Through measures 109 and 110, Oregon became the first state to legalize the psychedelic mushroom and decriminalize all drugs.

Much of the recent news cycle regarding the election has focused solely on the presidential race; as a consequence, some ballot measures have been swept under the rug and out of the public’s eye. Two of these are Oregon’s own measures 109 and 110.

The first of the measures, Measure 109, which passed voting with a 55.74 percent majority, has indirectly legalized the medicinal use of a psychedelic or hallucinogenic chemical that comes from dried mushrooms, known as psilocybin or “magic mushrooms.” The new laws will not outright allow anyone to go to a store or dispensary and purchase psilocybin, nor will it allow them to have a prescription to do so. Instead, the law permits for certain licensed clinics and therapists to use it in their therapies, and it is only obtainable through multiple sessions. 

Psilocybin is 1/100 as powerful as LSD, according to The New York Times, and can greatly improve conditions for those suffering from addiction, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and other forms of stress. Although it is possible to have negative side effects from the drug, such as potential suicidal attempts, the goal of having it solely available in therapy sessions is to mitigate these risks with trained professionals being on standby. 

“We need options. And this is a valid therapeutic option that could help thousands of people,” Tom Eckert, a psychotherapist, said to The Oregonian.

Measure 110 came as a little more of a surprise to Oregonians, as it aims at completely decriminalizing possession of drugs. Decriminalization does not mean legalization, but rather moving the ideology from punishing people for possession or usage of illegal substances to an attempt to rehabilitate those that may be suffering from addiction. However, it is completely focused on possession, not selling. Those in possession of small amounts of illegal substances can expect a $100 fine, or to take part in a health assessment that would waive the fine. If one is caught with larger amounts of substances, they can expect to be charged with a misdemeanor, a lower charge than a felony, which was standard before. Fines collected will be put towards the costs of rehabilitation. The measure passed with a 58.47 percent majority vote, and will go into effect on Feb. 1. 

“Today is a huge day of celebration, but the work is not over and we have a lot more work to do to win a better system for everybody,” Peter Zuckerman, manager of the campaign for Measure 110, said to The Oregonian.

Oregon has set a precedent with both measures, as it has become one of the first states to legalize psilocybin and the first state to decriminalize all drugs. Proponents of the measure say there will be an upkick in quality of life for those suffering from psychological disorders who now have access to psychedelic therapies. There is also an expected improvement for those who struggle with drug abuse or addiction who, instead of incarceration, can expect rehabilitation. It is theorized that other states will follow suit.

“We expect this victory to inspire other states to enact their own drug decriminalization policy that prioritizes health over punishment,” Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance Kassandra Frederique said in a press release after Measure 110 passed.