Oregon Psychedelics Companies Set The Stage For Future Regulations Of Natural Medicine Centers

Silo Wellness SILFF aims to establish a psilocybin center retreat in the New Frontier Ranch in Jackson County seems closer to becoming a reality.

November is the month in which two parallel processes are taking place. On the one hand, many local ballots included the possibility to "opt-out" of Measure 109's psilocybin service centers proposal. Jackson County voters finally decided to allow for the facilities to be created in its territory.

On the other hand, interested parties are discussing the local implementation of the statewide measure’s proposed regulations for the soon-to-be centers offering psychedelic medicine in several public hearings.

Silo's founder and CEO and Oregon attorney Mike Arnold took the lead after what apparently was a unanimous intent to ban rural psilocybin service centers on behalf of Jackson County's land planning commission, and obtained favorable results so far. That is, Silo won concessions from the commission by presenting amendments to the group’s proposed land use ordinance that would allow for rural retreat centers. 

As of Thursday, Nov. 10, and after two public hearings, the commission voted 4 to 1 for the company’s recommendations. "This is a minor victory for Silo Wellness and for potential patients across the nation. As previously drafted, service centers would have been relegated to urban areas. Highway noise and sirens aren't exactly the best setting for psychedelic therapy. But there's still one more vote to go," explained Arnold.

Interestingly, the proposed ordinance would allow Oregon psilocybin therapy retreats at existing lodging locations -such as New Frontier Ranch- but also in enclosed outbuildings on residential farmland under statutory "home occupation" exemptions.

"This is a matter of fairness for Jackson County entrepreneurs but also a matter of patient access. The more options for care and the more competition, the lower the price and the better the quality of services. Let's hope the commissioners agree," said Arnold.

The last hearing will take place before the Jackson County commissioners on Wednesday, Nov. 23, when the officials will decide whether to accept the ordinance or amend it, including going back to its original form.

The Case Of New Frontier Ranch

Arnold explained that the New Frontier Ranch property holds water rights and court-approved camping spots already in use with space to expand, due to a special court decree grandfathering in the property rights that dates back to many years ago.

“Under Oregon’s tough rural land use laws, this property is truly a gem that could allow for scaling for psychedelic retreats rather quickly at a lower price point. Absent full legality and total removal of the dead hand of the government (still necessarily present in this emerging market,) scaling is the only way to make this industry affordable while ensuring client safety,” Arnold stated.

Silo's CEO explained that it is the court judgment that makes the property one of a kind because of the pre-code grandfather rights. So, if commissioners eventually decide to revert back to 'general commercial' zoning only for psilocybin, the company will confer with the county for an exemption under the prior judgment. "If they do not acquiesce, we intend to litigate," explained Arnold.

New Frontier’s owner, operator and connoisseur of the wellbeing field David Kaplan said, “My vision for this property is as a sacred sanctuary for holistic health and wellness. This property can truly be the marvel of holistic healing for the mind, body, and soul. Mushroom therapy is just one potential component of a much larger plan for rejuvenation and wellness.” 

Kaplan has lived on the property for several years and sees lots of potential for the land to become an eco-village destination, “totally sustainable with organic agriculture, energy and building materials” as the ranch gets “287 days of sun per year and the most water in the area with ample wind and wood resources.” 

Photo by everett mcintire on Unsplash