Town leaders wanted residents to decide if magic mushroom businesses fit with their communities. Many said no.
OREGON CITY, Oregon — Voters in more than a dozen small cities around Oregon are overwhelmingly voting to ban psilocybin businesses within city limits.
Voters legalized magic mushroom businesses in 2020, and the first regulated shops began serving customers in 2023. But in the most recent election, voters in cities, including Lake Oswego and Oregon City, are supporting bans on all psilocybin shops and lounges.
Oregon City’s mayor, Denyse McGiff, said she isn’t surprised.
“It’s basically the same question they asked when asked if they wanted to allow marijuana shops in town,” she said.
McGiff said residents of Oregon City were more than willing to approve marijuana businesses and the taxes on them, but she said some voters may have regrets.
“Now, I’m hearing we have too many shops in town, and the comment I got last week: ‘Why don’t we get rid of them?’ …