Psychedelic Decriminalization Pushed in Portland
Advocates in Oregon City are pushing for the decriminalization of certain psychedelic substances in Portland, the largest city in Oregon. This campaign follows the recent enforcement of laws against possession of personal-use quantities of drugs in the state, just a month ago. Campaigners are now focusing on getting this initiative on the city’s 2026 ballot, with the goal of ensuring that users of certain psychedelics can avoid criminal penalties.
Portland Psychedelic Health Act
The proposed Portland Psychedelic Health Act would lower the priority of enforcing laws against some plant and fungus-based substances, such as psilocybin, mescaline, ayahuasca, and DMT. Despite this, it would not give the green light to commercial activities related to these drugs.
The proposed legislation further highlights that the protection includes the cultivation, gathering, possession, and sharing of “natural psychedelics,” though it excludes the peyote cactus because of its endangered status and its cultural importance to the Indigenous communities of America.
Creation of a Psychedelics Advisory Panel
The Portland Psychedelic Health Act also plans for the creation of a Psychedelics Advisory Panel. According to campaigners, the purpose of this committee is to improve safety, provide education, and recommend best practices not only in Portland but also across the state and beyond.
Nate Howard, the campaign’s leading organizer, highlighted in an interview that the initiative has a significant amount of support. Backers include previous politicians, strategic partners, financial contributors, and campaign advisors. Furthermore, Howard postulated that the initiative took shape over several years, during which hundreds of primarily local stakeholders contributed.
The complete text of the proposal is due for public presentation at a symposium later this week. The finalized version is expected for submission to city officials sometime later in the month. Howard shed light on strategies to start gathering the 40,000 valid signatures required in early 2025 to qualify the proposal for the city’s ballot.
Portland Psychedelics Advisory Commission
Moving a step past the decriminalization of natural psychedelics, the proposed measure also envisions the creation of the Portland Psychedelics Advisory Commission. This body would provide advice on the implementation of safe and accountable practices, harm reduction, and public education. The commission would closely monitor and suggest policies to tackle addiction and mental health issues plaguing Portland.
