Oregon became the first state to offer controlled use of psilocybin to the public on January 1, 2023. Psilocybin is a Schedule I psychoactive substance that is illegal at the federal level. Notwithstanding this federal illegality, psilocybin’s potential medical uses are being explored in medical research centers, and the substance is currently undergoing clinical trials, being designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a breakthrough therapy. As part of a series of state initiatives aimed at improving access to mental healthcare, Oregon passed the Psilocybin Services Act as a ballot measure in 2020. This law directed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to license and regulate the manufacture, transportation, delivery, and purchase of psilocybin products and the provision of psilocybin services within the state. As of January 2, 2023, the OHA has begun accepting applications for licensure, with new psilocybin service centers expected to open later this year.

For more details about OHA’s regulations and compliance considerations, read the Perkins Coie Update.

To receive updates like this via email, subscribe here (and make sure to check the box for “Cannabis Law”).

Print:
Email this postTweet this postLike this postShare this post on LinkedIn
Photo of Tommy Tobin Tommy Tobin

Thomas Tobin’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation and class action matters involving statutory, constitutional, and regulatory issues in a range of industries, including food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, and cannabis. In the food and beverage sector, Tommy has experience defending false…

Thomas Tobin’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation and class action matters involving statutory, constitutional, and regulatory issues in a range of industries, including food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, and cannabis. In the food and beverage sector, Tommy has experience defending false advertising claims and consumer protection claims for well-known international corporations.

Photo of Holly Martinez Holly Martinez

Holly Martinez (she/her) is a commercial litigator and represents clients in breach of contract actions, class action lawsuits, commercial lease disputes, general business disputes, and cannabis/psychedelic policy and litigation matters.