Rep. Marra Applauds Defeat of Bill to Decriminalize Psychedelic Mushrooms

Welcoming the news with cautious optimism, State Representative Tracy Marra (R-141) today applauded her colleagues on the Transportation Committee for choosing not to advance proposed legislation that would have decriminalized psilocybin in Connecticut.

House Bill 5297 (RAISED) – An Act Concerning the Decriminalization of Possession of Small Amounts of Psilocybin – which is colloquially referred to as “magic mushrooms” due to the hallucinogenic effects many users experience after consumption – would prevent law enforcement from arresting or fining individuals who possess less than one-half ounce of the still federally illegal substance.

Originally raised as a Judiciary Committee bill, the legislation was referred to the Transportation Committee because it established a penalty of license suspension for operators under the age of 21 caught driving under the influence of the Federally illegal drug.

“I’m pleased my colleagues on the Transportation Committee recognized the dangers of decriminalizing this mind-altering drug and rebuked the advocates who claimed it won’t create dangers to other drivers and vulnerable road users,” Rep. Marra said. “While this bill has been temporarily defeated, I remain concerned that certain provisions of the concept may appear, or worse, be secreted within, other legislation before the session adjourns on May 8^th.”

During the original public hearing before the Judiciary Committee, Rep. Marra, a trained pharmacist, testified in strong opposition to the bill, voicing concerns about residents using federally illegal, mind-altering substances to self-medicate, its safe use, and the potential for increases in psychotic episodes for users.  Rep. Marra noted several times that she is not opposed to science-based research into the use and efficacy of psilocybin as a medical treatment, nor its use for some patients under direct supervision by medical professionals, including mental health experts.

“As consumers, we rely on the FDA and its thorough and time-intensive approval process to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medications, which makes the current push to decriminalize psilocybin hard to understand,” Rep. Marra said. “Before the legislature creates yet another tacit approval for the use of federally-illegal substances, it is important we have science-based data to ensure the safety of all Connecticut residents. We should not hastily repeat the steps taken with cannabis. These substances should not be self-administered or used without professional guidance.”