By Herb shops in Portland openly sell psilocybin mushrooms, with people lining up for over two hours to get their hands on a variety of psychedelic fungi, including Penis Envy and Knobby Tops.
In November 2020, Oregon voters approved Bill 109, a ballot proposal to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin by therapists licensed by the Oregon Department of Health. The successful ballot measure is now in its second year of implementation, and the OHA is currently drafting regulations to govern the production, distribution and administration of psilocybin for medical purposes.
Another ballot proposal passed that year, Bill 110, decriminalized possession of small amounts of all drugs, including psilocybin, but did not legalize the manufacture or sale of controlled substances. Under federal law, psilocybin mushrooms remain a prohibited Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
Shroom House, a retailer of herbal products in Portland, apparently started selling a fungus of that name, despite the fact that the OHA has not yet issued a license to a provider of psilocybin. TV news station reported that a store owner admitted to selling psilocybin mushrooms after a former employee contacted the store about possible illegal sales and distribution at the facility.
“Shroom House management was led to believe this was the first medically approved and licensed place to buy psychedelics in Oregon.” Keith Colwell said KOIN 6. “They are breaking all kinds of laws over there.”
Requires application from potential customer
To purchase psilocybin mushrooms at Shroom House, you must present two forms of identification and complete an application to become a member of the Shroom House Society. according to reports from Willamette Week. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and complete a questionnaire asking about anxiety and depression among other mental health conditions. Weekly reporters were able to purchase psilocybin mushrooms within about five minutes of submitting an application.
“Please use products purchased from the association in a responsible manner,” the application states. “High doses of psilocybin mushrooms are psychedelic and will definitely interfere with driving, but low doses should not affect your ability to drive or perform other tasks.”
Shroom House has a variety of mushrooms, including Nobby Tops, Penis Envy, and Albino Golden Teacher. Willamette Week stated in that report. 7 grams of Psychedelic Fungi will set you back $85 to $95.
OHA spokeswoman Erica Heartquist confirmed that no psilocybin provider licenses have been issued yet. He is an executive of the Healing Advocacy Fund, a nonprofit that advocates for the equitable implementation of Bill 109. Sam Chapman, his director, stressed the importance of adhering to the guidelines detailed in successful ballot measures. emphasized.
“Retail sales of psilocybin are not legal under Oregon law. Bill 109 and other laws do not permit the sale of psilocybin mushrooms today or in the future.” Chapman said In a statement quoted by Business Insider. “Many Oregonians stand to benefit from psilocybin’s healing properties, including those who suffer from depression, anxiety, and addiction, but treatment must be safe.”
But the lack of government approval doesn’t stop potential shoppers from lining up for, in some cases, two hours or more to join the Shroom House Society and start buying psilocybin mushrooms. No. Customer Cassie Cadence said she was in line for “about an hour.”
“But it’s worth it to me, because I feel like I’m part of some kind of history now. I think that’s really cool.” Cadence added“Because I’ve been an advocate for mushrooms, psychedelics, and freedom like that.”
Patron Randy King said he heard about Shroom House when “a friend of mine sent me an article.”
“I told my wife and she said, ‘What are we waiting for? Let’s go get it,'” King said.
