The landscape of drug policy in the United States has shifted dramatically in recent years, most recently evidenced by DEA's recommended rescheduling of cannabis. Cannabis legalization has been at the forefront of this movement, paving the way for a regulatory reset of other controlled substances as well, including psychedelics like psilocybin. This article aims to chronicle and analyze the parallels and divergences between these two legislative journeys, highlighting their historical contexts, regulatory frameworks, societal impacts, and the lessons learned for future drug policy reform efforts.

The legalization of cannabis in New Jersey marked a milestone in drug policy reform efforts in the state. Gov. Phil Murphy signed the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMM Act) into law on Feb. 22, 2021, following a protracted legislative process that began years earlier. The road to legalization was not without challenges; a failed attempt to pass legislation in the 2018-19 session led to a proposed constitutional amendment being placed on the 2020 ballot as a referendum, known as New Jersey Public Question 1. The referendum passed with 67% approval, reflecting a new era of public support for cannabis legalization.