PsychedeLinks is a curated selection of top news stories impacting business, research, and culture in the psychedelics ecosystem, crafted by Emerge Law Group’s groundbreaking Psychedelics Group.
Emerge’s Hot Take
A growing number of Oregon cities vote to ban psychedelic mushroom compound psilocybin
While Oregon was hailed for its progressive stance when it became the first state to legalize psilocybin in 2020, voters in the recent election approved psilocybin bans or extended moratoriums in 16 of the 17 communities where psilocybin was on the ballot.
Analysts speculate that this rise in anti-psilocybin sentiment is a result of a broader national trend of voter hesitancy surrounding drug legalization (evidenced by the recent rejection of recreational marijuana measures in three states and of a Massachusetts proposal to legalize certain psychedelics) in combination with the rollback of Oregon’s earlier Measure 110 (which decriminalized small amounts of certain drugs).
Issues with Measure 110 fueled doubts about the state’s ability to manage drug policies effectively. However, proponents emphasize psilocybin’s potential to treat mental health issues, citing positive outcomes for depression, anxiety, and trauma, and hope that future research and better regulatory systems will rebuild trust and expand access to the legal psilocybin ecosystem.
“While the passage of these moratoriums is understandably concerning, it’s important to contextualize these opt-outs against Oregon as a whole,” observes Emerge attorney Kaci Hohmann.
“Many of the state’s most populous counties allow for psilocybin services, and numerous ‘safe-haven’ cities are found in almost all of the opt-out counties. Also, some counties who passed 2-year moratoriums in 2022 have not elected to renew their moratoriums, which expire at the end of this year. The new moratoriums should not substantially affect the accessibility of psilocybin statewide, except unfortunately for residents of these jurisdictions who are unable to travel to receive services.”
Other Noteworthy News
VA will fund psychedelic-assisted therapy for first time since 1960s
TASK AND PURPOSE – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will fund its first psychedelic-assisted therapy study since the 1960s, focusing on MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD and alcohol abuse issues. Conducted in partnership with Brown and Yale University researchers, the study will evaluate the effects of MDMA in clinical settings alongside traditional psychotherapy. MDMA, currently a Schedule I drug, is believed to enhance emotional openness and reduce fear during therapy. The $1.5 million grant will cover at least five years of research at VA facilities in Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Colorado’s pioneering psychedelic program gets final tweaks as state plans to launch next year
COLORADO SUN – Colorado is finalizing regulations for its pioneering program on psychedelic-assisted therapies, set to launch in 2025. Local communities are preparing zoning laws to regulate where these businesses can operate, mirroring marijuana industry restrictions. However, some cities are considering temporary moratoriums such as those passed in Oregon. While the program aims to make therapies for PTSD, depression, and anxiety accessible, concerns remain surrounding high costs for training, licensing, and operations could limit affordability and access, especially in smaller communities. By June 2026, the program may expand to include other natural psychedelics like ibogaine and mescaline. Advocates and participants hope the program will generate valuable data to guide federal regulation and demonstrate the potential of psychedelic therapies in addressing mental health challenges.
State advisory group finds Vermont is not ready for psychedelics – yet
MY CHAMPLAIN VALLEY NEWS – Vermont’s Psychedelic Therapy Advisory Working Group, formed to assess the potential for psychedelic-assisted mental health therapies, concluded last month that the state is not yet ready to implement such programs. The nine-member group, tasked with reviewing research and consulting experts, recommended continuing their work and expanding studies to learn from states who have decriminalized certain psychedelics, such as Oregon and Colorado. Members agreed to focus potential statewide-programs on psilocybin-containing mushrooms but were divided over safety concerns and the need for FDA approval.
New documentary tackles Nave SEALS, PTSD, addiction, and psychedelics
FORBES – In Waves and War, a documentary by Jon Shenk and Bonni Cohen, explores the struggles of Navy SEALs who endure both combat trauma and the mental health battles that follow their return home. The film, which recently premiered at the DOC NYC film festival, examines the toll of PTSD, depression, and substance use on veterans, and their exploration of alternative therapies such as ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT. The documentary also addresses the broader mental health crisis among veterans, and regulatory barriers in the US hindering the use of ibogaine, despite evidence of its therapeutic benefits.
WATCH – Melissa Lavasani and “Whiz” Buckley on psychedelic trends in 2025
THE DALES REPORT – In this episode of Trade to Black, Melissa Lavasani (CEO of Psychedelic Medicine) and former fighter pilot Matthew “Whiz” Buckley discuss industry projections for 2025.
WATCH – Kelly Slater on psychedelics: The emerging frontier for mental health and human performance
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED – On this episode of The Everyday Warrior, Kelly Slater, an “11-time World Surf League champion and advocate for health and wellness,” addresses the growing interest in plant based medicine and its “potential to catalyze personal growth and healing.”
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