There were many detrimental consequences from the “War on Drugs,” including government interference with the exploration of innovative drug treatments that could help people with health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
The ACLU of Oregon endorses a “NO” vote on Jackson County’s Measure 15-20
One such treatment is psilocybin. Research from leading medical research institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, find that psilocybin can be effective in treating depression, end-of-life anxiety, and even addiction.
BACKGROUND
In 2020, Oregon voters approved Measure 109, which legalized psilocybin therapy in our state within Oregon Health Authority (OHA) safety and licensing structures.
Measure 109 specifically directed OHA to license and regulate the manufacturing, transportation, delivery, sale, and purchase of psilocybin products — and the provision of psilocybin therapeutic treatment. Measure 109 did not legalize retail sales, home-use of psilocybin, recreational-use of psilocybin, or marketing of psilocybin products.
For Oregonians living with chronic illnesses, from veterans to elderly people to people with disabilities, limiting access to treatment can have compounding harmful consequences.
NOW, JACKSON COUNTY VOTERS ARE DECIDING…
Under a provision in Measure 109 enabling local governments to have their residents re-vote on psilocybin therapy, Jackson County voters are being asked to vote on Measure 15-203:
- A “NO” vote means that psilocybin therapy would remain legal in all unincorporated areas of Jackson County, as it is in Medford and Ashland.
- A “YES” vote would make psilocybin therapy illegal in the unincorporated areas of Jackson County.
Where a person lives should not determine whether they can access treatment for health conditions. Legalizing psilocybin in only larger metropolitan areas, like Medford and Ashland, infringes upon choices and freedoms of people living in more rural areas of the county.
For Oregonians living with chronic illnesses, from veterans to elderly people to people with disabilities, limiting access to treatment can have compounding harmful consequences.
Therefore, the ACLU of Oregon endorses a “NO” vote on Measure 15-203. A “NO” vote will keep psilocybin therapy legal and accessible for ALL of Jackson County — not just in its cities.
