When Oregon legalized psilocybin, it did so under a measure that specifically cited the drug’s efficacy in treating mental health conditions. Centers are now opening their doors across the state.
SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
Oregon is rolling out psychedelics. The state approved a broad decriminalization plan in 2020, and licensed treatment centers started to offer psilocybin this past summer. Anyone can make an appointment, including those who just want to do it recreationally. But the measure setting up the legal framework said part of the purpose was mental health and well-being. From Portland, Ore., Deena Prichep checks in on how the program pursues that goal. Please note, her report contains detailed descriptions of domestic violence.
DEENA PRICHEP, BYLINE: Sandra says that when she was in her 20s, she was in an abusive marriage. We’re not using her full name so as not to identify other family members. She says she got out, built a family and didn’t really talk or even think about what had happened until last year.
SANDRA: I was listening to a podcast, ’cause I love some true crime, and it was the coroner talking about this woman who was beaten so severely, and she had her orbital bones broken in her face.
PRICHEP: Sandra says those were the bones her ex-husband had broken in her face when he beat her. She says hearing that story triggered her first PTSD episode, and things just got worse.
SANDRA: Every day was reliving that pain over and over and over again. Panic attacks. My 7-year-old knows grounding techniques to get me out of a panic attack.
PRICHEP: She says she tried therapy and medication, but nothing worked. So in December, she flew to Oregon. Part of the reason Oregon legalized psilocybin was to help people like Sandra. Studies have shown psilocybin to have promise for treating anxiety, depression, end-of-life distress. But while Oregon based their guidelines and maximum doses on existing data, many in the field…
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