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Working Group Update
The third meeting of the Working Group took place on September 6th, and it was arguably our best session yet! We first heard from Angela Allbee, Manager of Oregon Psilocybin Services. Angela walked us through Oregon's regulatory framework, detailing the administration, manufacturing, and laboratory licenses required to oversee psilocybin services. To date, Oregon has issued over 356 facilitator licenses, 31 service center licenses, 13 manufacturer licenses, and one laboratory license. Psilocybin products are closely monitored to prevent interstate commerce, and training for facilitators, overseen by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, is mandatory. Angela emphasized the importance of culturally responsive services and ensuring client safety through thorough preparation, administration, and integration. She also touched on the neurobiological effects of psilocybin, its therapeutic potential, and the importance of safe service delivery.
Next, Bryan Lang, CEO of Trans World Health Services and co-author of the Denver Report, presented key findings from the report on Denver's experience with psilocybin decriminalization. The data revealed no significant increase in psilocybin-related arrests—only five arrests solely involving psilocybin—and no measurable risks to public health or community safety. Additionally, there were no significant changes in hospitalizations or emergency treatments. One of the report's primary recommendations was to implement multi-responder training for first responders to enhance public and officer safety. The report also highlighted the importance of informed policy development, harm reduction strategies, and community education. Denver's City Council recommended creating a system for collecting and reporting data from law enforcement and emergency services, concluding that most psilocybin use was safe and responsible.
Finally, we had the honor of hearing from Lieutenant General Martin R. Steele, USMC (Ret.), co-founder of Reason for Hope, alongside Jesse MacLachlan and Dr. Lynette Averill, Ph.D., both from the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition. Lieutenant General Steele spoke passionately about the mental health challenges veterans face, particularly regarding PTSD, and the urgent need for alternative therapies like psychedelics. He shared alarming statistics about veteran suicides and discussed the potential benefits of psychedelic treatments for PTSD, depression, and other mental health conditions. Jesse provided compelling data supporting state investment in such programs and shared examples of pilot initiatives in collaboration with universities nationwide. Dr. Averill underscored the need for model policies that ensure safe access to psychedelic therapies for first responders and medical professionals. She also emphasized the importance of education and rescheduling psychedelics to facilitate further research and treatment.
The meeting was filled with engaging questions from Working Group members and excellent public participation. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 11th, 9 am - 12 pm--be sure to tune in! A live link will be provided ahead of time here.
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