Most Oregon Counties Ban Psilocybin Service Centers

Nearly 70% of Oregon counties, 25 out of 36, and several cities have voted to ban psilocybin in response to the 2020 initiative that legalized the use of psilocybin in licensed “service centers,” Leafly reports. The bans are similar to the bans seen in states following the passage of adult-use cannabis laws.

Despite the pushback, psilocybin clinics are moving forward in 11 counties next year, the report says. So far, the counties of Multnomah, Washington, Lane, Jackson, Deschutes, Yamhill, Benton, Columbia, Lincoln, Wasco, and Hood River will allow the service centers.

Some cities in counties without a ban have passed their own local rules outlawing the practice, including La Pine and Redmond in Deschutes Counties. Other cities took a wait-and-see approach, implementing bans for up to two years so residents can become more familiar with psilocybin and the effects of the reforms on the state. Some of Oregon’s larger cities like Portland in Multnomah County, Bend in Deschutes County, Eugene in Lane County, and Ashland in Jackson County are set to allow the service centers, the report says. 

Every county that voted “No” in 2020 for the reforms followed up with bans this year. Several counties which voted “Yes” on the measure — including Clackamas, Clatsop, Tillamook, and Curry — reversed course and passed a ban during the election last week. Meanwhile, Jackson County and Deschutes County last Tuesday defied their own ban ordinances.