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Committee hears HB528 to reduce penalties for psilocybin; supporters cite medical potential, opponents raise public‑safety concerns
Summary
HB528 would scale down penalties for psilocybin possession and use in stages (violation → misdemeanors → felony on fourth offense). Sponsors said psilocybin is biologically non‑addictive and that first‑offense felonies are disproportionate; opponents warned of unpredictable effects, risks to people with mental illness, and lack of regulation.
Representative Kevin Vervoe presented HB528, a bill that reduces penalties for possession and use of psilocybin and adjusts the penalty ladder so the first offense would be a civil violation, escalating to a felony only on a fourth offense. "We've all heard of 3 strikes you're out. This is a 4 strikes you're out," he said, summarizing the committee‑approved compromise in the House Criminal Justice Committee.
Supporters included clinicians and researchers who described psilocybin’s medical research trajectory. Dr. Joe Hannon, a…
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