The journey of a lifetime
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Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in many species of fungus. It is estimated that 200+ psilocybin containing mushroom species exist. Psilocybin is a classic psychedelic and has been used by humans for spiritual and ceremonial purposes for millennia. Indications of ancient psychedelic mushroom consumption have been found all over the globe.
Mushrooms have long been associated with the spirit, and have many traditional uses. Rituals are performed in different cultures emphasizing our connection to earth, space, god(s), our ancestors, and the inner self.
Psilocybin and its analyte, psilocin are organically structured very similar to serotonin, which is an important neurotransmitter made in our intestine. Serotonin is responsible for your mood, cognition, memory, learning & reward pathways, and numerous other physiological functions. Serotonin has vast and complex biologic functions in our brains and bodies.
Psilocybin, because of its similar shape, has similar chemical interactions and impact on our mood, cognition, memory, learning and reward pathways.
Psilocybin has been used for thousands of years by humans and has tremendous anecdotal benefits. Western medicine and science are slowly recognizing the potential of this medicine.
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In Oregon, “psilocybin services” refers to preparation, administration and integration sessions provided by a licensed facilitator. The psilocybin products consumed must be cultivated or produced by a licensed psilocybin manufacturer and may only be provided to a client at a licensed psilocybin service center during an administration session. Psilocybin services will be available to people age 21 or older and will not require a prescription or medical referral. People accessing psilocybin services are called “clients”.
Oregon has established a regulatory framework around the sale and use of psilocybin products. These rules are designed to provide safe, and equitable access to all people.
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Psilocybin has long been associated with creativity, joy, laughter, interconnections, love, and various sensory effects like hallucinations.
Psilocybin has strong neuroplasticity effects. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt based on our experience. The more we repeat a particular behavior, the more we reinforce it into our brain and nervous system.
Psilocybin gives us an opportunity to disconnect, and “rewire” neurological pathways that no longer benefit us.
Western medicine is beginning to recognize that psilocybin could be a strong player in fighting against addiction, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, memory and digestion issues. Research shows that both small and large doses can have significant positive impact on your life.
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Psilocybin is a psychoplastogen, which refers to a compound capable of promoting rapid and sustained neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity, or brain plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. It is when the brain is rewired to function in some way that differs from how it previously functioned. These changes range from individual neuron pathways making new connections, to systematic adjustments like cortical remapping. Examples of neuroplasticity include circuit and network changes that result from learning a new ability, environmental influences, practice, and psychological stress.
Neuroplasticity was once thought by neuroscientists to manifest only during childhood, but research in the latter half of the 20th century showed that many aspects of the brain can be altered (or are "plastic") even through adulthood. However, the developing brain exhibits a higher degree of plasticity than the adult brain. Activity-dependent plasticity can have significant implications for healthy development, learning, memory, and recovery from brain damage. (wikipedia 5/9/2023)
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There are some risks for medium and large doses of psilocybin. Micro doses have no notable risks.
In a psilocybin journey, you will re-visit memories. If you have any troubling memories caused by trauma, you will confront them! It can be frightening but is essential to the healing process. It is important to be in a safe and supportive environment when this happens.
Psilocybin can cause nausea, and possibly headaches. Psilocybin also raises your heart rate (similar to walking up a flight of stairs).
If you have a mental disorder that distorts reality (schizophrenia, psychosis, mania) then you are ineligible for psilocybin services. Large doses of Psilocybin may temporarily exacerbate the symptoms of these disorders.
Psilocybin is still a scheduled substance according to national law, and there is still stigma around its use.
Drug tests: It is uncommon to test for psilocybin in urine. Psilocybin is water soluble and very digestible, usually completely exiting our system within 24 hours.
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The cost of psilocybin services has not yet been defined, it will be highly variable depending on service center fees, facilitator fees, product fees, and other considerations. The dosage of psilocybin and group size will have a big impact on the price of service. A large dose can take up to 8 hours, while a small dose can be a little as 30 minutes.
Estimates are $1000-$1500 for a standard session. Retreat models of service centers will likely be more expensive.
Smaller doses and micro doses have the opportunity to be MUCH CHEAPER, it will be up to the facilitators, and service centers to provide affordable service options for this medicine.
Any psilocybin-related payments will not be covered by insurance, we hope this changes in the coming years.
Psilocybin Services
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Intake and Preparation
Connect with a facilitator and prepare for your journey. This will include a questionnaire, and some forms to review as required by the Oregon Health Authority. This is the best time to talk about your history and intentions with psychedelic medicine.
You will have the opportunity to visit the Service Center prior to your journey, as well as meet everyone that will be involved during administration day.
Psilocybin Facilitators are trained and licensed through the Oregon Health Authority and are the main contact throughout this experience. Facilitators are trained to provide safe and comforting care, and are required to take a “non directive” approach to therapy (no interpretations, no diagnosis).
Our main goal is for you to have a safe, comfortable, and rewarding experience.
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Administration
Consume up to 50mg of psilocybin analyte at a Service Center near you. You and your facilitator will discuss many aspects of your journey during your preparation step. The dose of psilocybin you take will have a significant impact on your journey! The larger the dose, the more intense the experience. With a small dose, the journey is 1-3 hours, for the large doses expect to stay 4-6 hours (more if needed).
All products must be cultivated or produced by a licensed psilocybin manufacturer and may only be provided to a client at a licensed psilocybin service center during an administration session.
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Integration
This is an optional step, but highly encouraged! Integration is very valuable, reflecting on your experience and using the wisdom to better your life. We can provide a safe and understanding environment to talk about and validate your experience.
You can also connect with one of the many peer mushroom and psychedelic communities.
Questions? Contact Us
patrick@nwpsilocybin.org
The resources page also has additional information!
Phone
(541) 936-9993
Location
OREGON, USA