In his final days as Governor, Phil Murphy signed the “magic mushroom” bill into law. The law establishes a pilot program (Pilot) for three (3), to be selected, hospitals in the state to participate regarding administration of psilocybin[1] to qualified patients. Although controversial, psilocybin has been shown to benefit some patients with certain psychological illnesses that have not responded to traditional treatment.
In addition to making psilocybin available to qualified patients, the Pilot, which is anticipated to last 18-24 months, is intended to act as a research tool for the newly established Psychedelic Therapy and Research Advisory Board (Board). The long-term goal of the law is development and implementation of a comprehensive plan (based on the Board’s recommendations) to provide therapeutic access to psilocybin across New Jersey.
Within the next six (6) months, the Department of Health (DOH), in conjunction with the Board, will establish an application process for hospitals that wish to participate in the Pilot. One hospital from each of the regions of the state (Northern, Central, and Southern) can ultimately be selected. Criteria for participation has not been established yet but will be outlined in a request for proposals (RFP) issued by the DOH over the next several months. A participating hospital will be required to collect and report data and information related to the Pilot and patient outcomes. The law allocates $6,000,000 to the Pilot, to be shared equally by each participating hospital.
Within two (2) years, the DOH is tasked with establishing licensure standards and procedures for psilocybin product manufacturers, psilocybin service center operators, psilocybin testing laboratories, psilocybin service facilitators, and psilocybin worker permits. While filling a prescription for “magic mushrooms” at your local pharmacy is not in the cards just yet, the law does establish a roadmap for safe, broad access to medically necessary psychedelic treatments in the future.
Should you have any questions regarding the above, please contact the author, the Garfunkel Wild attorney with whom you regularly work, or contact us at [email protected].
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[1] Psilocybin is the psychedelic compound found in some mushrooms. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms, referred to as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are most commonly known as recreational drugs consumed for their hallucinogenic effects.
