Natalie C. Diaz, associate in Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s Cannabis, Hemp & Psychedelics Group, penned the NJ.com article “Can New Jersey Lead the East Coast in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?” exploring how New Jersey is positioned to play a leading role on the East Coast as states and federal regulators examine the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin.
Natalie breaks down New Jersey’s growing momentum around psychedelic-assisted therapy and why the state has a real shot at setting the tone on the East Coast, creating a framework that keeps patient safety, clinical oversight, and public trust front and center. By learning from other jurisdictions and leveraging New Jersey’s existing healthcare and regulatory structure, the state could carve out a model that balances innovation with responsible governance.
She also highlights the evolving federal landscape, including ongoing FDA evaluation of synthetic psilocybin therapies and a growing body of clinical research supporting their use in treating conditions like treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance use disorders. As policymakers and healthcare stakeholders weigh next steps, proactive legal and regulatory planning will be key to keeping programs compliant and positioning New Jersey as a regional leader in this emerging area of behavioral health law.
Read the full opinion on NJ.com.