Voters in Oregon have passed a measure legalizing controlled, therapeutic use of psilocybin mushrooms, as well as a measure decriminalizing possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine, LSD, oxycodone and some other drugs.
They’ve also approved measures on cigarette taxes and political contributions. Also on the ballot are two high-profile drug measures and a U.S. Senate race while people in Portland choose a mayor in a race that has drawn national attention amid ongoing protests in the state’s largest city.
Ballot question 109 would legalize controlled therapeutic use of psilocybin mushrooms. Backers of the measure say the state, which was the first in the nation to decriminalize marijuana, should lead the way in legalizing regulated use of psilocybin, often referred to as magic mushrooms.
Meanwhile, measure 110 would decriminalize possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine, LSD, oxycodone and some other drugs. The backers of the measure said drug addiction is a health issue and should not cause people to be imprisoned and saddled with criminal records. The ballot question received a $500,000 donation from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, who favor a health-based approach to drug addiction. About two dozen district attorneys in Oregon had urged a no vote on Measure 110.