Connecticut Hosts Psilocybin Mushroom Decriminalization Event Forum

The organization, Connecticut for Accessible Psychedelic Medicine (CAPM) hosted an in person and online public forum in regard to psilocybin mushroom decriminalization (1). The event took place between 10am to 12pm EST. From 12pm to 2pm EST, there will be a public comment period offered and takes place in Hartford, the state capitol of Connecticut (1). It can also be viewed on the Connecticut Network where it will be live streamed as well (1).

As mentioned in Psychedelic Week, the invited speakers in the morning session of the event included (1):

1. Sarah Gersten, Executive Director of the Last Prisoner Project
2. Larry Norris, PhD, Co-founder and National Organizing Director, Decriminalize Nature
3. Ismail Ali, JD, Policy Director for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic studies (MAPS)
4. Courtney Barnes, Feldman Legal Associates
5. Mason Marks, MD, JD, Visiting Professor of Law, Harvard Law School; Senior Fellow & Project Lead, Project on Psychedelics Law & Regulation (POPLAR)
6. Peter Grinspoon, MD, Harvard Medical Doctor
7. Erin Doolittle, LMFT Marriage and family therapist
8. Kevin Matthews, Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Policy Review Panel; Helix Consulting
9. Jared Moffat, New Approach PAC
10. Victor Constanza, Samuel Evans, LMSW, and Melissa Keilty, LMSW, Connecticut for Accessible Psychedelic Medicine (CAPM)

In 2023, a bill to decriminalize psilocybin partially in small amounts, passed the Connecticut House by a 86-64 vote (1). Unfortunately, the bill expired before gaining the chance to receive a final vote from the Senate. Representative Steve Stafstrom has plans to reintroduce the bill some time in 2024 (1). If the bill had passed legislation, it would have imposed a $150 fine but end a criminal penalty for having the possession of under a half an ounce of mushrooms. Some concerns have risen to the surface over law enforcement potentially seeking a boost in policing. These concerns have been raised by the New England Veterans for Plant Medicine and Bay Staters for Natural Medicine (1). Hopefully in 2024, the psilocybin decriminalization bill will be passed in the Connecticut Senate and be established into law.

Reference

1. Marks, M. CT Lawmakers & Psilocybin Activists to Host Mushroom Decriminalization Forum https://www.psychedelicweek.com/p/connecticut-psilocybin-mushroom-law-policy-forum (accessed Jan 10, 2024).