The open letter
An open letter to Portland City Council
Community leaders, physicians, researchers, facilitators, and organizations from across Oregon and beyond, in support of the Portland Psychedelic Health & Safety Act.
Adopted September 30, 2026, by a vote of 10 to 0. This letter is the record of who stood behind the Act.
To Council President Jamie Dunphy and Members of the Portland City Council
An open letter in support of Ordinance 2026-186, the Psychedelic Health and Safety Code
We, the undersigned: Portland residents, physicians and health professionals, researchers, licensed facilitators, small business owners, and community organizations from across Oregon and beyond, write in strong support of Ordinance 2026-186, and we respectfully urge you to vote yes.
The ordinance is simple and sensible. It makes enforcement of laws against personal, non-commercial use, cultivation, gifting, and free community ceremonies involving naturally occurring psychedelic plants and fungi among the City's lowest law enforcement priorities. It authorizes no sales and no commerce. It does not alter Oregon's carefully regulated psilocybin services program, and it changes no state or federal law. What it does is align Portland's policing priorities with science, compassion, and common sense, keeping our public safety resources focused where they are genuinely needed.
This policy was written the Portland way: in community. It grew out of seven years of grassroots organizing, education, and public testimony, the same movement that helped 1.3 million Oregonians vote to bring psilocybin above ground through Measure 109 in 2020. Portlanders have consistently said they want drug policy rooted in evidence and care rather than criminalization. This ordinance is the next thoughtful, measured step.
Cities across the country, and legislatures across the political spectrum, are watching Portland. Passing this ordinance will affirm that our city leads with both compassion and rigor: protecting genuine public safety, respecting personal freedom, and ensuring residents have access to accurate, science-based information.
We urge you to pass Ordinance 2026-186.
Respectfully signed,
Signatories
20 community leaders
What comes next
Portland City Council passed the Act on September 30, 2026. Every councilor present voted yes. Our work now is public education, and working toward statewide personal-use protections in the 2027 Oregon legislative session. Sign up and we will keep you posted.
This letter closed with the vote on September 30, 2026. The measure it calls Ordinance 2026-186 was adopted as Ordinance 192232. See the official city record.
In their words
Our family was one of the main supporters of Measure 109, and we are excited to see this responsible and complementary policy advance in Portland, enabling responsible, self-regulating community use, and the mutual safety, support and accountability that involves.David BronnerCEO, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps
This measure will be a major contribution to the community.Peggy ParksBoard Member, Portland Psychedelic Society
We're in Washington State, and follow the work and regulatory advances in Portland and Oregon. Thank you, Oregonians, for your leadership!Michael MakiGeneral Manager, Peninsula Mushroom Consulting
Our small local manufacturing business supports this measure to add options for mental health care.Julian Voss-AndreaePresident, Julian Voss-Andreae, Inc.
September 30, 2026
It passed, 10 to 0
Portland City Council adopted the Psychedelic Health & Safety Act. Every councilor present voted yes. See what passed and what comes next.