In November, Oregonians vote on the legalization of "magic mushrooms" for medical use

(JULY 10, 2020) Every November, Oregon has elections. Citizens vote to choose leaders. Citizens also vote to decide questions about things like laws and taxes.

This year, citizens will make a decision about the "therapeutic use of psilocybin in Oregon." What does that mean?

According to Cambridge Learner's Dictionary, therapeutic means "helping to cure a disease or improve your health."

Psilocybin is a chemical compound that comes from over 180 different types of mushrooms found in Mexico, South America and the southern and northwest regions of the United States. They can cause hallucinogenic (an experience in which you see, hear, feel, or smell something that does not exist) and euphoric (extremely happy or excited) effects. Because of this, sometimes these plants are called "magic mushrooms."

Therefore, "therapeutic use of psilocybin" means using this chemical to help sick people feel better. Many people believe these chemicals can help treat depression and anxiety. They want to make the drug legal in Oregon.

However, people who want the new law say it will be different than marijuana. People would not be able to buy psilocybin at a store. People cannot grow or take psilocybin in their homes. It would be available only from a licensed therapist.

Oregon voters will approve or disapprove the idea in November.