Psilocybin Service Initiative of Oregon
*What’s striking is the alleviation of depression occurs from emotional receptivity being enhanced – the opposite of SSRI antidepressants.
Despite the recent renaissance of psychedelic science, psilocybin still languishes on the DEA’s “Schedule I” – a kind of political prison for drugs which, according to the DEA, have “no therapeutic value” and a “high potential for abuse.” To be clear, there’s no scientific basis for psilocybin’s continued inclusion on Schedule I. This is tough to swallow, because people are suffering who could otherwise benefit from this safe and uniquely effective service. And countless others, just looking to grow as human beings, might also benefit.
Oregon has one of the worst rates of mental illness in the country. Depression and addictions not only take a terrible human toll, but also represent the two biggest drags on our state economy. When considering missed work, disability, treatment costs, and other expenses, the drug and alcohol issue alone costs the state billions annually. Oregon can turn this around by taking the lead on psilocybin. Under this [Oregon] measure, the penalty for picking psilocybin mushrooms in one of our beautiful coastal forests would only be a violation, or a fine. After all, no one should ever get arrested, go to jail, get a record, or a lose a job for picking mushrooms out of the ground, or even growing usable amounts of mushrooms in a jar at home.
Especially with these scientifically demonstrated positive health benefits that Magic Mushrooms provide. :
1) do the opposite of anti-depressants, but that may be why they work
2) could treat depression without the emotional numbing caused by traditional antidepressants
3) can effectively treat depression without ‘blunting’ emotions like anti-depressants
Original Article (PSI 2020):
The Measure
Artwork Fair Use: Ballotpedia