Portland Activists Seek Decriminalization of Psychedelics
Just a month after Oregon reinstated criminal penalties for possession of drugs meant for personal use, activists residing in Portland are striving to launch an initiative in favor of decriminalizing psychedelic drugs. The objective is to include this measure in the city’s 2026 ballot. Known as the Portland Psychedelic Health Act, this initiative is seeking to prevent users of certain psychedelics, including psilocybin and ayahuasca, from being subjected to criminal proceedings or arrests.
Portland Psychedelic Law
The proposed Portland Psychedelic Law aims to prioritise the enforcement of laws against plant and fungi-based substances, like natural psychedelics, at the bottom of Portland’s law enforcement agenda. While commercial activities related to these substances would still be forbidden, the “grow, gather, gift model” might effectively experience decriminalization at a local scale, as per the activists.
The Proposed Amendment
Exempting the endangered peyote cactus, the contemplated amendment would apply to the cultivation, gathering, preparation, possession, and sharing of “natural psychedelics”. These natural psychedelics are characterized as non-toxic and non-addictive elements. Additionally, the proposal suggests the establishment of a Psychedelics Advisory Panel to dispense citywide advice related to entheogens. As per the campaign outline, the Portland Psychedelic Law is designed to enhance safety, provide education and promote best practices while realizing that Portland’s residents may continue using natural psychedelics for personal, health, or spiritual reasons.
Momentum for the Proposal
Nate Howard, a citizen of Portland and leading organiser of this campaign, shared with Marijuana Moment that momentum for this act is strong. The proposal has been progressively formulated by an array of stakeholders including local and foreign strategists, financial backers, campaign advisers, former political figures, and even the National Council of the Native American Church. The draft text of this proposal will be publicly presented at a symposium this weekend with the final version due to be handed over to officials mid-month.
The Road to a Place in the Ballot
To secure a position for the measure on the ballot, around 40,000 verifiable voter signatures will have to be collected from early 2025. However, Howard indicated that city leaders might speed up the reform process thereby potentially saving the city some funds.
The Result of the Portland Psychedelic Law
The Portland Psychedelic Law would eventually result in the formation of the Portland Psychedelics Advisory Commission which would provide guidance to the city about “safe and responsible practices, harm reduction, public education, and the strategic integration of natural psychedelics into public health initiatives”. Moreover, this commission would propose policies to ensure the act aids in addressing Portland’s addiction and mental health crises, according to the campaign.