Virginia Could Decriminalize Psilocybin And Other Psychedelics With Newly Filed Bills

Vermont Democratic and Progressive lawmakers filed a new bill this week to decriminalize drug possession—a policy they hope will serve as a harm reduction tool that can also help to address racial disparities in enforcement. Dave Silberman, Addison County’s high bailiff and a pro bono drug reform advocate, told Marijuana Moment that the bill’s introduction with such a significant number of lawmakers signed on signals a shift in how elected officials are approaching drug issues. Also this year, Colburn will be working to advance a separate bill to authorize overdose prevention sites in the state—a policy that advocates say would provide another critical harm reduction tool. The new decriminalization bill also has the backing of the national Drug Policy Alliance, as well as other advocacy groups like the Vermont ACLU. Outside of Vermont, bills to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms and more widely reduce penalties for non-violent drug offenses have been pre-filed for the 2022 session in neighboring New Hampshire.