Willamette Law graduate advocates for psilocybin-assisted therapy with two ABA articles

Genna Walsh JD’24 never imagined her path would lead to law school, let alone educating others on psilocybin (also known as “magic mushrooms”).

After a number of years working in real estate, the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic provided the perfect opportunity for her to take a leap she never quite had the guts for before — going to law school.

Walsh applied to Willamette Law because it was one of the few schools with an extended admissions deadline. Initially, she was rejected. Not one to give up easily, she appealed. Despite initial concerns about making it to the mandatory orientation, she was admitted and arrived only a week later.

Adjusting to law school and life in Oregon, after living in California, was a significant challenge. But, she looked at it as an adventure.

In the first year, law school is survival, you figure it out,” Walsh recalls. “It’s sink or swim.

Walsh blossomed, seizing every opportunity in her studies and gaining a newfound appreciation for the focus and skill building that law school offered.

Walsh went on the student trip to Tanzania with Professors Sheri Buske and Susan Cook, which allowed her to see how legal concepts could be applied in international settings. It solidified her understanding that once a person understands the law, they can’t help but see it all around them. She participated in the Trial Practice course taught by Judge Norman Hill JD’94 and Judge Rafael Caso. Both experiences pushed her beyond her comfort zone and broadened her perspective on the impact of the law.

In the Trusts & Estates Clinic with Professor Cook, Walsh also enjoyed learning the hands-on skills of being an attorney and helping those who may not have been able to access affordable legal representation otherwise.

I used to let fear get in the way. In law school, I have continually faced things that I was afraid of, and it’s made me stronger, just like conditioning for the gym.

Educating others

While her time at Willamette both challenged and surprised her, it also opened her eyes to how she could educate others on psilocybin. Walsh has long been interested in physical and mental wellness, and in her free time, she researches holistic health. She has watched the evolution of the national and local conversations around psychedelic drug reform, specifically psilocybin, and heard firsthand stories about how the drug has changed people’s lives.

When it came time to fulfill her Graduation Writing Requirement, the choice was clear — she wanted to write about psilocybin. Her passion led her to publish two articles for the ABA.

The two articles, “Access to Oregon’s Psilocybin Services” and “Rescheduling Psilocybin,” aim to educate others and destigmatize the use of psilocybin. Professor Bruce Howell’s guidance to focus on the science behind its use resonated, as she believes that understanding can alleviate unfounded fears.

While psilocybin-assisted therapy is gaining momentum across the country, she was not surprised to see Oregon as the first state to legalize services. She knows other states will be watching to see how things progress. Walsh hopes her writing makes the topic more approachable for everyone, encouraging other states to follow.

Writing and publishing was scary, she says, but working with the publishers was rewarding as it forced her to think critically about what was included in both articles.

I am surprised I did a second article, because the first was so hard and time consuming,” she explains. “But, as an advocate, I feel it’s my job to educate others.

Walsh has made it a point to connect with those who are interested in and working in psychedelic law. She worked as a law clerk at Emerge Law Group in Portland, in the Psychedelic Practice Group. That position helped her make connections and see the work that could be available after graduation. She is also a member of the Psychedelic Bar Association, attending monthly committee meetings.

Everyone is a trailblazer in this area, so reaching out to every attorney and every law firm that is working in and around psilocybin has been imperative,” she says.

Walsh remains committed to her passion for psilocybin education. Looking ahead, she plans to take the bar exam in Oregon and California, with long-term aspirations of a career that allows her to continue advocacy in the field of psychedelic law.

Regardless of where the journey takes her, she is determined to continue writing about new legal issues and information related to psilocybin, ensuring that her voice remains a powerful force in the ongoing conversation about the topic.