New Jersey is contemplating becoming the third state to decriminalize “magic mushrooms,” possibly allowing residents to grow their own at home.
Last week, lawmakers proposed a bill allowing the production and sale of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound in mushrooms, with The Record noting it suggests penalty-free use for individuals over 21.
The proposed legislation also includes the expungement of past and pending offenses related to the drug. Additionally, it allows individuals to legally possess up to four grams of psilocybin.
Oregon and Colorado are currently the only states to have decriminalized psilocybin, despite several cities, like Denver and Seattle, legalizing it.
The FDA’s guidelines hinted at a broad approval last year for psilocybin products, recognizing their potential in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and alcoholism.
Despite concerns about increased drug abuse, Senate President Nick Scutari, the original sponsor of the state’s recreational marijuana legalization in 2021, strongly supports the bill in the state government’s upper chamber.
According to The Record, the state health department would issue licenses for manufacturing facilities, retailers, and testing laboratories.
Consumption of mushrooms or psilocybin products would be restricted to designated service centers. These centers would provide preparation sessions, screenings, and guided “administration sessions” to assist customers through their hallucinogenic experiences.
The service centers would also be prohibited in residential neighborhoods or within 1,000 feet of a school.
Manufacturers can choose to produce synthetic psilocybin or grow mushrooms but are prohibited from advertising to the public, especially children, and promoting excessive use.
As for employers, they cannot test for psilocybin unless an individual is visibly impaired at work.
The recent push for legalization coincides with one of New Jersey’s major healthcare providers advancing plans to utilize psychedelics for treating depression and other significant mental illnesses.
