By Vanessa Salvia

The beginning of 2023 will see a big change to the psilocybin industry in the United States. Oregon Psilocybin Services, a new section of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), will begin accepting license applications January 2. This represents the nation’s first regulatory framework for psilocybin services, which include treatment using psilocybin to help with depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction, and increase spiritual well-being in general. Psilocybin services will be available to people age 21 or older and will not require a prescription or medical referral. Licenses include those for facilitators, service centers, manufacturers, and laboratory testing. In Oregon, Ballot Measure 109, which directs OHA to license and regulate the manufacturing, transportation, delivery, sale, and purchase of psilocybin products and services, passed in November 2020. Oregon is planning a 15% sales tax on psilocybin products which will be used to support the Oregon Psilocybin Services programs. Local city and county governments are allowed to present to voters ordinances that prohibit services and products within their jurisdiction. In the November election, 25 of the state’s 36 counties voted against allowing psilocybin use.