Posted on January 17, 2024
Democrat hosted public forum advocating for these proposals
State Representative David Michel (D – Stamford) hosted an informational forum virtually with medical experts and advocates to discuss their latest push to decriminalize psilocybin as well as authorize its use for medical and therapeutic treatment. The drug can be used to treat depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions.
Several medical experts, including doctors from Harvard and Yale, family therapists, psilocybin policy experts from other states, and many others testified during Wednesday’s informational forum.
This is a nationwide movement. In the past week, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced new funding for research into the study of certain psychedelic compounds like psilocybin to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in former military personnel. This is the first time the VA has made this decision since the 1960s.
In 2023, the House of Representative passed a bill reducing the penalty for possessing less than half an ounce of psilocybin, the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms, from a crime that carries possible prison time to a $150 fine for a first offense and $200-$500 fine for a subsequent offense. The Senate did not take up the proposal.
“My colleagues and I intend to work a more comprehensive bill in the new legislative session that will improve upon last year’s proposal, said Rep. Michel. “I’m also emphasizing the decriminalization part as it is the most crucial. We should also discuss how to advance psilocybin use for medical and therapeutic treatment as well as for physical, mental, or behavior health.”
“I want to thank my colleague, Rep. David Michel, for his work in organizing this productive forum to share potential benefits of psilocybin and the various medical applications for managing mental health conditions,” said Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D – East Hartford, Manchester). “I will be following the continued debate and discussion in the upcoming session to ensure that we make informed decisions for our residents.”
“As a brief participant in the informational hearing hosted by Rep. Michel on the decriminalization of psilocybin and its potential authorization for treatment, my questions were rooted in a sincere commitment to understanding and addressing concerns raised by opponents,” said Rep. Robyn Porter (D – New Haven, Hamden). “In my pursuit of clarity, I sought to bridge the knowledge gap as someone who is only vaguely familiar with the use of psilocybin. This insightful session reinforced the importance of informed dialogue, paving the way for a nuanced and comprehensive exploration of the potential benefits and challenges associated with psilocybin use for therapeutic purposes.”
“I just became aware of a U.S. Marine who after his service, bought a house, got married, has a really good job but has already lost three of his former colleagues to suicide and he is terrified, especially about his own intractable depression and PTSD,” said Representative Anne Hughes (D-Easton, Redding, Weston). “We see an epidemic of this among our veterans and it is incumbent on us to look at every possible accessible, effective treatment, and I’m really excited about this ancient, plant-based medicine as a therapeutic treatment.”
“I want to thank my colleagues for bringing medical experts, patients and advocates together to discuss the potential uses and benefits of allowing and expanding the use of these drugs in medically-controlled situations, and I look forward to learning more about the science and history of these substances being used as treatment for things like PTSD and more,” said Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R- Ranking Member of the Public Health Committee).
“Thank you to all the panelists who shared their stories, provided their insight, and highlighted how psilocybin can help some patients in Connecticut,” said Rep. Michel.
Rep. David Michel serves the 146th district in Stamford. He serves on the Environment, Transportation, and Planning and Development Committees.