A new study analyzing Oregon’s regulated psilocybin program found that most participants reported positive outcomes and few experienced serious medical issues. The research, published Wednesday in the medical journal JAMA Network Open, examined the experiences of nearly 350 individuals who used the psychedelic substance at state-licensed service centers. Led by Dr. Todd Korthuis of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), the study represents the first rigorous analysis of Oregon’s nonmedical model for psilocybin.
The Oregon program was established by voters in 2020, creating a framework where adults aged 21 and older can consume psilocybin under the supervision of a licensed facilitator. Unlike traditional medical models, this system does not require a doctor's referral or a prescription. Participants in the study reported using the drug for reasons including curiosity, self-improvement, trauma, and mental health. The average dose administered was 30 milligrams, a figure the study noted is higher than those typically used in clinical drug trials.
Researchers reported that more than half of the participants believed their mental health symptoms improved after the sessions, and over 50% ranked the experience among the most meaningful of their lives. Regarding safety, four individuals experienced "serious adverse reactions," including one person who had a violent reaction requiring hospital transport and another who sought emergency care for anxiety. The researchers noted that these four individuals were using psilocybin for the first time. Additionally, three participants reported new thoughts of suicide one week after their session, a number that doubled by the three-month mark.
For those who access the service, the day-to-day impact involves a supervised "trip" that typically costs several hundred to thousands of dollars, as centers operate as businesses without insurance coverage. The study suggests that while many users notice improvements in mental well-being—comparable to the effects seen in meditation studies—some individuals may experience behavioral health crises. The findings establish a precedent for how states can regulate psychedelics outside of federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Experts like Balázs Szigeti of UCSF noted that the lack of widespread medical emergencies in a business-led environment is a significant data point for future policy.
However, some scientists caution that the study's small sample size may not represent the general public. Albert Garcia-Romeu of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine stated that he has encountered individuals who struggled after their Oregon experiences, suggesting the safety profile might vary for a broader population. The OHSU research team plans to continue their work through the Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus (OPEN) to track a larger group of participants. This data will likely inform future state-level regulations as the FDA considers the potential approval of synthetic psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression as early as next year.