At the Cannademix cannabis conference held at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Jersey City Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Steve Fulop made bold statements endorsing two significant cannabis policy reforms. These included legalizing medical psilocybin mushrooms for veterans and allowing the home cultivation of cannabis in the state of New Jersey.
Fulop Supports Medical Psilocybin for Veterans
One of the most significant endorsements came in the form of Fulop’s support for medical psilocybin mushrooms as a treatment for veterans. Psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms,” has shown promise in clinical trials as a potential treatment for various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fulop voiced his support for exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for veterans, noting that many are struggling with the mental health toll of their service.
“There are a lot of opportunities and experiences in science that are worth exploring,” Fulop said, acknowledging the growing body of evidence suggesting that psychedelics, such as psilocybin, could help those suffering from mental health challenges. He highlighted the need for more research and expressed hope that the state would take steps to approve psilocybin for medical use, particularly for veterans who have long struggled with PTSD and other service-related mental health issues.
Fulop’s remarks were a direct endorsement of a proposal in the New Jersey state legislature that aims to make psilocybin available to veterans through medical prescriptions. His support reflects a growing trend in state-level cannabis policy reform, as more states begin to consider the medical use of psychedelics as part of their broader drug policy changes.
Home Grow for Cannabis Users
In addition to his support for psilocybin, Fulop also threw his weight behind the proposal to allow both medical and recreational cannabis users to cultivate their own cannabis plants at home. This reform has been a long-standing point of discussion among New Jersey’s cannabis advocates, who argue that allowing home cultivation will not only empower consumers but also help create a more sustainable and equitable cannabis market.
Fulop pointed to California’s Proposition 215, which allows for the cultivation of up to six plants per adult, as an example of how home cultivation could benefit both consumers and dispensaries. Under this model, consumers can grow their own cannabis plants at home, and dispensaries are still able to sell seeds and clones, effectively contributing to the market while maintaining a legal framework for personal cultivation.
He explained that allowing home cultivation would serve as a key feature in making cannabis use more accessible for people who might not have easy access to dispensaries, especially in underserved areas. Fulop added that allowing personal cultivation could help reduce the burden on dispensaries by easing some of the demand for cannabis products, as users would be able to grow their own supply.
Political Context and Support
Fulop’s endorsements on both the medical psilocybin and home cultivation fronts align with the views of several other prominent New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidates. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and teachers’ union chief Sean Spiller have all supported similar reforms, with a shared belief that home cultivation should be allowed for both medical and recreational cannabis consumers.
However, Fulop’s stance on cannabis policy reform is not universally supported within his party. One of the most vocal opponents of home cultivation has been Senate President Nick Scutari, who has raised concerns about potential market saturation and the potential risks posed to licensed dispensaries. Scutari’s opposition reflects broader concerns about the impact that home cultivation could have on the commercial cannabis market, particularly with the rapid growth of the state’s licensed dispensary network.
Fulop’s Personal Stance on Cannabis
During his address at the conference, Fulop was also asked about his personal use of cannabis. In a candid moment, Fulop confirmed that he had indeed used cannabis in the past, stating, “Yes,” when asked by an attendee if he had ever smoked marijuana. He also noted that many politicians have experimented with cannabis during their youth but often deny it due to the stigma surrounding the substance. Fulop’s openness about his personal use could play a pivotal role in his campaign, especially as cannabis reform continues to be a major topic of debate in New Jersey and across the nation.
Upcoming Elections and Cannabis Policy
The Democratic primary election is set for June 10, 2025, and Fulop’s cannabis policy stances will likely be a key issue in the race. With the gubernatorial election scheduled for November, cannabis policy could become a major talking point as voters weigh the candidates’ views on drug reform, public health, and personal freedom.
