In a significant legislative development, the Connecticut House of Representatives has passed House Bill 7065, a measure aimed at decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in “magic mushrooms.” The bill, approved late Monday night with a narrow 74-65 vote, proposes replacing criminal penalties for possessing less than half an ounce of psilocybin with a civil fine of $150 for first-time offenders. Repeat violations could incur fines ranging from $200 to $500. Importantly, the legislation maintains the prohibition of psilocybin use and does not alter penalties related to its distribution or use while driving.
Representative Steve Stafstrom (D-Bridgeport), co-chair of the Judiciary Committee and sponsor of the bill, emphasized that the legislation does not legalize psilocybin but seeks to reclassify its possession to reflect its potential therapeutic benefits. “Psilocybin is a product which has been shown to be an effective therapeutic for various mental illnesses, including treating PTSD, addictions, depression, and anxiety disorders,” Stafstrom stated during the debate.
The bill’s passage followed a contentious three-hour debate, during which five Republican-sponsored amendments were proposed and subsequently rejected. These amendments included suggestions to replace the bill with further studies and to allocate funds for increased drug-recognition training. Opponents of the bill, such as House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford), expressed concerns about potential increased accessibility of psilocybin to minors and drew parallels to the state’s prior decriminalization and eventual legalization of marijuana.
The bill now advances to the Senate for consideration before the legislative session adjourns on June 4. Governor Ned Lamont has previously opposed similar measures, leaving the bill’s future uncertain.
If enacted, the legislation would take effect on October 1, 2025, marking a notable shift in Connecticut’s approach to drug policy and aligning with a broader national trend toward reevaluating the legal status of certain controlled substances.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
Connecticut House Approves Psilocybin Decriminalization Bill Amidst Divided Opinions
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