Massachusetts Senate Bill S1113

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Relative to removing criminal penalties for limited psilocybin possession

Impact

The bill would amend Chapter 94C of the General Laws, making significant changes to how psilocybin and psilocin are regulated. Notably, it introduces a separate fund, the Psilocybin Fines Trust Fund, designed to finance harm reduction programs and community support initiatives. By channeling funds collected from civil penalties into this program, the bill seeks to promote public health education, crisis intervention, and a variety of support services that can assist affected individuals. This potential for funding community programs has garnered favorable attention from public health advocates.

Summary

Bill S1113, known as the 'Psilocybin Possession Decriminalization and Community Support Act of 2025,' aims to decriminalize the possession of limited amounts of psilocybin and psilocin. Specifically, the bill proposes that individuals caught with one gram or less of these substances would face a civil penalty of $100, rather than criminal penalties. This new regulation highlights a shift towards treating psilocybin possession not as a criminal act but as an issue that can be addressed through fines and community support mechanisms.

Contention

Proponents of S1113 argue that this bill represents a necessary step towards drug reform that prioritizes mental health and community well-being. However, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of reducing penalties for substance possession, including the risk of normalizing psilocybin use among vulnerable populations. Additionally, there is a dialogue around ensuring that the bill's implementation effectively addresses issues of equity, particularly regarding the disproportionately impacted communities due to past drug enforcement policies.