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Psychotherapists, advocates and opponents debate psilocybin decriminalization at Judiciary hearing
Summary
The Judiciary Committee heard competing testimony March 7 on HB 7065, which would decriminalize small amounts of psilocybin in Connecticut.
The Judiciary Committee received extensive testimony March 7 on HB 7065, a bill to decriminalize possession of small amounts of psilocybin. Testimony ranged from clinician endorsements of therapeutic potential to public‑safety and clinical caution about youth access, impairment testing and regulation.
Supporters included Chandra Campanelli, a registered nurse and harm‑reduction practitioner, and Erin Doolittle, a trauma therapist, who described research they said shows low rates of emergency presentations and increasing evidence of therapeutic benefit in controlled settings. Testimony highlighted studies and international pilots and noted that other states and municipalities have moved toward decriminalization or medical access. Advocates argued decriminalization would reduce harms of criminalization and allow adults safer access to plant‑based therapies.
Opponents and cautionary witnesses included physicians and clinicians who told the committee that evidence is limited for minors and that long‑term harms, including on bone density and brain development when used during adolescence, remain uncertain. Several questioned whether law enforcement or medical professionals can reliably detect impairment from psilocybin during traffic stops or other encounters: testimony said no validated roadside test exists comparable to a breathalyzer for alcohol.
Lawmakers asked witnesses whether decriminalization would change use patterns and whether trip monitors or supervised settings are necessary for safe administration. Proponents said most psilocybin use occurs now in both controlled and uncontrolled settings and that supervised facilitation may increase safety for anxious users; opponents urged further study and stronger regulation, particularly for minors.
No vote was taken; the committee indicated it would consider the bill alongside related public‑health, regulatory and criminal‑justice measures and requested further information on impairment testing and models for regulated access.
