Lawmakers in Trenton are considering a bill that would legalize production and use of psilocybin – the psychoactive compound in so-called “magic mushrooms” – as a mental health treatment in New Jersey.
Under Senate Bill 2283, the state would allow the establishment of licensed psilocybin production facilities, treatment centers and testing operations. After that, individuals suffering from certain conditions would have access to the non-addictive psychedelic drug in regulated settings.
Despite its status as a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level, possession of psilocybin has been either decriminalized or deprioritized in some states. Others have proposed or enacted legislation to regulate production, sale or supervised administration.
If the state Legislature approves the bill and it is signed into law, New Jersey would become the third state to regulate the use of psilocybin for health care treatment. Oregon and Colorado have already legalized it for therapeutic uses, as well as research.
Guillermo Artiles, chair of McCarter’s Government Affairs and Cannabis practices, spoke with NJBIZ about the law, noting that it ““marks a significant step toward progressive mental health care.”
“By embracing the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, the state recognizes the growing body of evidence suggesting that substances like psilocybin can offer relief for conditions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD, especially for patients who have not responded well to traditional treatments,” he said. “Like any new medical approach, adequate oversight and regulation will be key to ensuring that psilocybin is used effectively in clinical settings under the guidance of trained professionals.”
Guillermo went on to note that NJ Senate President Nick Scutari, who is the bill’s primary sponsor is “committed to the cause and just as he did with cannabis, will eventually get it done. He’s a great educator and will happily teach his colleagues the importance and impact of this legislation.”