Brookings to Hold Ballot Measure for Psilocybin

Brookings to Hold Ballot Measure for Psilocybin

By Nate Schwartz Curry Coastal Pilot

8 HRS ago - Link to Article- 0

The Brookings City Council is taking steps to keep Psilocybin Manufacturers out of the city with a ballot measure for November.

Oregon voters passed Measure 109 in 2020, allowing the use and manufacturing of psilocybin mushrooms, or ‘magic mushrooms’ through Oregon Health Authority (OHA) licensed manufacturers and service centers.

The measure does not allow the City to outright ban mushrooms on their own but does give recourse for regulation through land use measures. They can authorize voters to choose whether to allow manufacturers and service centers within their city limits, with an option for either a temporary ban for two years, or a permanent one.

The Council all seemed relatively in-step about the ballot measure this November in their Meeting on July 22nd, but there was some disagreement about whether to invoke the permanent or temporary ban.

Councilor Martin expressed concerns over youth safety, citing marijuana legalization as a test case. He was in favor of a permanent ban, with keeping access away from children his main reasoning.

Councilor Pereda thinks it should be up to the voters to decide and is therefore happy to give them the opportunity.

Mayor Hodges was a little more hesitant for an outright permanent ban.

“I view it a little bit different, maybe it's because I work in the medical industry. I’d hate to put a permanent statement on this… I have had testimony of people who have used psilocybin to their benefit. So, for me, I do think a lot more needs to go into the research before it’s something that is manufactured, and especially distributed, in our city limits, but I don’t want to put a permanent ban on this discussion. I’d prefer it to return to the voters in two years,” stated Mayor Hodges on the issue.

With Councilor Martin beginning the motion, and Councilor Pereda seconding, the resolution was brought to a vote. With Councilor Fulton absent, a 2-1 vote was enough for the motion to carry, with Mayor Hodges voting no.

Councilor Pereda asked a pertinent question before seconding: just how permanent would this ban be?

It would require another amending motion and calling another ballot item for voters, but it is not a ban completely set in stone. If new scientific evidence comes out, or public perception were to shift, changes to the City Municipal Code would be possible.

Pereda referenced another good point in that psilocybin products can still be obtained from other Cities.

“This doesn’t mean that they still don’t have access to [psilocybin] from other communities. It’s just not what’s sold and manufactured in our community,” said Pereda.

Studies for the medical uses of psilocybin have shown promising results in recent years, but stigma around psychedelic drugs and their recreational use has remained.

If you feel strongly about this issue, one-way or the other, you’ll have a chance to have your say. The community’s voice will be heard on the ballot this November.