The leader of one of the world’s largest psilocybin manufacturers predicts Oregon’s magic mushroom market will blossom.
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In November 2020, Oregon became the first state in the union and one of the few places in the world to legalize psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms) for therapeutic purposes. Sales will not begin for two years while the Oregon Health Authority creates a regulatory framework for the substance.
The market for psychedelic mushrooms will not look like legal cannabis. The substance is still a Schedule I drug and will only be administered under supervision. But the drug will not be relegated to those with prescriptions. Anyone over the age of 21 who passes a screening will be able to use psilocybin.
Despite the two-year waiting period, psilocybin distributors are already setting up shop.
Douglas K. Gordon, CEO of global psilocybin manufacturer Silo Wellness, is bringing his company’s operation to the state. Founded in 2018 by 23-year Oregon resident Mike Arnold, Silo Wellness operates in Jamaica, Canada, and now Oregon after the passage of Measure 109.
In addition to opening a location in Springfield, the company entered an official partnership with the family of legendary reggae singer Bob Marley to promote its products.
In this interview, Gordon discusses why he is not wasting time preparing for Oregon’s psychedelic future.
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How important is the passage of Measure 109 to your company?
The passage of Measure 109 in Oregon serves to accelerate our plans to scale manufacturing of psilocybin-based products, as well as expand psilocybin-facilitated therapy offerings throughout the state.
While there is work still to be done establishing the legal framework to manufacture psilocybin products, we welcome the opportunity to further our mission: to help people reduce trauma and increase performance through psychedelic remedies.
Silo Wellness is one of a handful of psychedelic mushroom companies generating revenue. These come from our online sales and wellness retreats in both Oregon and Jamaica.
Oregon is a very important market to us. We have followed the developments closely for years and were not particularly surprised when Measure 109 passed. That was in part why Silo Wellness was founded.
What are your plans for the manufacture and distribution of psilocybin in Oregon?
Silo Wellness is actively exploring psychedelic remedies that can be widely, economically and effectively distributed to patients.
Our operations in Jamaica allow us an opportunity to refine and improve our product offerings, which allows us to enter the Oregon market well-educated and informed. It allows us to quickly scale our local supply operations to meet demand.
How do you expect the products to be used?
To support people grappling with mental health and anxiety challenges, as well as those with a desire to improve holistically, are core objectives. It is a responsibility we take seriously.
The expansive healing powers of psychedelics mean our products and services have value and relevance to a wide range of customers. Our focus is to serve clients searching for more mindful, expansive lives. Psychedelics offer a pathway to that sort of experience.
Our sales and marketing efforts are geared toward sharing the Silo Wellness mission with this broad market of prospective customers.
What was the process like getting the Marley family on board with your marketing operation?
The Marley name is globally recognized and trusted. We decided to pursue a licensing relationship as we wanted to partner with a brand that stood for the core values we felt would resonate with the market. We anticipate the partnership will not only further our business objectives but bring attention to, and interest in, the entire category.
When we approached the Marley family, they were extremely receptive to the collaboration, given their belief in the benefits of plant-based medicine.
What other partnerships are you developing in the state?
Our business model incorporates support of the Indigenous communities who have been so instrumental in the education and use of psychedelics over time. We are presently exploring ways in which we can work collaboratively to help support those communities.
The use of psychedelic mushrooms is controversial to some. How do you address that perception?
Silo Wellness is based on principles of helping people. I embrace that thought every day. The movement will help to expose the plant’s natural healing power. Through this endeavor, we have the opportunity to scale and help many more in their quest for an enhanced and more fulfilling relationship with themselves.
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