Odyssey, founded by scientists trained at Stanford and Harvard, has launched its psilocybin retreats and private sessions in Oregon, heralding a new era of legal psychedelic therapies and experiences.
Since hosting the first legal psilocybin retreat in US history in Fall 2023, Odyssey has become a beacon, offering services compliant with Oregon’s innovative psilocybin law.
Bridging Science And Search For Healing
Central to Odyssey’s mission are the 4-day group retreats and private sessions tailored for individuals seeking personal and mental health breakthroughs. “Our commitment is to science and evidence-based practices,” said Gabe Charalambides, Odyssey’s founder. This approach leverages the founders’ background in science, aiming to enable psychedelic experiences while prioritizing safety and professionalism.
A Response To Mental Health Challenges
Odyssey’s services are designed to address a wide array of needs, ranging from personal growth to combating mental health issues such as depression and PTSD. The initiative underscores the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, supported by studies suggesting communal experiences may amplify its benefits. “The communal aspect of our retreats is designed to enhance the therapeutic benefits,” Charalambides added, highlighting the intersection of collective experience and healing.
The Legal Context: Oregon’s Progressive Stance
Odyssey’s launch of psilocybin retreats and sessions aligns with Oregon’s progressive Measure 109, which decriminalized possession of small amounts of drugs and redirected cannabis revenue towards addiction treatment. However, this legislation currently faces debates, with proposals aimed at altering its course.
Odyssey stands out in this complex policy environment, embodying a science-based, neutral approach to psychedelic therapy.
A Commitment To Professionalism And Science
Amidst this progressive backdrop, Odyssey relies on a team of experts, including a former NASA engineer and physicians from prestigious institutions like Stanford. It also has advisory expertise from organizations such as MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies.
“Psilocybin can be a powerful tool,” stated Josh Biddle, MD, a member of Odyssey’s advisory board, emphasizing the importance of handling it with integrity and a firm grounding in evidence-based practices.
Odyssey’s introduction of psilocybin retreats and sessions in Oregon marks a significant step forward in the acceptance and application of psychedelic therapy, offering a path forward for those seeking alternative mental health treatments. It also illuminates the opportunities long delayed due to decades of prohibition blocking scientific advancement.
Photo by Artur Kornakov on Unsplash.
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