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Oregon and Colorado are currently the only U.S. states with statewide frameworks allowing regulated psilocybin services. These programs are often misunderstood as “legalization,” but state officials stress that they operate as tightly controlled public health models and do not override federal law.
Oregon established the first statewide program through Measure 109, approved by voters in 2020. The program is administered by the Oregon Health Authority under Oregon Psilocybin Services. It allows licensed facilitators to administer psilocybin to adults in supervised, non-medical settings. The program does not permit retail sales, home use, or public possession, and all psilocybin must be produced and tested within the state’s regulatory system (Oregon Health Authority).
Oregon’s framework focuses on service delivery rather than treatment. State guidance emphasizes that psilocybin services are not classified as medical care and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions. Participants must engage in preparation, administration, and integration sessions with licensed facilitators under state oversight (Oregon Psilocybin Services).
Colorado followed with voter-approved initiatives that created the Natural Medicine Health Act. This law authorizes a regulated system for supervised natural medicine services, including psilocybin, while also reducing state-level penalties for certain activities. The program is overseen by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, which is responsible for licensing, rulemaking, and enforcement (Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies).
Colorado’s framework differs from Oregon’s in scope and structure. While both emphasize supervised use, Colorado’s law includes additional natural substances and incorporates a phased rollout. State officials have stated that rules and licensing requirements are still evolving, and that full implementation depends on ongoing regulatory development (Colorado Natural Medicine Program).
Both states emphasize that their programs do not change federal law. Psilocybin remains a Schedule I substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. Federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, maintain jurisdiction regardless of state policy. Legal experts consistently caution that state programs operate in a complex legal environment shaped by federal enforcement discretion rather than federal approval (U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration).
Researchers also note that these state programs are distinct from clinical research. Universities and pharmaceutical companies study psilocybin under federal research exemptions approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration. State service programs do not grant research authorization and do not replace clinical trials (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).
High Science® presents Oregon and Colorado’s programs to clarify what these frameworks actually allow, how they are regulated, and where legal boundaries remain. By distinguishing state-regulated services from legalization and from clinical research, this educational approach supports accurate public understanding and responsible dialogue.
SOURCES
Oregon Health Authority – Oregon Psilocybin Services
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies – Natural Medicine Program
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration – Controlled substance scheduling
U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Drug research and approval process
All information presented is for educational purposes only and focuses on plant science research and emerging studies. This content does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult licensed healthcare providers or trained professionals in plant-based science and natural health disciplines. All information provided is thought to be put to date with modern research and you should still do your own research and consult with professionals.
