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Bill

SB 855

AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING FOR THE PSYCHEDELIC-ASSISTED THERAPY PILOT PROGRAM.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Martha Marx

Connecticut bill would fund a pilot program to study psychedelic-assisted therapy as clinical treatment for mental health conditions.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Appropriations
#alternativemedicine #pilots #statefunds
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Bill Summary · SB 855

Legislative bill overview

SB 855 would establish funding for a pilot program in Connecticut to study and provide psychedelic-assisted therapy, likely involving substances like psilocybin or MDMA under controlled clinical settings. The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Appropriations, indicating it requires dedicated state funding to implement the program.

Why is this important

Psychedelic-assisted therapy represents an emerging treatment approach with preliminary research suggesting potential benefits for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and end-of-life anxiety. Connecticut would be among early-adopter states exploring whether these therapies warrant expansion beyond current federal restrictions, positioning the state as a research leader while potentially offering treatment options to residents with limited alternatives.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal legal status: Psilocybin and other psychedelics remain Schedule I controlled substances federally, creating tension between state funding and federal law despite recent FDA approvals for specific clinical trials
  • Cost-benefit uncertainty: Pilot programs require significant public funding with limited evidence on long-term efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and whether benefits justify taxpayer investment compared to conventional treatments
  • Regulatory oversight gaps: Questions remain about licensing standards for therapists, safety protocols, patient screening criteria, and liability protections for both patients and providers in an emerging field

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

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