- posted: Feb. 23, 2026
On the heels of marijuana legalization in New Jersey and many other states around the country, lawmakers in several places are now re-evaluating the potential benefits of certain psychedelic substances. Psilocybin, which is found in some mushrooms, has been cited as a potential treatment for depression, addiction, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Now, a law signed by Governor Phil Murphy in one of his last official acts, opens the door to a possible shift in the state’s approach to hallucinogens.
Under the Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Therapy Pilot Program, New Jersey is examining the effectiveness and potential side effects of what are often referred to as “magic mushrooms.” This controlled program will take place at three designated hospitals, located in the north, central and southern parts of the state. Only patients 21 years of age and older will be eligible to participate.
While supporters of psychedelics in medical treatment have praised the legislation, and a synthetic form of psilocybin is possibly headed for FDA approval in the next couple of years, it is important to remember that possession and ingestion of psilocybin outside the program remains a drug crime. Under current state and federal laws, psilocybin is a Schedule I drug, which is the category reserved for dangerous substances that have no medical use.
In 2021, New Jersey downgraded psilocybin possession of one ounce or less to a disorderly persons offense (what most states refer to as a misdemeanor). A conviction is punishable by a maximum $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. However, someone who is holding more than an ounce of psilocybin, or seeks to sell hallucinogenic mushrooms, faces more severe penalties.
It remains to be seen if results from the three pilot hospitals prompt further easing of the laws barring psychedelics in New Jersey. For now however, any criminal charge relating to psilocybin or any other banned hallucinogen should prompt an immediate call to an experienced criminal defense attorney.
At The Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell in New Brunswick, I focus exclusively on defending the rights of accused individuals and am always up to date on the latest criminal law developments. If you have been charged with a drug crime or another type of offense in New Jersey, please call 908-768-3837 or contact me online for a free consultation.
- posted: Feb. 23, 2026
On the heels of marijuana legalization in New Jersey and many other states around the country, lawmakers in several places are now re-evaluating the potential benefits of certain psychedelic substances. Psilocybin, which is found in some mushrooms, has been cited as a potential treatment for depression, addiction, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Now, a law signed by Governor Phil Murphy in one of his last official acts, opens the door to a possible shift in the state’s approach to hallucinogens.
Under the Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Therapy Pilot Program, New Jersey is examining the effectiveness and potential side effects of what are often referred to as “magic mushrooms.” This controlled program will take place at three designated hospitals, located in the north, central and southern parts of the state. Only patients 21 years of age and older will be eligible to participate.
While supporters of psychedelics in medical treatment have praised the legislation, and a synthetic form of psilocybin is possibly headed for FDA approval in the next couple of years, it is important to remember that possession and ingestion of psilocybin outside the program remains a drug crime. Under current state and federal laws, psilocybin is a Schedule I drug, which is the category reserved for dangerous substances that have no medical use.
In 2021, New Jersey downgraded psilocybin possession of one ounce or less to a disorderly persons offense (what most states refer to as a misdemeanor). A conviction is punishable by a maximum $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. However, someone who is holding more than an ounce of psilocybin, or seeks to sell hallucinogenic mushrooms, faces more severe penalties.
It remains to be seen if results from the three pilot hospitals prompt further easing of the laws barring psychedelics in New Jersey. For now however, any criminal charge relating to psilocybin or any other banned hallucinogen should prompt an immediate call to an experienced criminal defense attorney.
At The Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell in New Brunswick, I focus exclusively on defending the rights of accused individuals and am always up to date on the latest criminal law developments. If you have been charged with a drug crime or another type of offense in New Jersey, please call 908-768-3837 or contact me online for a free consultation.
