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HB 5456

AN ACT ALLOWING THE USE OF PSILOCYBIN FOR MEDICINAL AND THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Elliott and 4 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill legalizes psilocybin for medical and therapeutic use, creating state-level access to the drug despite federal prohibition.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
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Bill Summary · HB 5456

Legislative bill overview

HB 5456 proposes to legalize psilocybin (the active compound in certain mushrooms) for medical and therapeutic use in Connecticut. The bill would establish a framework allowing regulated access to psilocybin for patients and potentially in clinical settings under appropriate oversight. This represents a significant shift in drug policy, as psilocybin is currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law.

Why is this important

Psilocybin-assisted therapy has shown promising results in clinical research for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and end-of-life distress, particularly in patients resistant to traditional treatments. If passed, Connecticut would join a growing number of jurisdictions (Oregon, Colorado, and others) exploring controlled therapeutic access, potentially offering patients new treatment options while generating data on real-world outcomes. However, the bill's passage would create a conflict with federal law, requiring careful implementation or federal policy changes.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal law conflict: Psilocybin remains a Schedule I drug federally, creating legal ambiguity about state-level authorization and potential conflicts with federal enforcement
  • Regulatory framework gaps: The bill's specific operational details remain unclear—who dispenses it, what training providers need, dosing protocols, and whether "therapeutic purposes" applies only to terminal conditions or broader mental health uses
  • Public safety concerns: Questions about impaired driving enforcement, workplace testing, liability for adverse reactions, and access restrictions to prevent recreational use disguised as medical treatment

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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