Oregon has educated the public on psilocybin. Many use shrooms for conditions such as depression and stress, among other things. In 2020, Oregon became the first US state to legalize psilocybin for personal use for those over age 21. More than 1.2 million residents, or 55.7% of voters, voted in favor of legalizing shrooms.
Psilocybin, also known as “magic mushrooms,” is still not for sale without certain criteria in place. Unlike pot which is a product, shrooms are service connected when related to use in connection with a therapist. It’s a psychedelic used for centuries in ceremonies by traditional cultures, and interest in it by the modern medical and scientific community has grown since the ’50s.
Oregon State authorities are going after people who sell and buy shrooms illegally. There is a search warrant where 22.1 pounds of psilocybin were seized including dried fungus and other edibles. Records related to an illicit business were seized as evidence.
The Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, Central Precinct patrol, and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office served a search warrant at the “Shroom House” at 1541 West Burnside Street. Four arrests were made. Investigators seized over $13,000 in cash and a large amount of suspected psilocybin products.
Scientists are still exploring the how and the why behind the connection between psychedelics and improved mental health. What is known is that just like common antidepressants called SSRIs, psilocybin attaches to receptors in the brain that trigger the release of serotonin, the “feel good” hormone.
