Are You Eligible for Psilocybin Services in Oregon?
If you're considering psilocybin services in Oregon, determining your eligibility is a crucial first step. As the Owner and Licensed Psilocybin Facilitator at Prism Bend in Bend, Oregon, I prioritize your safety, well-being, and compliance with Oregon’s Measure 109 psilocybin regulations. This guide will help you understand the key eligibility requirements for psilocybin services, empowering you to make an informed decision for your health and healing journey.
DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. It’s recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before engaging in any psilocybin services. View Disclaimers. Service centers and other facilitators may also have their own screening rules within the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidelines.
Is Psilocybin Right for You?
Although research shows psilocybin is generally safe, it's not suitable for everyone. If any of the concerns mentioned below apply to you, inform us immediately, as it may affect your eligibility for services at this point in time. Through awareness and communication, you can help reduce the potential of an adverse experience.
OHA Informed Consent Document
The OHA Informed Consent document is a helpful reference for anyone considering Oregon psilocybin services. You don’t have to be an Oregon resident to utilize psilocybin services. This document clarifies that these services do not require a medical prescription or referral and shouldn’t be viewed as medical or clinical treatments. It’s important to understand that the effects of psilocybin are not fully understood, and individual responses to psilocybin can vary significantly.
“Common potential side effects include nausea, mild headache, fatigue, anxiety, confusion, increased blood pressure, elevated heart rate, paranoia, perceptual changes, altered thought patterns, reduced inhibitions, recovery of repressed memories and past traumas, and altered perception of time and one's surroundings. If they occur, these side effects are usually mild and temporary.”
— OHA Informed Consent document, 333-333-5040
Consultation with a Healthcare Professional
Consulting with a healthcare professional before participating in Oregon psilocybin services can lower the risk of having an adverse experience. A psychedelic-informed medical professional, such as Dr. Seth Mehr ($235), who can provide personalized advice and help you to assess potential risks.
What to Expect in Psilocybin Preparation Sessions with a Licensed Facilitator
During your preparation sessions, your state-licensed psilocybin facilitator will guide you through important details, including reviewing the required Oregon Health Authority (OHA) forms. Providing honest and detailed responses is critical, as misinformation could negatively affect your experience. Be sure to notify your healthcare professional and facilitator immediately if there are any changes in your health status or medications. In some cases, a consultation with a medical or mental health professional may be required to determine your eligibility for psilocybin services. This preparatory phase is crucial to ensure that you are fully prepared and supported throughout the process.
Following preparation, the administration session will take place at a state-licensed service center, where psilocybin is legally consumed in a safe and controlled environment. Integration sessions will follow to help you process your journey. This structured approach follows Oregon's Measure 109 regulations, ensuring a supportive and legally compliant psilocybin experience.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for psilocybin services in Oregon depends on a variety of factors, including age, fungal allergies, physical and mental health conditions, medication use, substance use, and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Age Requirement
Before participating in psilocybin services, you must be at least 21 years old.
Fungal Allergies
Psilocybin is derived from fungi. Individuals with mushroom or fungal allergies are advised to consult a healthcare professional prior to participating in any psilocybin experiences.
Medical History and Medications
When preparing for psilocybin services in Oregon, it's crucial to discuss your medical history and medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Psilocybin can interact with a variety of substances, potentially leading to serious risks such as seizures and serotonin syndrome. If any of the following apply to you, be sure to discuss them with your facilitator to determine how and when psilocybin services may be right for you:
Supplements: including passionflower and St. John’s Wort.
Medications: including Lithium or those that affect the serotonin system (SSRIs, SNRIs, SPARIs, TCAs, and MAO inhibitors).
Medical Conditions: including anemia, asthma, autoimmune disease, cancer, diabetes, liver disease, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, angle-closure glaucoma, kidney issues, digestive conditions, liver impairment or gastric outlet obstruction.
Contagious Disease: such as tuberculosis or COVID-19.
Neurological Conditions: stroke, epilepsy, serious brain injury, dementia, cognitive impairment, seizure disorders, transient ischemic attacks, or cerebral aneurysms.
Cardiovascular or Circulatory Conditions: low or high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, heart disease, coronary artery disease, and angina.
Electrical Heart Problems: prolonged QTc interval, arrhythmias, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, or if you have an Automatic Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (AICD).
Structural Heart Issues: valve diseases, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy, aortic diseases, and aneurysms.
Severe Heart Conditions: congestive heart failure, a history of cardiac arrest, and ventricular arrhythmias.
Mental Health
It’s important to share any current or past mental health issues that you’ve experienced. Ongoing professional mental health support is crucial, particularly for those with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or any mental health condition.
Mental Health Issues: such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, paranoia, or personality disorders. It also matters if a first-degree relative has had these conditions, as it could indicate a higher risk for mental health challenges.
Mental Health Details: such as info about psychiatric hospitalizations, self-harm, eating disorders, manic episodes, self-destructive behaviors, dissociative disorders, or spiritual emergencies.
Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts: such as past or current thoughts or attempts of self-harm or suicide.
Substance Use
It’s essential to be open about your use of medications, drugs, and others substances, including alcohol, cannabis, prescription sedatives, stimulants, psychedelics, and even illegal drugs. Share your reasons for use, any withdrawal effects, and how your substance use has affected your health or relationships.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding
The risks associated with consuming psilocybin during pregnancy or while providing breast milk are unknown. At Prism Bend, we don’t offer psilocybin services to pregnant individuals due to the potential risks to the embryo or fetus. For those breastfeeding, please consult with your medical provider. They may suggest pausing breastfeeding for four days (96 hours) following psilocybin use.
Making an Informed Decision With Psilocybin Services in oregon
Engaging in psilocybin services is a significant decision that requires thoughtful consideration and a commitment to your health and well-being. The exploration of psilocybin and its potential benefits is a personal journey that’s best approached with awareness, respect for the process, and a clear understanding of your own needs and circumstances. We’re here to assist you in making an informed and empowered decision. We encourage you to consult with healthcare professionals and carefully consider your eligibility and readiness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Cate Ritter is the Owner and Licensed Psilocybin Facilitator at Prism Bend in Bend, Oregon. With a deep passion for wellness and holistic health, Cate guides individuals on their healing journeys with compassion and integrity. She holds extensive training in psilocybin facilitation, blending scientific and spiritual approaches to support clients in a safe and empowering environment.
Cate’s focus is on helping individuals access their inner healer, providing a safe space for self-discovery and transformation through psilocybin services. Cate’s work is rooted in a commitment to safety, well-being, and strict adherence to the guidelines set by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
DISCLAIMER: Cate’s services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical or mental health conditions. It is recommended that individuals consult with their healthcare providers before engaging in psilocybin services.