Law enforcement officials made a shocking discovery in rural Connecticut after receiving a tip about possible drug-dealing activities. A drug task force, comprising federal, state, and local authorities, raided a home in Burlington and uncovered dozens of dog-food-size bags filled with psychedelic mushrooms. The estimated value of the seized mushrooms is a staggering $8.5 million. A 21-year-old man was arrested and charged with operating a drug factory and possession with intent to sell/distribute narcotics.
The raid comes at a time when several cities and two states in the U.S. have decriminalized psychedelic mushrooms and their active ingredient, psilocybin. These substances have gained recognition as alternative treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental illnesses. According to Psychedelic Alpha, a group that tracks such legislation, approximately 20 other states have active legislation on changing laws related to psychedelic drugs. However, Connecticut’s attempt this year to decriminalize possession of small amounts of psilocybin failed in the state Senate.
Authorities received a tip indicating that the resident of the Burlington home was operating a psilocybin mushroom growing operation. Upon arriving at the property, law enforcement officials observed ventilation equipment consistent with items used in “clandestine laboratories.” The man who was later arrested was present at the home and led the authorities to a detached garage, where they discovered a large mushroom growing operation. The man claimed that the mushrooms were not illegal and refused to consent to a search of the home.
After obtaining a search warrant, authorities found psilocybin-containing mushrooms in various stages of growth. The state police released photos showing numerous bags allegedly containing mushrooms lined up outside the residence, as well as stacked on metal shelving inside the home. Portable ventilators and other equipment were also visible in the photos.
Upon entering the home with the warrant, the man admitted that the mushrooms were indeed psilocybin, which is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. Schedule 1 controlled substances are defined as drugs, substances, and chemicals that are not currently accepted for medical use and have a high potential for abuse.
The arrested individual posted $250,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in state court in New Britain on November 16. Public records did not provide contact information for the man, and there is no listed lawyer representing him. Additionally, phone numbers associated with potential relatives of the man were no longer in service.
The decriminalization of psychedelics has gained momentum in recent years. In 2020, Oregon voters approved the decriminalization of small amounts of psychedelics and also authorized the supervised use of psilocybin in therapeutic settings. Two years later, Colorado voters passed a ballot measure to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms and establish state-regulated centers for supervised drug experiences. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed a bill that aimed to decriminalize the possession and personal use of various hallucinogens, including psychedelic mushrooms, stating that regulated guidelines are necessary.
The potential therapeutic use of psychedelics has garnered support, including from military veterans suffering from trauma and other illnesses. The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated psilocybin as a “breakthrough therapy” for treatment-resistant depression in 2019. The FDA also recently published draft guidelines on using psychedelics in clinical trials.
As the public opinion regarding therapeutic use of psychedelics continues to shift, various states are grappling with legislation to redefine their drug laws. The recent bust in Connecticut highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the decriminalization and regulation of psychedelic substances.
