Magic Mushrooms: A Glimpse into Oregon’s Psychedelic Revolution
In Eugene, a curious menu awaits those who step into an office suite: psilocybin tea, wind chimes, and a tie-dye mattress. It’s far from your typical workday. Adults over 21 can embark on a unique adventure here, described by many as a vivid encounter with geometric shapes, a loss of self, and a connection with the universe.
Epic Healing Eugene, Oregon’s first licensed psilocybin service center, opened its doors in June, marking a significant step for the state in making this mind-altering substance available to the public. Demand is sky-high, with a waiting list of over 3,000 people, including those battling depression, PTSD, or end-of-life anxiety.
You don’t need a prescription or a referral to partake, but this move is poised to revolutionize mental health care in Oregon.
While psilocybin remains illegal in most of the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeled it a “breakthrough therapy” in 2018. This summer, the FDA issued guidelines for researchers studying psychedelic drugs in clinical trials.
Scientists believe psilocybin can reconfigure the brain, helping individuals see things differently and overcome mental health challenges.
However, not everyone in Oregon supports this. The Oregon Psychiatric Physicians Association opposed the 2020 ballot measure legalizing psilocybin, citing safety concerns.
To ensure a safe journey, Epic Healing Eugene and other centers require a preparation session with a licensed guide. These guides stay with clients during the experience. Access can be denied to those with active psychosis, self-harming thoughts, or recent use of lithium, a medication for mania.
Customers can’t take mushrooms home and must stay at the center until the effects wear off.
Oregon isn’t stopping at psilocybin; the state decriminalized hard drug possession in 2020, strengthening its reputation as a leader in drug-law reform. Oregon was also among the first states to legalize recreational marijuana.
Beyond Epic Healing Eugene, other centers are reporting increased business as awareness spreads. Some rural counties have chosen to ban psilocybin operations, citing cost concerns.
The price for a session can surpass $2,000, covering center costs, guide fees, and lab-tested psilocybin. Annual licenses for centers and growers cost $10,000, with veterans receiving discounts.
Oregon Psilocybin Services is committed to social equity goals, with some centers offering flexible pricing. The program, funded by taxpayers, aims to support itself through licensing fees by mid-2025.
Cathy Jonas, the owner of Epic Healing Eugene, considers this a calling, not a profit-driven venture. She believes in the healing potential of plant medicines.
The law allows doses of up to 50 milligrams, but some centers, like Epic Healing Eugene, opt for lower doses. One client described their experience as a mesmerizing journey through infinite dimensions, despite its intensity. It transformed their perspective on painful memories and offered a mystical encounter.
Gared Hansen, a licensed grower, was once a police officer in San Francisco but now cultivates psilocybin mushrooms in Oregon. These mushrooms, with names like Golden Teacher and Pink Buffalo, cost $125 for a 25-milligram dose. Sometimes, Hansen meditates with the mushrooms to infuse them with healing energy.
While psychedelic mushrooms can be found in the wild, experts caution against obtaining them from the black market or tripping alone. Service centers provide controlled environments with precisely measured doses to ensure a safe and potentially transformative experience.
Oregon’s journey into the world of psychedelics is just beginning, with Epic Healing Eugene leading the way into uncharted territory.