In a significant legislative shift, a New Jersey Senate panel has approved an amended psilocybin bill that pivots from broad legalization to a focus on therapeutic use. The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee voted 6-2 in favor of the revised bill, S.2283, sponsored by Senate President Nick Scutari and others. Initially, the bill included provisions for adult possession and personal use, which have now been removed to concentrate on establishing a regulated therapeutic program.
The Department of Health would oversee the licensing and regulation of psilocybin manufacture and distribution under the new framework. The bill also proposes the creation of a Psilocybin Advisory Board to guide medical use, safety protocols, and facilitator training. Despite support from some mental health professionals, critics argue the amendments overly restrict access and echo past issues seen in New Jersey’s medical marijuana program. For more details, see the full article on Marijuana Moment.