Psilocybin Decriminalization Bill Passed in New Jersey

November 23, 2020 14:42:08

A New Jersey lawmakers’ committee recently voted to progress a measure that would decriminalize cannabis possession and decrease the punishments for possessing psilocybin mushrooms in small amounts. This action, undertaken by the state’s Appropriations and Senate Budget Committee, took place days after voters from New Jersey approved a constitutional amendment that would create a regulated recreational cannabis market in the state while also legalizing marijuana for adults.

This action, S. 2535, which had been launched in June, would eliminate criminal punishment for the possession of as much as six cannabis ounces. Chris Goldstein, the South Jersey spokesman for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (“NORML”), an organization centered on cannabis law reform, explained that nearly 100 individuals were arrested for cannabis possession in the state daily.

Until the arrests for possession were removed, justice for cannabis would not begin, he said, adding that the measure could do what the constitutional amendment couldn’t — legalize marijuana.

Another senator, who remains unidentified at this time, added another amendment to the bill, which would decrease an ounce of magic mushroom possession to a disorderly individual offense from a felony. Majority Whip Sen. Nicholas Scutari, stated that he agreed with the change.

He observed that not only was he 100% on board with the bill, but he also agreed that some drugs should be downgraded for individual use or decriminalized. However, he added that the state would not be following in Oregon’s footsteps, referring to a measure that saw Oregon decriminalize all drugs in the elections held nearly a fortnight ago.

The original cannabis decriminalization measure had been introduced by Sen. Teresa Ruiz. In last week’s vote, however, Ruiz noted she was not happy with the amended bill. She added that while the amended bill was a compromise, it was good that the state had accomplished something.

If the measure is approved by the legislature, it will then be advanced to Gov. Phil Murphy for his signature and approval. Additionally, Ruiz said that legislators should make sure that people who participated in the state’s illicit marijuana market should be allowed to participate in its legal market. For the first misdemeanor, the amended measure has decriminalized distribution of as much as one ounce of cannabis.

Ruiz added that the state of New Jersey would be spearheading conversations on decriminalization, given the unique nature of the bill. The bill, she said, presented the opportunity for legislators to uplift an individual’s livelihood and recompense them as well.

The growing body of knowledge about functional mushrooms and other such products has created an opening for companies such as Rritual Superfoods Inc. to serve the community. This particular company has set out to make it easy and stylish for people to include adaptogens from functional mushrooms as well as other superfoods into their diets.

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