Groundbreaking drug policy initiatives pass in Oregon and DC.
Lucid News reports that "Three major ballot initiatives were approved by voters on November 3, signaling a significant shift in public attitudes toward drug policy. Oregon decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs including heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines, while a separate Oregon measure legalized psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. In Washington, DC, a sweeping majority of voters said yes to decriminalizing psychedelic plants and fungi ...
Measure 109: Oregon Legalizes Psilocybin Therapy
Oregon voters also approved the legalization of psilocybin-assisted therapy. Measure 109 received support from 55.8% of the voters, according to The New York Times. It will provide adults with access to psilocybin in a medically supervised environment. The measure calls for the Oregon Health Authority to be responsible for developing a psilocybin-assisted therapy program and establishing regulations around who can facilitate sessions, professional codes of conduct, and dosing standards. Oregon Public Broadcasting reports that psilocybin will only be available through an “extensive, three-session therapy system located in the state-licensed clinic.” It will not be available for purchase in-stores. The measure is co-sponsored by Portland-based therapists Tom and Sheri Eckert, founders of the Oregon Psilocybin Society. Measure 109’s campaign manager Sam Chapman tells OPB that support was stronger than expected, saying “It’s very clear that creating new options for people who are struggling with depression, anxiety and addiction is not a partisan issue. Suffering is not a partisan issue.” The measure’s largest contributor was New Approach PAC, a drug-policy reform organization, which directed over $3.3 million towards the initiative. “Oregon’s decision to legalize psilocybin therapy provides a template for other states to follow,” New Approach PAC’s founder and director Graham Boyd says. “By ensuring licensed, trained guides, the measure both increases access and promotes safety. I do expect this model to be adopted by other states in future years.” Organizers of the measure received more than $2 million dollars from the soap company Dr. Bronner’s, where Boyd is the political director."