InnerTrek's Nate Howard hopes to be one of the first certified shamans once the state approval process is completed. Credit: Innertrek.org
Hedge fund managers and parents stressed out as their kids leave home are fueling «outrageous demand» for newly legal hallucinogenic drugs in Oregon.
The US state was the first to allow people over the age of 21 to take it. «magic mushrooms» amid a growing body of research suggesting it's an effective treatment for depression and PTSD.
Nate Howard is among those gearing up to treat patients when the first licensed medicines open later this year. centers. , and says interest in the drug has spread across the country.
«The demand is really outrageous,» he said, describing the flood of emails he's received since Oregon began issuing licenses .
Potential clients come from all walks of life. One couple contacted them seeking help for their daughter, who had just been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder; the other was a «completely depressed» hedge fund manager; others were empty nests suffering from «loss of identity».
“Whatever it is, people want to come to Oregon and see if it provides any insight,” he said. Mr. Howard said his personal experience with psilocybin taught him to come to terms with «toxic habits» and burnout after years of working in local politics in Oregon.
A state on the west coast has approved the use of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in the so-called «magic mushrooms», January 1, but with strict parameters.
The drug can only be consumed in a licensed place under the supervision of a «facilitator» who is -certified.
Oregon is the first state to allow people over the age of 21 to take «magic mushrooms» because studies show they are effective for depression. Photo: Fredrik Maatta. /Alamy
These state-of-the-art, state-approved «shamans» act as guides for users on their drug-induced journeys, which can last five or six hours. One session can cost hundreds of dollars.
Many of these guides have been trained by InnerTrek, a center in Portland that offers a $7,900 (£6,350) six-month course.
InnerTrek's chief operating officer, Mr Howard, hopes to be among the first. certified shamans when the state approval process is completed by summer or early fall.
The experience is likely to be far from recreational tourism with cannabis in states that have legalized cannabis.
Thrill-seekers must complete a 10-page form and then have a preparatory session with their guide before they are given psilocybin.
For some, it might be hippotherapy, for those who love being around animals or nature.
For others, it might be an ecstatic dance or a creative activity, or a drumming session. In the words of Mr. Howard, «It's really going to run the gamut.»
There is flexibility in how actual drug use occurs. Some users may prefer to sit on the sofa, others may want to hug a stuffed animal.
Psilocybin can be consumed externally or internally, one on one or in group sessions, as ancient shamans did in spiritual rituals. group session, as ancient shamans used to do in spiritual rituals.
Tour guides take special care to allow clients the freedom to explore any emotions that arise during their journey.
Mr. Howard says that he has been trained to deal with various reactions while people are on the road.
He said: “You can sit with someone for eight hours and they hardly move. There is also a downside when you are working with someone who wants to scream or scream.»
Mr. Howard says he sees parallels between these modern «facilitators» and their ancient predecessors, and claims that those who use psilocybin under the supervision of a mentor reap enormous benefits.
He believes that those who use the drug alone can only get «a small fraction of what is possible» from a psychedelic.
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