Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of Sociology
First Advisor
Aaron Roussell
Term of Graduation
Spring 2025
Date of Publication
10-2-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.) in Sociology
Department
Sociology
Language
English
Subjects
Harm Reduction, Measure 109, Oregon Psilocybin Services, Psilocybin Assisted Therapy
Physical Description
1 online resource (iii, 38 pages)
Abstract
Despite psilocybin still being a Schedule I substance in the Federal Controlled Substance Act (OHA, 2022), Oregon voters passed Measure 109 in 2020, now codified into law as ORS457A, which allowed for the opening of psilocybin clinics for eligible clients. The passing of Measure 109 allowed for an adult-use model to be created, which is different from a therapeutic-use model. Advocates and Measure 109 framers employed the terms "harm reduction" and "mental health support" in order to secure the passing of Measure 109, but there is no specific definition of therapeutic harm reduction within M109 and ORS475A. To receive psilocybin services in Oregon, clients must be treated by a facilitator within an Oregon Psilocybin Services’-licensed clinic. This study uses semi-structured interviews and a short survey with 15 individuals who currently work in a legal psilocybin services setting to understand the perceptions and personal definitions of therapeutic harm reduction, and how those perceptions and definitions influence the specific therapeutic harm reduction techniques in their practice. The aim of this research is to provide understanding and a general definition of what therapeutic harm reduction is and what it entails from those who work as facilitators.
Rights
©2025 Bodhi Norton
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44191
Recommended Citation
Norton, Bodhi, "An Evaluation of Therapeutic Harm Reduction and Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Within Oregon's Measure 109" (2025). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 6963.