Councilors Morillo, Green, and Pirtle-Guiney Introduce the Psychedelic Health and Safety Code and New Advisory Commission

(PORTLAND, OR) - Councilors Green, Morillo, and Pirtle-Guiney have introduced the Portland Psychedelic Health and Safety Code ordinance to establish a public health framework for naturally occurring psychedelic plants and fungi, and to propose the formation of a Portland Psychedelics Advisory Commission.

The Portland Psychedelic Health and Safety Code would formalize current practice by designating enforcement of non-commercial personal use of naturally occurring psychedelic plants and fungi as one of the City's lowest law enforcement priorities. It does not legalize commercial sales or change enforcement related to trafficking, impaired driving, or other illegal or unsafe activities.

The proposal directs the City's limited public safety and behavioral health resources to the most urgent risks, including overdose-related substances, trafficking networks, impaired driving, and violent crime.

"As an army veteran, I have seen how depression, substance abuse, and PTSD disproportionally impact service members and their families," said Councilor Mitch Green. "Therapeutic use of psychedelics has shown great potential in the treatment of these conditions, and I fully support Portland doing everything we can to facilitate this much-needed innovation."

The ordinance reflects statewide changes, including House Bill 4002 and Oregon's regulated psilocybin services framework, and aligns local policy with current research and state guidance.

"This is a public health and harm reduction approach," said Councilor Angelita Morillo. "Portland can lead with science, compassion, and common sense. Stigma is a public health issue. When people fear speaking with their doctor, therapist, or first responders about substance use, they are less likely to seek help, access accurate information, or avoid preventable harm. Our goal is to ensure our policies focus enforcement on serious harm and prioritize education."

The proposed Portland Psychedelics Advisory Commission would provide a forum for expert and community input, ensuring the city remains informed about public health research, harm-reduction strategies, and best practices.

The Ordinance will: 

• Prioritizes public safety resources where they are most needed. The ordinance makes enforcement of non-commercial personal use of naturally occurring psychedelic plants and fungi one of the City's lowest law enforcement priorities, while maintaining enforcement against trafficking, illegal sales, impaired driving, violence, and other threats to public safety.
• Reduces stigma and advances a public health approach. By codifying the City's enforcement priorities, the ordinance aims to encourage people to seek medical care, mental health support, harm reduction services, and emergency assistance without fear of unnecessary criminalization or judgment.

• Creates the Portland Psychedelics Advisory Commission (PPAC). The commission will provide ongoing, evidence-based recommendations to the City on harm reduction, public education, research, and policy development. It will also offer annual public reporting and resources to help Portlanders make informed decisions about psychedelic use.

   

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