Psilocybin Mushrooms | Source: Wikipedia
We’re going to let you in on a little secret:
It’s true!
Psilocybin mushrooms are legal in Oregon and can be consumed by adults 21+ with no restrictions. Oregon became the first state in the United States to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms,” on Tuesday, January 1st, 2023. While mushrooms are technically considered illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act, Oregon passed a law in 1996 that specifically exempts psilocybin mushrooms from the state’s criminal code.
That means all you have to do to legally buy and sell mushrooms in Oregon is make sure they’re labeled as “psilocybin mushrooms.” And, as long as you’re buying them from a licensed retailer, there won’t be any trouble with the law.
Are Psilocybin Mushrooms Legal in Oregon?
Are mushrooms legal in Oregon? Yes and no.
The short answer is yes, they are legal.
The long answer is yes, they are illegal.
The even longer answer is no, they’re not technically illegal, but they’re not legal either. Psilocybin mushrooms are both naturally occurring and legally available in Oregon. In certain areas of the state they are even found growing wild. You can also purchase them from a local dispensary.
People all over the world have been using psilocybin mushrooms for healing purposes for thousands of years. The United Nations has even called for their legalization because they are beneficial to society in terms of mental health.
Psilocybin is illegal under federal law, but it’s legal under state law in Oregon – making it completely legal to possess and use psilocybin mushrooms there.
These days, we are still learning about psilocybin mushrooms and how they can help us heal our bodies and minds. There is a lot of research being done on these mushrooms. But there is still so much more we need to learn before we can fully understand their potential benefits.
But why would anyone want to legalize something like that?
What are Magic Mushrooms?
Psychedelic mushrooms date back thousands of years. Humans have used psilocybin for its medicinal properties and religious purposes for a long time. They were first discovered by the Aztecs and other Native American tribes. These tribes used them as part of their religious rituals. It’s believed that these mushrooms were gifts from God, which led them to name them teonanacatl (meaning “flesh of the gods” in Nahuatl).
Indigenous cultures throughout the Americas and Asia used Magic mushrooms, as well as members of Western society (including famous artists like Vincent van Gogh). More recently, medical researchers have begun studying how psilocybin can help treat depression, anxiety disorders, and even cancer-related symptoms like nausea.
It’s no wonder people want to legalize mushrooms—but why now?
The movement to legalize psilocybin therapy has been gaining momentum in recent years. Several studies suggest that the substance may be effective in reducing symptoms of mental health conditions. As well as promoting long-term positive changes in behavior and outlook.
Health Benefits of Safe Psilocybin Use
Initiative Petition 55 passed with a narrow majority of 51.1% of the vote. It allows licensed professionals to administer psilocybin to patients over the age of 21 in a supervised setting. And it’s intended to treat a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Proponents of the measure argue that psilocybin, which is a naturally occurring psychedelic substance, has the potential to be a safer and more effective alternative to traditional psychiatric medications, which can have a range of side effects. They also point out that psilocybin is non-addictive and has a low risk of harm when used in a controlled setting.
Opponents of the measure, however, have raised concerns about the potential for abuse and the lack of long-term studies on the safety and efficacy of psilocybin therapy. They argue that we need more research before legalizing the substance for therapeutic use.
Despite the controversy surrounding the measure, it has received support from a wide range of groups. Including mental health professionals, advocates for drug policy reform, and cancer patients who have reported positive experiences with psilocybin-assisted therapy.
Future Legislature for Magic Mushrooms
The passage of Initiative Petition 55 marks a significant shift in the way that psilocybin and other psychedelics are viewed in the United States. Until now, psilocybin has been classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. Meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
Under the new law, the Oregon Health Authority will be responsible for developing regulations for the production, distribution, and administration of psilocybin. It will also facilitate the training and licensing of professionals to provide the therapy. Psilocybin therapy is expected to be available to patients in Oregon by 2027.
While the legal status of psilocybin therapy is still being sorted out in Oregon, the measure has sparked a wider conversation about the potential benefits and risks of psychedelic substances. It remains to be seen whether other states will follow Oregon’s lead and legalize psilocybin therapy. But, the passage of Initiative Petition 55 is a significant step forward for proponents of drug policy reform. As well as the use of alternative treatments for mental health conditions.
Oregon Legalizes Use of Psilocybin
What do you get when you mix Oregon and mushrooms?
PSYCHEDELIC MUSHROOMS.
Oregon law is clear: psilocybin mushrooms are legal to possess in the state, so long as they are not used for “recreational purposes.” This does not mean that you can legally grow or distribute them—just that you can consume them yourself.
If you’re caught with psilocybin mushrooms in Oregon, you’ll be charged with a crime. But only if you’re caught with the mushroom’s active ingredient, psilocybin. So if you’re just holding some “magic mushrooms,” it’s not illegal! But if the cops find out that they contain psilocybin, then that’s a different story.
That being said, remember that psilocybin is still considered a Schedule I drug under federal law—meaning it has supposedly no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. So, don’t try to bring any back from your trip to Oregon unless you want to risk getting arrested.
So, what does this mean for you?
Well, if you live in Oregon and want to try some psilocybin-containing mushrooms, then all you need is a medical marijuana card—which can be obtained with a prescription from almost any doctor. Once you have your card, then it’s easy as pie: just head down to your local store or dispensary and pick up some fresh shrooms!
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