Psilocybin mushrooms stand ready for harvest in a humidified "fruiting chamber" in the basement of a private home on July 28, 2023, in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Recent studies have suggested that psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms" have shown promise in combating anxiety, anorexia, depression, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder and various forms of substance abuse.

SUTHERLIN — Instead of outright banning psilocybin-related businesses within city limits, Sutherlin City Council members deliberated Monday to put the decision in the hands of voters during the November general election.

Councilors unanimously approved the resolution while adopting an ordinance banning psilocybin-related businesses within city limits. According to City Recorder Melanie Masterfield, this is a necessary part of the process that must be taken to get the measure on the November ballot.

“Because it was previously on a two-year moratorium. It was a temporary ban as we did not know enough about it. It kind of came to us all of a sudden,” Masterfield said during the meeting. “Council at that time had voted to do a two-year moratorium forbidding it. It comes due this year, so it needs to be on this ballot.”

A moratorium is a period where a body can put a suspension on a specific item, issue or decision until a later date. In this case, previous Sutherlin council members opted into a moratorium to learn more about psilocybin mushrooms, how businesses would operate psilocybin-focused treatment facilities and how that may impact the city.

In 2020, the state’s legislature passed a measure giving the Oregon Health Authority the authority to license and regulate the “manufacturing, transportation, delivery, sale and purchase of psilocybin products and the provision of psilocybin services.”

These regulations and licenses are managed by the Oregon Psilocybin Services, a subsidiary of the Oregon Health Authority. According to the Oregon Health Authority website, this subsidiary began accepting applications for psilocybin treatment centers Jan. 2, 2023. Psilocybin service centers began opening their doors to patients the summer of 2023.

Oregon Psilocybin Services states, “Research suggests psilocybin may help address depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. Studies have also found it can increase spiritual well-being.”

For Sutherlin residents, they will decide whether treatment centers will be allowed within city limits come November. However, they will not decide whether to ban psilocybin altogether. Sutherlin City Councilor Debbie Hamilton said it is council’s position to leave it in the hands of voters, as previous council members took it upon themselves.

“I think it is very important because we get accused oftentimes for just pushing things through and doing it our way,” Hamilton said. “This way the public knows and is aware, they have voted on it before, and maybe by now they have changed their mind on it. They can make that decision.”

Hamilton said there may be many misconceptions about a business of this nature. In Oregon, psilocybin services are not the same as marijuana dispensaries. Although you do have to be 21 years old to consume psilocybin products produced by licensed psilocybin manufacturers, the process to qualify for these sessions is extensive.

According to the Oregon Health Authority, there are several steps to the process including an initial screening and preparation. The Oregon Health Authority website states, “The psilocybin products consumed must be cultivated or produced by a licensed psilocybin manufacturer, rested by a licensed laboratory, and may only be provided to a client by a licensed psilocybin service center during an administrative session.”

“We are here for the good of the city. We are trying to make decisions that are good for the city, to continue our growth that we have and all the good things that are happening,” Hamilton said. “This is one that needs to go the public to see how they feel.”