An Evaluation of Therapeutic Harm Reduction and Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Within Oregon's Measure 109

Oregon voters passed Measure 109 in 2020, legalizing psilocybin clinics for eligible adults, but the law lacks a specific definition of therapeutic harm reduction. Through semi-structured interviews and a short survey with 15 facilitators currently working in licensed psilocybin services, this study explores how these practitioners perceive and define therapeutic harm reduction and how those definitions shape their harm reduction techniques. The work aims to provide a clearer understanding and general definition of therapeutic harm reduction as understood by facilitators.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Despite psilocybin still being a Schedule I substance in the Federal Controlled Substance Act (OHA, 2022), Oregon voters passed Measure 109 in 2020, now codified into law as ORS457A, which allowed for the opening of psilocybin clinics for eligible clients. The passing of Measure 109 allowed for an adult-use model to be created, which is different from a therapeutic-use model. Advocates and Measure 109 framers employed the terms "harm reduction" and "mental health support" in order to secure the passing of Measure 109, but there is no specific definition of therapeutic harm reduction within M109 and ORS475A. To receive psilocybin services in Oregon, clients must be treated by a facilitator within an Oregon Psilocybin Services’-licensed clinic. This study uses semi-structured interviews and a short survey with 15 individuals who currently work in a legal psilocybin services setting to understand the perceptions and personal definitions of therapeutic harm reduction, and how those perceptions and definitions influence the specific therapeutic harm reduction techniques in their practice. The aim of this research is to provide understanding and a general definition of what therapeutic harm reduction is and what it entails from those who work as facilitators.