Connecticut Pushes to Expand Psychedelic Therapy Access Amid Trump-Backed Federal Boost

Connecticut is moving fast to broaden access to psychedelic-assisted therapy, riding a wave of momentum sparked by a recent executive order from President Donald Trump. The order directs federal agencies to speed up research and regulatory reviews of psychedelic drugs like MDMA and psilocybin, which show promise in treating serious mental illnesses such as PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, and substance use disorders.

The state Senate unanimously passed legislation to expand a pilot program originally authorized in 2022. Currently, the program is limited to Connecticut veterans, retired first responders, and healthcare workers. The new bill would open eligibility to any adult 18 or older who meets clinical criteria set by Yale School of Medicine’s oversight committee. It also removes a sunset clause that would have ended the pilot if the Drug Enforcement Agency approves these drugs for medical use, allowing the program to continue indefinitely.

State Sen. Saud Anwar, chair of the Public Health Committee and a vocal critic of the Trump administration, surprisingly welcomed the president’s executive order. He called the pilot program’s results “promising,” noting that no serious adverse events have been reported so far. “I appreciate the executive order and hope it helps expand access,” Anwar said.

Republican co-sponsor Rep. Devin Carney echoed the bipartisan support, emphasizing the urgent need for new mental health treatments. “Anything we can do to help people through mental health issues I think is fantastic,” Carney said. “So, if this helps, I’m on board.”

Despite this momentum, advocates pushing for broader decriminalization or legalization of psilocybin remain skeptical that the federal directive will ease criminal penalties. Possession of less than half an ounce of psilocybin remains a misdemeanor in Connecticut, punishable by up to a year in jail and fines. A narrowly passed House bill last session to decriminalize simple possession ultimately died in the Senate, and advocates have not reintroduced the measure for 2026.

The pilot program’s origins trace back to a 2021 state working group tasked with evaluating psilocybin’s potential benefits under medical supervision. Based on their findings, Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation in 2022 authorizing the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to partner with Yale School of Medicine to deliver MDMA and psilocybin-assisted therapies as part of FDA-approved research.

Since inception, the state has invested $2 million into evidence-based psychedelic therapies for eligible patients. The current Senate bill aims to build on that foundation by expanding who can participate and ensuring the program’s longevity regardless of federal drug scheduling changes.

Connecticut’s push reflects a growing national trend recognizing psychedelics’ therapeutic potential while navigating the thorny politics of drug policy reform. Trump’s executive order signals that support for psychedelic-assisted therapy is no longer confined to the political fringes but has gained bipartisan traction at the highest levels of government.

The legislation now awaits a vote in the state House of Representatives before the session ends on May 6. If passed, Connecticut could become a leader in expanding access to cutting-edge mental health treatments, even as broader decriminalization efforts face uphill battles.