Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Signs Bills to Create Psychedelic Task Force
On May 17, the state of Maryland took a bold step towards psychedelic enlightenment as Gov. Wes Moore signed two bills into law. These bills will establish a psychedelic task force, aptly named the “Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances,” and will pave the way for a new era of psychedelic exploration and understanding.
Green Light for Psychedelic Task Force Recruitment
Effective July 1, 2024, the two bills will give the green light for recruitment of the task force, which will consist of 17 members. These members will embark on a journey to research the responsible use of natural psychedelic substances, including psilocybin, psilocin, DMT, and mescaline (excluding peyote).
Mission: Broad, Equitable, and Affordable Access to Psychedelics
The task force’s mission is to recommend law and policy changes that will enable broad, equitable, and affordable access to psychedelic substances. In addition, the members will review the latest research on the public benefits and uses of natural psychedelics, as well as potential risks and ways to increase accessibility.
Breaking Down Barriers for Healthcare Practitioners and Facilitators
The task force will also address barriers for healthcare practitioners and facilitators, such as insurance, licensing restrictions, zoning, advertising, and financial services. This will pave the way for a more open and accepting environment for the use of natural psychedelics in therapeutic settings.
Expunging Convictions and Releasing Prisoners
The bills also address the need to expunge the records of Maryland residents who were convicted of nonviolent psychedelic-related crimes, as well as releasing those currently serving time for such offenses. This will provide a fresh start for individuals who have been unfairly punished for their involvement with natural psychedelics.
Meet the 17-Member Task Force
The task force will consist of a diverse group of individuals, including representatives from the Senate and House, the Secretaries of Health, Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs, and experts in various fields such as behavioral health, substance use disorder, chronic pain treatment, and psychedelic research. The task force will also include a representative from a Native American tribe with experience in religious and spiritual use of psychedelics, as well as a patient and physician who have firsthand experience with the appropriate use of psychedelic substances.
Report Due by July 31, 2025
The task force will compile their findings into a report and submit it to Gov. Moore and the general assembly by July 31, 2025. However, the task force will continue to operate until December 31, 2026, ensuring that their recommendations are fully implemented and the benefits of natural psychedelics are fully realized in Maryland.
