Bill advocates for the decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms in Connecticut are facing opposition from unexpected sources. A group of mushroom advocates in the state is opposing a bill that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of psilocybin mushrooms.
The bill, HB6734, would make possession of up to fourteen grams of psilocybin mushrooms a civil infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $150. The bill would not legalize the sale or distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. However, the Connecticut Psychedelic Society, a group of mushroom advocates in the state, is opposing the bill, arguing that it does not go far enough.
The group is calling for the full legalization of psilocybin mushrooms, arguing that decriminalization would not do enough to address the harms of the war on drugs. The group argues that psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use in spiritual and therapeutic contexts and that they have been shown to have potential benefits for treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
“No Grow, No Go,” said Christina Capitan, a co-founder of the CT CannaWarriors. “If we can’t grow our own medicine, that’s opening the door to corporations taking over the space just like they’ve tried in cannabis.”
The group also argues that psilocybin mushrooms are safer than many other drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, and that they have a low potential for abuse and addiction. Opponents of the bill argue that psilocybin mushrooms are a dangerous drug that can cause serious harm, including psychosis, hallucinations, and other mental health problems. They also argue that decriminalization would send the wrong message to young people, and that it would make it easier for drug dealers to sell psilocybin mushrooms to minors. The debate over psilocybin mushrooms is part of a larger conversation about drug policy in the United States.
Many advocates argue that the war on drugs has been a failure, and that it has done more harm than good. They argue that drug use should be treated as a public health issue, rather than a criminal justice issue. Some states have already taken steps to decriminalize or legalize psilocybin mushrooms. In 2020, Oregon became the first state to legalize psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic use. Other states, including California and Colorado, have decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms.
Despite the opposition from the Connecticut Psychedelic Society, the bill to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms in Connecticut has gained support from a number of lawmakers and advocacy groups. The bill is currently being considered by the state legislature, and it remains to be seen whether it will be passed into law. In conclusion, the debate over the decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms in Connecticut is a complex issue that raises important questions about drug policy and public health.
