Could Magic Mushrooms Become Legal In New Jersey?

Various ancient civilizations used psychoactive mushrooms, often in rituals and healing ceremonies. These include some of the earliest cultures in Meso-America and China. Today, “magic mushrooms” remain quite popular throughout New Jersey – and their medicinal potential is now recognized by numerous doctors throughout the United States. Could these mushrooms eventually become legal in New Jersey? What happens if you’re caught with magic mushrooms in Bergen County?

Which States Have Legalized Magic Mushrooms? 

Magic mushrooms are only legal in a handful of States. These include Colorado, Oregon, and Missouri. However, psilocybin is only legal in Missouri if administered as part of a therapy program for veterans over 21.

Aside from these States, certain cities have also decriminalized psilocybin. In D.C., Washington is a notable example. In California, the cities of Santa Cruz and Oakland have also allowed recreational use of magic mushrooms. Cambridge, Somerville, and Northampton followed suit in Massachusetts. The latest cities to decriminalize this drug were Detroit, Michigan, and Seattle, Washington.

This list of cities and States could expand in the near future, but New Jersey has not yet taken this step (as of this writing). In addition, no city in the Garden State has decriminalized psilocybin.

Psilocybin Could Soon Become Legal in New Jersey 

In New Jersey, various bills that would decriminalize psilocybin are advancing. Some of these bills have suggested the elimination of penalties for all magic mushroom users over the age of 21. In addition, past offenses involving psilocybin use and possession would be expunged under this potential law. In other words, your criminal record could be wiped clean if you have prior arrests involving magic mushroom possession in Bergen County.

That being said, the State seems to be leaning toward a revised bill that would favor therapeutic use rather than complete decriminalization. In the summer of 2024, NJ Spotlight News reported that the plan to decriminalize magic mushrooms had been “shelved” by lawmakers.

This suggests that New Jersey is taking an approach similar to Missouri. Possession and use of psilocybin would only be legal in a healthcare setting – and recreational use would still be illegal.

What Are the Penalties for Psilocybin Possession in New Jersey? 

While you still face penalties for possession of magic mushrooms in New Jersey, the potential consequences are less severe than they once were. In 2021, Governor Murphy approved lighter sentences for possessing small amounts of psilocybin. Possession of less than one ounce is a “disorderly persons offense” with a maximum of six months in jail.

Can a Drug Defense Lawyer in Bergen County Help With Magic Mushroom Charges? 

As of this writing, New Jersey still has a long way to go before legalizing magic mushrooms. Today, recreational users face legitimate penalties if caught with these hallucinogens – despite the state’s willingness to consider their medicinal potential. If you face magic mushroom charges, it makes sense to consult with a New City criminal defense attorney right away. Choose Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law – and get started with a defense strategy today.

Sources:

northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2024/10/11/nj-magic-mushrooms-bill-medicine-moves-forward-senate/75612595007/

njspotlightnews.org/2024/06/nj-psilocybin-medical-use-legalization-legislative-committee-no-on-decriminalization/