‘Transformational:’ Drop Thesis, a new psilocybin center, opens in downtown Bend; we talk to staff and early patient

(Update: Adding comments from owner, staff member, patient)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Drop Thesis, which says it's a state-licensed, "pioneering wellness company," recently opened a "state-of-the-art psilocybin service center" in Bend. We talked Wednesday with the founder, staff and an early patient of the facility.

The new, legal facility said in its opening announcement that it "is now booking sessions and set to revolutionize the landscape of options available for individuals seeking alternative support options for mental health. With an unwavering commitment to providing compassionate, scientifically backed, and transformative experiences, Drop Thesis aims to lead the charge in the burgeoning field of psychedelic-assisted services."

Drop Thesis patient Eve Porscello said, "Psilocybin as a medication tends to be kind of like a fast track to healing, essentially. So I've had a lot of experience in talk therapy and more traditional things, and it's a nice supplement to that."

Porscello's curiosity about guided experiences with psilocybin made her one of the first patients of Drop Thesis.

In 2020, Oregon voters approved Measure 109, becoming the first state in the country to legalize the production, sale, and supervised administration of psilocybin as a health treatment option. 

Drop Thesis co-founder and Director of Operations Ryan Reid said, "You need a license, service center, a physical address and location that is built purposely to provide services. You need licensed facilitators have gone through typically about a year of training and then pass a test to get licensed."

The Oregon Health Authority administers these facilities for psilocybin use. Products all have to be tested and approved. Drop Thesis offers psilocybin sessions using the natural psychedelic compound found in mushrooms.

Drop Thesis Director of Services David Naftalin says, "What we're doing here at Drop Thesis is we're basically trying to connect the gap between ancient wisdom and Western medicine."

Naftalin points to research from Harvard and John Hopkins, supporting psilocybin use in treating mental health conditions.

"The potential benefits, especially in the range for PTSD and anxiety. There's also a lot of studies with addiction and even physical pain. And, It's not a standalone service," he said. Naftalin emphasized, "We highly recommend people work with their current mental health teams, daily practices of whatever they're doing -- movement, exercise, meditation, whatever it is."

The Drop Thesis  licensed facilitators and support staff have a background in the mental health industry. The facility offers group workshops, community events and educational programs.

In regard to her experience, Porscello said, "We had a pre-session with one of the facilitators. I talked to them about what to expect, what I was going to be doing. She answered all of my questions about what that might look like the actual day of the session. I was booked here from 9 to 5."

A few days later after the session, there is also an integration session.

Porschello described feeling "very different after, in a really positive way. I've just felt since then the feeling of peace, more connection. And I feel like that experience was really transformational for me, from just releasing."

Drop Thesis opened March 1 and has already helped multiple patients. Psilocybin users are required to stay on-site during treatment.

Here's the rest of their recent opening announcement news release:

The new Drop Thesis facility offers a beautiful, serene, and welcoming environment, designed to facilitate deep, personal therapeutic journeys. The facility's programs assist individuals dealing with conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and existential distress, among others.

"Our mission at Drop Thesis is to open doors to new possibilities through the responsible, legally licensed use of psilocybin," said Ryan Reid. Drop Thesis co-owners and licensed psilocybin facilitator. "We believe that everyone deserves access to innovative sessions that offer hopeful experiences."

The launch of Drop Thesis comes at a pivotal time, as interest in psychedelic-assisted facilitation has surged across the globe, backed by a growing body of research highlighting its effectiveness. In fact, in 2020, Oregon voters approved a measure to become the first state in the country to legalize psilocybin mushrooms as a health and wellness option. The Drop Thesis team comprises experienced, licensed facilitators and support staff, all of whom are deeply committed to providing safe, personalized, and profoundly insightful experiences for all participants.

In addition to one-on-one sessions, Drop Thesis will offer a variety of group workshops, community events, and educational programs designed to support individuals on their journey to wellness and to foster a greater understanding of psilocybin experiences within the community.

To learn more about Drop Thesis and its services, or to schedule a consultation or appointment, visit dropthesis.com.

About Drop Thesis

Drop Thesis is fully licensed and operates in strict compliance with Oregon's legal framework for psilocybin services, ensuring the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

Drop Thesis is a leading psilocybin service center based in Bend, Oregon, dedicated to providing innovative mental health and wellness options. With a focus on safety, science, and transformative experiences, Drop Thesis offers a comprehensive approach to wellness, combining psychedelic-assisted facilitation with personalized support to help individuals achieve profound, lasting change.