Oregon Psilocybin Service Center License

The Oregon psilocybin service center license is required under the Oregon Psilocybin Act for any facility intending to provide psilocybin services in the state. The license authorizes the licensee to operate psilocybin treatment centers or service centers where adults of legal age may be offered psilocybin treatments. The license is issued by the OPS (Oregon Psilocybin Services) under the OHA (Oregon Health Authority). Entities or individuals looking to open a psilocybin service center in Oregon must obtain this license to legally facilitate preparation, administration, and integration sessions for clients.

Requirements for Oregon Psilocybin Service Center License

The following are the general requirements for applicants seeking to obtain an Oregon psilocybin service center license:

Must be aged 21 or older
Must pass a criminal background check
Must prepare a premises plan as part of their application
Must obtain a LUCS (Land Use Compatibility Statement) form, signed by the jurisdiction authority where their proposed site is located. This document demonstrates that the proposed property complies with local zoning and land use codes
The facility must be situated a minimum of 1,000 feet from a school
Must pass a site inspection

How to Get a Psilocybin Service Center License in Oregon

You may apply for a psilocybin service center license in Oregon by following these steps:

Familiarize Yourself with Legal Requirements: Understanding Oregon laws governing psilocybin will ensure that you are aware of the prerequisite steps before submitting an application for a psilocybin service center license. These laws are codified under ORS 475A and OAR Chapter 333-333.
Obtain a Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS): Before submitting your application, work with your local city or county government to secure an OPS LUCS form. This document confirms that your proposed location complies with zoning and land use laws.
Prepare a Scaled Floor Plan and Premises Plan: Your application must include a detailed floor plan showing all restricted areas and client administration spaces. You may review the OPS General Premises Plan Checklist and the Service Center Premises Plan Checklist for specific requirements.
Ensure Compliance with School Proximity Rules: Oregon psilocybin law requires that your proposed location is at least 1,000 feet from a school. If it is within 500 to 1,000 feet, you may qualify for an exception if a physical or geographic barrier (such as a highway or river) separates the site from the school. You may consult the Psilocybin School Exclusion Map and the School Exclusion Exception Request process for further guidance.
Gather Required Application Materials: You will need to provide proof of being at least 21 years old. If applying as a legal entity, you will be required to complete the Legal Entity Applicant Information Form. Also, you must submit a Social Equity Plan. You may refer to OPS Social Equity Plan Resources for guidance. In addition to these, a Service Center Emergency Plan is required.
Start Your License Application with OPS: You will need to create an account with the OPS to initiate the online application process. Ensure all documents and forms are complete before submission. If you are unable to submit your application online through the TLC platform, you may request a paper application by contacting the OPS Licensing Program at (971) 673-0304 or emailing licensing.psilocybin@oha.oregon.gov.
Complete the Background Check Process: After submitting your license application, the OPS will provide instructions on completing the required background check. To prepare, review the OPS Background Check Process guide.
Pay the $500 Application Fee: Once the payment has been made, the OPS will begin reviewing your application. You should check your email regularly for updates and next steps.
Prepare for the Site Inspection: OPS staff will conduct an inspection of your proposed location to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. To get ready, review the Inspection Orientation for Service Center License Applicants.
Pay the Annual License Fee: The annual license fee for a psilocybin service center in Oregon is $10,000. However, individual applicants who are veterans, receive Supplemental Security Income, and food stamp benefits, or are enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan may qualify for a reduced fee of $5,000. If multiple applicants are part of a legal entity, the reduced fee may apply if all individuals meet the eligibility criteria outlined in OAR 333-333-4060.

How to Prepare an OPS Social Equity Plan

The Oregon Psilocybin Program created the need for a social equity plan for psilocybin licensees in the state to ensure that Oregon psilocybin businesses consider communities that are disproportionately affected by the inequities. By creating a social equity plan, a psilocybin service center outlines specific obligations to social equity and how such obligations are to be integrated in their psilocybin business operations. Anyone looking to obtain an Oregon psilocybin license, including a service center license, must create a social equity plan.

The service equity plan to be created by the applicant has no specific page or size requirement but must include a description of the following:

Incorporation of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles into the licensee’s organizational policies and internal operations.
Development and implementation of measurable criteria that the licensee will apply to assess the effectiveness and progress of their social equity strategy.

The Oregon Psilocybin Program requires that in defining JEDI principles and its incorporation into business policies and operations, an applicant must:

Identify and define the JEDI principles deemed meaningful to them and their role as an OPS licensee. Statements of commitment to the JEDI principles must also be included
A description of how the stated JEDI principles will be applied to policies and practices in the business, including the acknowledgment of potential opportunities and challenges. The state provides examples including but not limited to:
A description of how practices and policies contribute to advancing Healthier Together Oregon goals.
An outline of efforts to enhance diversity in ownership, management, and employment within Oregon’s psilocybin industry.
An identification of target communities or priority populations to be served, including partnerships with community leaders or organizations to improve access to services.
Description of support for other licensees from priority populations, such as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Tribal members, LGBTQIA2S+, Veterans, and others.

Also, in identifying the objection performance measure to be used to evaluate the social equity plan, the applicant should:

Establish clear annual objectives that are directly aligned with JEDI principles and the implementation of these principles as outlined in the first component of the Social Equity Plan.
Establish multiple goals; however, applicants must identify at least one measurable goal and outline the method for measuring it. OPS recommends that applicants develop JEDI SMART goals—goals that emphasize Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and adhere to the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Note that when renewing a license, the licensee is required to submit evidence demonstrating the implementation and assessment of their Social Equity Plan, utilizing the specified objective performance metrics outlined in the plan. Failure to provide an Annual Social Equity Evaluation Report that adequately complies with the administrative rule standards may result in the license not being renewed.

How to Apply for a Psilocybin Service Center License in Oregon

Applying for an Oregon psilocybin license starts with familiarizing yourself with the statutes of the state psilocybin laws. After that, you must obtain permission from the jurisdiction where you plan to locate your proposed site and submit a scaled floor plan and premises plan as part of your application.

Next, you will need to prepare the documents that will be required in your application and the application fee. Some of the documents you need to complete the application include the following:

To commence the application, visit the OPS TLS portal. The Oregon Psilocybin Services allows psilocybin service center applicants to complete their applications online via the TLC (Training program, Licensing, and Compliance) portal or by mail. However, to use the TLC portal, you need to have an account on the system. The Oregon Health Authority provides a resource document for applicants to guide them through the account creation process on the TCL portal. After creating an account on the TLC portal, you may log in to your profile and commence the application.

If you cannot complete the license application online via the TLC portal, you may submit a request to the OPS at (971) 673-0304 or by email at licensing.psilocybin@oha.oregon.gov to receive a paper application.

The application fee for a psilocybin service center license is $500. Before the approval of your application, you must complete a criminal background check and your proposed location will be inspected by OPS staff for compliance with Oregon Psilocybin Law requirements

If the Oregon Health Authority approves your application, you will be required to pay a $10,000 licensing fee.

How Much Does a Psilocybin Service Center License Cost in Oregon?

The cost of a psilocybin service center license in Oregon includes a $500 application fee and an annual license fee of $10,000. Some applicants, such as veterans or individuals receiving specific government benefits, may qualify for a reduced annual fee of $5,000.

How to Renew an Oregon Psilocybin Service Center License

Oregon psilocybin service centers are valid for a period of one year from the date the license was first issued. The renewal fee for the license is $10,000. However, the fee may be reduced to $5,000 for certain eligible applicants, such as individuals receiving certain government benefits and veterans.

In order to ensure the continuity of your Oregon psilocybin service center license, you must submit your license renewal application at least 60 days before the current license expires. However, licensees may commence their psilocybin service center license renewal application as soon as the TLC portal window opens. The TLC license renewal application window opens 120 days prior to your current license expiration date.

Note that to be considered timely under OPS regulations, renewal applications must be fully completed and submitted at least 60 days before the license expiration date. If a timely and complete application is submitted, the licensee may continue operating even if OPS has not yet processed the renewal by the expiration date. However, applications that are incomplete will not qualify as timely unless all missing information is provided at least 60 days before the license expires. Licensees who fail to submit their renewal applications on time are not permitted to continue operations if their license expires before OPS processes the renewal.

The Psilocybin Service Center License Renewal Application guide on the OHA provides a step-by-step process to complete the renewal process for a psilocybin service center license via the TLC portal.

Preparing for Site Inspection for Psilocybin Service Center Licensing

In compliance with OAR 333.333, all applicants for psilocybin service center licenses must have their proposed licensed premises inspected before they may be issued a license by the OHA. A site inspection is conducted to ensure the proposed premises meet the outlined requirements for an Oregon psilocybin service center facility.

Note that the site inspection starts with a pre-inspection conference call, during which the OPS confirms the inspection schedule and makes necessary introductions to ensure all parties are prepared for the process. During the call, either side may express any concerns and needs that would be required to ensure the process goes smoothly.

The inspection starts with a walk-through and a premises start review. Per the OHA Premises Plan Checklist, the applicant must ensure the following premises plan requirements are met:

A detailed map of the proposed premises clearly outlining its boundaries in relation to its location. An applicant with proposed premises that has outdoor administration areas must show a detailed description of the outdoor administration areas, including their location and verification that the area is free from hazards
A scaled floor plan indicating all entry and exit points.
Identification of client administration areas.
Specific locations where psilocybin products will be securely stored.
Marking of camera locations to ensure surveillance coverage for all entry and exit points to and from indoor areas, except within client administration areas. Surveillance must also cover areas where psilocybin products are stored and produced, or where waste is handled, destroyed, or rendered unusable.
Identification of unlicensed sections within the building housing the licensed premises, including suite numbers if applicable.
Any residences or other unlicensed structures situated on the same tax lot as the proposed licensed premises must also be identified.
The identification of limited access areas

Other elements that an applicant for an Oregon psilocybin service center license must have ready for a site inspection include:

Limited Access Areas: Limited access areas, where psilocybin products or waste may be stored, must be clearly identified with visible signage.
Locked Product Storage: Finished psilocybin products must be stored in locked, secure areas, such as steel-framed enclosures, locked refrigerators/freezers, or safes within limited access areas.
Waste Disposal: Psilocybin waste must be stored in locked containers or limited-access areas and rendered unusable before disposal. Waste must be securely managed on-site or transferred to another licensee.
Alarm System: A functional alarm system with two panic buttons must detect unauthorized entry or activity, notify the licensee, and remain active when the premises are closed.
Surveillance Equipment: Cameras must cover limited access areas, storage, production, and waste zones. Equipment must have screen-shot functionality, backup power, and logs for maintenance and outages.
Surveillance Logs and Visitor Records: Maintain logs for surveillance maintenance, outages, and a daily record of authorized personnel and visitors accessing the premises.
Client Bill of Rights: The Bill of Rights must be posted prominently, provided to clients in preparation sessions, and available in accessible formats or languages upon request.
Outdoor Area Boundaries: Outdoor licensed areas must have clearly defined boundaries using signage or barriers to mitigate hazards.
Outdoor Safety: Outdoor administration areas must be free from hazards or have mitigations in place to ensure client safety.
Administration Area Comfort: Administration spaces must have proper lighting, temperature control, and seating/reclining options for client comfort.
Emergency Plan: A comprehensive emergency plan must outline procedures for evacuations, medical emergencies, clients leaving sessions early, and unforeseen circumstances preventing facilitators from completing sessions.

Background Check for Oregon Psilocybin Service Center License

A background check is mandatory for any applicant looking to obtain an Oregon psilocybin service center license per ORS 475A. To begin this check, the applicant must provide the necessary information in the license application for the background check process to be initiated by the OPS. The information used by the OPS to initiate a background check includes the name of the applicant, social security number, date of birth, prior names and aliases, email address, physical address, mail address, phone number, and residential history outside of Oregon in the last five years.

Upon providing the information, the OPS initiates the background check via ORCHARDS (Oregon Criminal History and Abuse Records Data System). The applicant will be sent an email originating from ORCHARDS with a link to review an Authorization Statement. Via this statement, the applicant must authorize the Background Check Unit (BCU) of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) to conduct the background check. The OPS uses BCU for the criminal background check process.

Upon agreeing to the background check via the Authorization Statement, the applicant will receive an email with a link to schedule a FieldPrint vendor appointment. The state has partnered with FieldPrint, a third-party contractor for fingerprinting.

Note that the criminal background check will not consider prior convictions for:

The manufacture of psilocybin or a marijuana item if the conviction date is two or more years prior to the service center application date and the applicant has not been convicted more than once for a psilocybin or marijuana item manufacture offense
The possession of a controlled substance or a marijuana item if the conviction date is two or more years prior the service center application date or the applicant has not been convicted more than once for the possession of a marijuana item or controlled substance.

In addition to the listed convictions, the BCU will consider other criminal convictions or crime-related conditions in a "weighing test." In a weighting test, the psilocybin service center license applicant provides additional details and context about their circumstances. The BCU will use the information to evaluate both the positive and negative aspects of an individual’s criminal history and related conditions. The aim is to determine whether the applicant poses any risk to the physical, emotional, or financial safety of vulnerable individuals.

During the weighing test, the applicant may be asked to submit further information such as letters of support, employer recommendations, education or work history, treatment records, police reports, or court documents. Among other considerations, the BCU will evaluate how an applicant’s criminal history relates or does not relate to the service center license. The BCU's weighing test flyer provides further information on how the BCU conducts its assessment.

In some cases, if restricting the applicant’s duties or work environment may reduce potential risks to vulnerable individuals, the BCU may grant restricted approval. If an applicant is denied or receives restricted approval, they have the right to request a hearing in an appeal.

During the entire criminal background check process, the OPS does not have access to the applicant’s criminal history or weighing test details. The OPS only receives BCU’s final decision and issues the license based on that determination.

How Close to a School Can You Locate a Psilocybin Service Center in Oregon?

Per Section ORS 475A.305(2)(e), a psilocybin service center located in the state must be located at least 1,000 feet away from any public, private, or parochial elementary or secondary school. However, per ORS 475A.310, a psilocybin treatment center or service center may be located within 1,000 feet of a school if the following conditions both apply:

The center is not located within 500 feet of a public elementary or secondary school for which attendance is compulsory or a private or parochial elementary or secondary school teaching children as outlined in ORS 339.030
The OHA determines that there is a physical or geographic barrier capable of preventing children from crossing or wandering to the premises of the service or treatment center.