As a two-year moratorium on a psilocybin ban in the city limits gets ready to sunset Dec. 31, the Philomath City Council on Monday night debated its next move.
After more than an hour of discussion, councilors opted for the drafting of an ordinance that would extend the ban on psilocybin manufacturing and service centers for another two years and for the issue to be voted on by the public in the next general election (which falls in 2026). The ordinance will also include restrictions on where such facilities could be in the city if voters in that election choose to lift the ban.
The council also voted to organize a town hall meeting in November to share information on what has occurred to date and to collect public feedback and sentiment on the issue. The event would likely be planned for a date that occurs after the Nov. 5 general election to avoid confusion.
Oregon voters in 2020 legalized the use of psilocybin through Measure 109 (Philomath voters approved the measure by a 17% margin). Use of the drug, often referred to as “magic mushrooms,” is restricted to state-licensed facilities with trained counselors administering it. Currently, there are 31 licensed service centers and more than 350 trained staff — although at least one Philomath city councilor challenges training requirements.
Possession, consumption and manufacturing of psilocybin outside licensed facilities remains illegal.
Medical research has demonstrated therapeutic benefits of psilocybin for people battling depression, anxiety, trauma and addiction. Opponents of psilocybin use have fears about potential negative side effects and believe more research is needed. Strong opinions exist on both sides of the issues, including those of city councilors.
The 2020 statewide measure included a process through which cities and counties could back out and Philomath referred it to local citizens. In 2022, Philomath by a 53-47 margin voted to place a two-year moratorium on psilocybin manufacturing and service facilities in the city, which is what will expire at the end of the year.
City Manager Chris Workman said after the meeting that he has not received any inquiries involving a psilocybin facility possibly wanting to be located in Philomath.
The interaction among councilors at the meeting became animated at times. Thirty minutes into the discussion, Councilor Ruth Causey made a motion for an ordinance to be prepared that enacts a ban effective Jan. 1 and that it would be voted on in the next available general election, including the stipulation that any ballot language would need to be reviewed by the City Council.
Councilor Matt Lehman immediately asked for an amendment to the motion to include time, place and manner restrictions in the ordinance. Causey felt that including that information would only cause confusion about what people were voting on.
“I’m saying let’s put it all on the table in one thing — if you vote yes, it’s banned; if you vote no on the ban, these are the time, place and manner restrictions that are going to be in place,” Lehman said. “I think it just gives people all of the information instead of just some of the information.”
After more discussion, Lehman’s requested revision was approved unanimously and then the ordinance vote passed on a 6-1 vote (Councilor Jessica Andrade nay).
During the meeting, Councilors Diane Crocker and Teresa Nielson both voiced their opposition to psilocybin facilities in the city limits based on their interactions within a circle of constituents. Lehman and Andrade had comments that the treatment has been shown to have benefits.
Councilor Christopher McMorran said he has no opinion and that it should go to a citizen vote. In addition, Causey said the drug may turn out to be effective but questioned the high cost and whether psilocybin centers would even be able to help the people who need it most, especially since the treatment is not covered by insurance.
For now, an open house will apparently be scheduled in November to give the public an opportunity to share perspectives and the council before the end of the year will vote on an ordinance to extend the ban for another two years before it goes to a vote in November 2026 — those choices being to either ban it permanently or not ban it with certain restrictions in place.
