Bill > A3852

This bill establishes the Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Therapy Pilot Program in New Jersey to research the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, a psychoactive substance found in certain mushrooms. The program will create an 11-member Psychedelic Therapy and Research Advisory Board comprised of experts from various fields, including healthcare, research, and legal policy, who will oversee the initiative. The Department of Health will select one hospital from each of New Jersey's three regions (northern, central, and southern) to participate in the two-year pilot program, with each hospital receiving $2 million to conduct research on psilocybin's effectiveness in treating behavioral health conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and end-of-life psychological distress. The program aims to collect data on patient outcomes while ensuring compliance with FDA and DEA regulations, with the ultimate goal of potentially developing a comprehensive statewide medical psilocybin care delivery system. After two years, both the department and the advisory board will submit reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing the program's findings and recommendations for future implementation. The bill is funded through a $6 million appropriation from the General Fund, which will be placed in a new non-lapsing, restricted Psychedelic Therapy and Research Fund.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A3852