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Oregon officials say psilocybin may be an effective treatment for some psychiatric illnesses
The research group identified depression, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders as conditions that could benefit from psilocybin therapies.
The group identified depression, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders as conditions that could benefit from psilocybin therapies. / PHOTO BY JAX10289 / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
A state government-established Oregon advisory board has released a new report stating that psilocybin could be an effective tool in treating a variety of psychiatric conditions.
The Oregon Psilocybin Evidence Review Writing Group, which authored the report, consisted of eight researchers and experts, including in the fields of botany, psychiatry, epidemiology, public health and neuroscience. Group members reviewed 632 studies, all of which were performed on humans and with the drug administered in a clinical setting.
The report concluded with a list of 11 recommendations for the OHA. Key among them was creating an “ongoing review” of psilocybin research, considering cultivation methods in the development of regulatory framework and developing a screening process to identify any possible contaminants on the substance.
Officials say they believe the recommendations will greatly benefit the health and well-being of Oregonians. “It’s a very exciting opportunity to be a part of something that can alleviate the suffering of so many people,” Andre Ourson, administrator for the Center for Health Protection, told KOIN 6 News.
“It’s something that we do in public health. We want to better the health of Oregonians and this measure is just another tool to do that,” Ourson said.
Even so, Mason Marks, a member of the Oregon Advisory Board for Psilocybin, urged caution. “Though the board’s first report is useful, I would recommend that regulators hold off on incorporating these findings into their policy recommendations until additional research has been completed by the board,” Marks told Marijuana Moment.
Late last year, Oregon residents also voted in favour of the decriminalization of possession drugs, such as methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine.
The state’s enthusiasm for psilocybin research is a sharp contrast to the current U.S. federal approach. This week, Congress rejected an amendment from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that would have removed legal obstacles to facilitate research into the medicinal potential of psychedelic therapies.
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