HomeMy WebLinkAbout042623 Re_ County Resolution on Entheogens________________________________
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Dear County Commissioners,
I work as a nurse practitioner at Jefferson Healthcare and have interacted with a variety of patients who revealed they are either microdosing or engaging in therapeutic psychedelic
therapies within underground networks. Patients have shared their achievements in behavioral and lifestyle changes they previously thought to be impossible. Such changes have led
to significantly decreased depression and anxiety, weight loss, reduced alcohol consumption, smoking cessation, diminished existential distress, positive changes in personal relationships,
and more. In essence, these patients have decreased dependency on an overly-taxed rural medical system. I do not know of ANY pharmaceuticals that have the ability to help people institute
healthy changes on such profound levels. I know the majority of these patients would not have the funds necessary to participate in psychedelic assisted psychotherapy within a state
regulated system. It concerns me to watch what is happening in Oregon as their psilocybin services are made available to the public.
The costs necessary to create a regulatory system in Oregon seem excessive. For instance, I pay a total of $125 every two years to maintain my licensure as a nurse practitioner. I was
shocked to find the licensure fee for a psychedelic facilitator in Oregon is set at $2000 annually. Licensure for growing and manufacturing psilocybin as well as for retreat centers
is set at $10,000 each, annually. I imagine these fees will only increase over time. These expenses will have to be passed on to consumers in order to cover operational costs making
this therapy unaffordable for those most in need. As an advocate for equitable healthcare access, personal choice, and community empowerment, I fully support the decriminalization
of entheogens at both local and state levels. Again, I see the responsible use of these therapeutic interventions as a means of empowering citizens to take more responsibility for
their own healthcare. The dependency created by our Western medical model is unsustainable and promotes a false sense of security on a system which is ultimately incapable of adequately
supporting the mental health needs of our communities.
It is clear to me that people are already using entheogens safely and quite effectively within community-based contexts that are informed and well-organized, thereby promoting responsible
use. I have not heard of any concerning adverse events or reactions. Quite honestly, the safety profiles of these plants and fungi seem far less concerning than most of the pharmaceuticals
I prescribe and manage on a daily basis. In accordance with patient reports and my completion of continuing medical education coursework in this field, I fully believe these medicines
can be safely used outside of a regulated framework and can inspire and empower people to elevate their own health and well-being without creating deleterious dependency on healthcare
resources.
Please reflect on the tremendous importance of ensuring our local community supports equal opportunity and access for all through both county and statewide decriminalization.
Thank you all for your time, your consideration, and for your dedication to our community.
Respectfully,
Christine Doyle, ARNP
Port Townsend