Oregon's Legal Psilocybin Program Opens, Meeting High Demand for Magic Mushrooms

Oregon has become the first state in the US to offer legal access to psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, through licensed service centers. The centers have a waitlist of over 3,000 people seeking treatment for depression, PTSD, and end-of-life dread. No prescription or referral is needed, but clients must be 21 years or older and complete a preparation session with a licensed facilitator. While psilocybin remains illegal in most of the US, the FDA has designated it a "breakthrough therapy." Oregon's move is seen as a potential revolution in mental health care, although some critics argue it is unsafe and makes misleading promises.