be available for public comment from November 1–22.

OPS will be sharing instructions for how to send in comments when the revised set of rules are released around November 1st. Sign up to receive updates.

Scholarship Funds for Veterans

Matthew Hicks, ND, MS, founder of Synaptic Training Institute and retired Sergeant in the US Army has earmarked scholarship funds in the Synaptic Psilocybin Facilitator Training Program for veterans wanting to serve other veterans—and be trained by a veteran.

Synaptic is ready to launch their training program as soon as they receive HECC approval, likely this month.

For more information about the scholarships for veterans, or to apply, contact: info@synaptic.care.

HAF Goes to Horizons NYC

I was invited to speak at the Horizons Conference in New York and had the pleasure of giving a presentation on the Oregon Psilocybin Therapy program—how we won, where we are at now, and what the future will look like once services become available for the general public (21+) next year.

At the conference, I attended an event held at the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation where I learned that psilocybin may hold real potential for combating pain and inflammation, specifically in relation to Lyme disease. While the presentation was based on anecdotal stories, it was incredibly compelling and included some very credible speakers, including an MD from Johns Hopkins.

I also attended and spoke at a fundraiser dinner for the Natural Medicine Colorado campaign, which if successful will follow Oregon’s lead in creating regulated access that maximizes safety to natural psychedelic medicines for veterans struggling with PTSD, people facing a terminal illness, and adults dealing with depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges.

IN THE NEWS

Oregon media continue to cover upcoming local ballot measures and veteran voices on the benefits of psilocybin therapy for mental health challenges.

Oregon Takes Action to Tackle Veteran Suicide Crisis

Breakthrough Bulletin

Oregon’s veteran suicide rate far outpaces national averages, according to a state-level analysis from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Combat veterans and their doctors believe psilocybin can help. As the first state in the country to provide access to psilocybin-assisted therapy, Oregon is well positioned to get veterans the care they need.
> Read the full article

Editorial: Vote No on Deschutes County Psilocybin Ban

The Bend Bulletin

The vote on the Deschutes County ballot on psilocybin mushrooms is like Deschutes County Commissioners Patti Adair and Tony DeBone saying: “Sorry voters, we didn’t like how you voted before. Try again.”
> Read the full article

A Central Oregon County-by-County Breakdown as Psilocybin Back on Ballot

Central Oregon Daily

A magic mushroom measure passed two years ago still has another hill to climb at the ballot box.

Oregon’s approval of Measure 109 in 2020 allowed for psilocybin production and therapies in the state. But this November, some counties and cities will get to decide what that means for them, including many in Central Oregon.
> Read the full article

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oregon Psilocybin Fall Business Forum

Wednesday, October 19th, 9:00 am–5:00 pm PST

The forum is a free one-day virtual event open to the public and will include a series of presentations offered by various state agency partners. Session topics throughout the day will cover important business considerations for those interested in licensure under M109. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about challenges and resources for new businesses in this emerging sector.
> Event Program
> Event Zoom Link

Subtle Winds Visioning Roundtable

Sunday, October 23rd from 3:30–5:00 pm

Join Subtle Winds Training and Transformative Healing Center for a roundtable discussion with their team of experts. They will explore some of the crucial wisdom, knowledge, and skills that a facilitator will need to possess to provide safe, effective and informed psilocybin facilitation. The brief roundtable discussion will be followed by a Q&A from the audience so bring your questions and your curiosity.
> Register Here

Establishing Standards and Certifications for Psychedelic Therapy

Thursday, October 27th, 5:00 pm PST

As we push ever closer to FDA approval for MDMA and psilocybin, and ketamine continues to grow in mental and physical health uses, one of the biggest hurdles in keeping the psychedelic medicine movement going is how to build safeguards that protect patients, practitioners, and other entities involved. Join the Psychedelic Medicine Association for a live panel discussion with members from the American Psychedelic Practitioners Association.
> Register Here

Oregon Veterans Voice Support for Psilocybin Services