NJ legislators advance bill to legalize psychedelic drug found in mushrooms

OG article by Dana DiFilippo

November 25, 2025

New Jersey legislators advanced A3852, a bill to legalize therapeutic access to psilocybin—the hallucinogenic compound in certain mushrooms—for adults over 21, positioning the state among pioneers despite pending federal FDA approval expected in late 2026 or early 2027 for synthetic versions. The Democratic-majority Assembly health committee approved the measure, which includes $6 million in state funding for implementation, after passing two Senate committees; it now heads to the Assembly appropriations committee ahead of full chamber votes by January's session end. Supporters like Neal Usatin of New Jersey for Fungi and Plant Medicine praised psilocybin's safety, non-habit-forming nature, and efficacy in treating depression, anxiety, OCD, and addiction better than current therapies, citing FDA trial evidence. Jesse MacLachlan of Reason for Hope highlighted the veteran suicide crisis, noting 22 to 40 daily losses to suicide or substance-related deaths, calling psilocybin "the next great breakthrough in psychiatry." Stacy Swanson shared how it resolved her husband Jeffrey's combat trauma after traditional treatments failed: “His treatment was not recreational... It reached the roots of trauma,” leading to better sleep, family safety, and no alcohol use. Assemblywoman Melinda Kane (D-Camden), whose son died in combat, supported it, stating, “There are more losses to suicide than combat deaths.” Opponents included Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz (R-Middlesex), who abstained over budget concerns in the $58.8 billion state plan with cuts, and Assemblyman John Azzariti Jr. (R-Bergen), a physician, who urged waiting for FDA standards. The bill aims to expand mental health options amid growing evidence.