Portland, Oregon – Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) released the first multi‑site evaluation of the state’s regulated psilocybin program. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, tracked 346 adults who completed a single psilocybin session at 24 licensed service centers between November 2024 and June 2026.
Significant mental‑health improvements
One month after their session, 91.5% of participants said they benefited from the experience, and 64.9% ranked it among the ten most meaningful moments of their lives. At the three‑month follow‑up, respondents reported notable declines in moderate‑to‑severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and post‑traumatic stress disorder, along with overall gains in well‑being. Response rates remained high, with about 90% of participants continuing to provide data through the three‑month mark.
Safety profile
Four first‑time users experienced adverse behavioral reactions that required medical attention, but no serious physical health events were recorded. Seven participants described the experience as harmful at three months, though none reported lasting physical injury. Lead author Dr. Todd Korthuis emphasized that the safety outcomes mirrored those seen in controlled clinical trials, noting that the program appears safe for people without serious mental‑health or medical conditions.
Guidelines and limitations
Researchers cautioned that psilocybin is not appropriate for individuals with psychosis, bipolar disorder or who are pregnant. They advised anyone with serious mental‑health concerns to consult a health‑care provider before seeking services.
Policy implications
OHSU President Dr. Shereef Elnahal highlighted the relevance of the findings for state and federal policymakers, especially as other states consider similar regulated psychedelic programs. More than 20,000 Oregon residents have accessed licensed psilocybin services, though costs ranging from several hundred to thousands of dollars per session limit broader access. Some counties have declined to permit service centers over safety worries; the new data may inform those local decisions.
Future research
The team will use a $3.3 million federal grant to study psilocybin’s effect on reducing illicit substance use among clients. Results are slated for presentation at the Psychedelic Innovation Summit in Portland, co‑hosted by OHSU and the Healing Advocacy Fund.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
