SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3256

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 14, 2020

      The Senate Judiciary Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 3256.         

      This bill would reclassify possession of one ounce or less of psilocybin, a mushroom with hallucinogenic effects when consumed, as a disorderly persons offense, punishable by a term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.  Currently, pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, possession of any amount of psilocybin, a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, is a crime of the third degree.  A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, and this particular crime is subject to an enhanced fine of up to $35,000 (the standard fine is $15,000), or both.