Mushrooms issue: What is Oregon’s Measure 109?

State would be first to allow use of psilocybin for adults in therapy

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon's November ballot features what could be a historic measure, if passed.

NewsChannel 21 is taking a deeper look at Measure 109: an initiative centered around psilocybin mushrooms.

So what is it, exactly?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic prodrug compound produced by more than 200 species of fungus.

To many, they are known better as "magic mushrooms."

Measure 109 could be the first of its kind to regulate the manufacture, purchase and consumption of psilocybin at mental health therapy centers.

So why is this so critical for Oregon?

The measure's campaign manager, Sam Chapman, says Oregon needs it more than most states across the country.

"According to Mental Health America, Oregon has the most severe mental health crisis in the country," Chapman said Tuesday. "That was even before COVID-19 hit."

Chapman said many have asked him the difference between this measure and marijuana legalization in Oregon.

"This is not legalization. No one will be bringing psilocybin home with them," Chapman said. "This is really a licensed, controlled and supervised environment."

Those in opposition, like Dr. Nicole Cirino of the Oregon Psychiatric Physician Association, believe there's not enough science to back the use of psilocybin.

She believes it puts Oregonians at risk, and that they'd ultimately be the guinea pigs for the entire country.

So when it comes to the ballot, what would a voter's decision mean for the state?

A 'yes' vote supports authorizing the Oregon Health Authority to create a program to permit licensed service providers to administer psilocybin-producing mushrooms to individuals 21 years of age of older.

A 'no' opposes the create of the program, thus maintaining the state prohibition against the possession, manufacturing and consumption of psilocybin.

The measure requires a 15% retail sales tax go toward enforcement, taxing systems and an administration fund.

Should it pass, the initiative says OHA may not require people to have any specific medical condition in order to get treatment.

The measure's sponsors believe $5.4 million in general fund money would be enough to kick-start the program.