Decriminalization bill would remove felony penalty for psilocybin possession; sponsors cite medical potential

A proposal to decriminalize psilocybin — the active compound in so‑called magic mushrooms — prompted emotional testimony from patients and a discussion of therapeutic potential and implementation choices. Representative Kevin Verville told the committee that House Bill 528 would decriminalize psilocybin and psilocybin-containing fungus under state law while leaving federal scheduling unchanged.

Verville framed the bill as a harm-reduction measure that would remove felony penalties for possession by adults and reduce long‑term collateral consequences for people cited with small amounts. He said the bill is narrower than prior proposals and applies only to psilocybin; he emphasized that the federal Schedule I status would remain in effect and that large‑scale commercial sales would still face federal enforcement.

Several witnesses described personal medical experiences. Representative Kathleen Paquette recounted years of severe cluster‑headache pain and said a single psilocybin dose or careful microdosing has produced months or years of remission in some people. Another witness, identified as Mr. Olson, described a microdosing regimen that he said eliminated recurring incapacitating migraines for him and noted the therapy’s low cost compared with prescription alternatives.

Representative Noel and others asked about therapeutic‑only approaches, physician involvement and access equity. Verville said he favored opening a public debate rather than limiting the proposal to an initial medical-only path; he argued that decriminalization is a first step and expressed willingness to work on therapeutic frameworks later. No formal committee vote was recorded during the hearing.