New Jersey’s effort to allow supervised psilocybin therapy moved ahead this week. The Assembly health committee advanced a bill after an hour of testimony in Trenton, where speakers focused on how difficult it remains for many residents to access steady mental-health care. Several pointed out that current options often fall short, especially for people who have spent years moving between medications without any real progress.
Advocates told lawmakers that treatment-resistant depression, PTSD and anxiety are common across the state. They described long stretches where patients try multiple prescriptions or switch providers because appointment openings are scarce. Some parts of New Jersey face months-long waits for psychiatry or therapy visits, which leaves people stuck in place while symptoms continue. Their testimony centered on the need for additional tools when standard treatments no longer help.
The bill creates a structured framework rather than broad legalization. Adults 21 and older would need a medical referral before they could take part in the program. Once someone is approved, all treatment would occur inside licensed psilocybin service centers. Participants would meet with a trained facilitator for preparation, complete a supervised session and return for integration afterward. Supporters say this approach reflects how federal clinical trials operate, emphasizing steady monitoring and defined steps.
Lawmakers raised several questions about timing. The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing a synthetic form of psilocybin for possible use in treating major depression, and that review may conclude next year. Some committee members asked whether New Jersey should wait for federal direction before establishing its own system. They also questioned whether state rules would need adjustment once the FDA issues a final decision.
Cost and staffing concerns surfaced as well. New Jersey’s mental-health workforce already faces shortages, and legislators wanted to understand how a new program would operate alongside existing services that struggle to meet demand. The bill outlines responsibilities for licensing, oversight and administration, but several lawmakers said they wanted additional detail on long-term needs before voting further.
Despite the questions, the measure advanced out of committee. It now moves to the Assembly appropriations committee for another review. A similar bill has already cleared two Senate committees, which means both chambers are considering versions of the same plan. The legislative session ends in January, giving lawmakers only a short window to decide whether the proposal will go to a full vote.
If the bill becomes law, New Jersey would join a small group of states exploring supervised access to psilocybin therapy. Supporters say the system is intended for residents who have exhausted conventional options without improvement. They emphasized that the bill does not allow recreational possession or use. All treatment would remain inside licensed centers and be guided by trained staff.
For now, the proposal remains part of a broader conversation about how New Jersey approaches mental-health care. Residents continue to report delays, limited appointment availability and shifting insurance coverage. Lawmakers will determine in the coming weeks whether supervised psilocybin therapy becomes part of the state’s response or whether the issue carries into the next session.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.