According to Connecticut law, hallucinogens are classified based on their impact. For example, the proclivity to “create a perplexing or disorganizing effect on mental processes or actions when simulating acute psychotic disturbances.” These drugs can also be found in nature or synthesized. Marijuana is not listed as a “hallucinogenic drug” for legal purposes, despite its psychedelic effects. The legal concept of a hallucinogen includes substances like mescaline, peyote, and LSD. This list, however, is not exhaustive. Hallucinogens include psilocybin-containing mushrooms, ecstasy (MDMA), PCP (angel dust), and ketamine (Special K). Furthermore, Connecticut law contains a sub-category of hallucinogenic substances. This section contains five milligrams or more of lysergic acid diethylamide, or LSD.
Possession of a hallucinogen substance carries some of the harshest penalties under Connecticut law. There is no charge equating to misdemeanor or “simple” possession of a hallucinogen substance. Possession of any amount of hallucinogen substance, no matter how small, is classified as a felony offense.
Any person who possesses or has under their control any quantity of a hallucinogenic substance other than marijuana or four ounces or more of a cannabis-type substance, except as authorized in this chapter, may be imprisoned for not more than five years or fined not more than two thousand dollars, or both, for a first offense, and for a subsequent offense, may be imprisoned not more than ten years or be fined not more than five thousand dollars or be both fined and imprisoned.