Posted on March 6, 2024
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, State Representative Tracy Marra (R-141) today testified in strong opposition to a bill that will decriminalize 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.
“Self-dosing with unknown hallucinogenic substances raises many concerns, particularly within an unregulated market, and decriminalization without a legal framework for production and sales will undeniably result in illicit manufacturing,” Rep. Marra said. “While psilocybin itself may not be directly associated with overdoses, unknown additives or contaminants possibly contained in unregulated products create substantial safety issues, similar to our opioid crisis.”
During her testimony, Rep. Marra mentioned 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. She noted there are several pharmaceutical companies currently studying the drug and at least one is in Phase III clinical trials.
“While psilocybin is currently under rigorous investigation and shows potential in treating Major Depressive Episodes and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression, it must be noted that the treatments being studied involve a psychotherapist-guided experience during its hallucinogenic effects.
“It is imperative that we allow our Research and Development firms in the pharmaceutical industry to conduct comprehensive due diligence on psilocybin. The thorough and time-intensive FDA approval process ensures the safety and effectiveness of medications for consumer use. We should not hastily repeat the steps taken with cannabis. It is critical that these substances should not be self-administered or used without professional guidance,” Rep. Marra said.
More information about the proposal can be found at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2024/TOB/H/PDF/2024HB-05297-R00-HB.PDF
