Psilocybin Measure Approved For Oregon's November Ballot

by Jeff Mapes Follow OPB July 8, 2020 12:33 p.m.

An initiative to allow the therapeutic use of psilocybin in Oregon has qualified for the November ballot. If approved by voters, Oregon would be the first state to allow some legal use of the drug, which is found in psychedelic mushrooms.

Backers of the initiative, who collected well over the 112,020 valid signatures needed to qualify, said they believe licensed therapy using the drug can help treat depression and anxiety.

“This careful, regulated approach can make a real difference in peoples’ lives and we’re looking forward to bringing this program to the state,” said Sheri Eckert in a statement from the psilocybin campaign. She is a chief petitioner of the measure along with her husband, Tom Eckert.

The psilocybin initiative will appear on the ballot with a separate measure that would decriminalize all drug use — including for psilocybin — and boost funding for treatment programs.

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