Press Statement from Marylanders for Beneficial Psychedelics
The signing of the “Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances” is a significant step forward in making healing with psychedelics available to people in Maryland. The bill was unanimously passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Wes Moore on May 16, 2024. We give special thanks to the main bill sponsors, Sen. Brian Feldman and Del. Pam Guzzone, for their leadership and advocacy on this issue. We also thank the Maryland Cannabis Administration for agreeing to provide staff and resources for the Task Force.
The law creates a Task Force of experts, appointed by the governor, to study and provide recommendations for the right psychedelic policy for our state. The Task Force will advise on the creation of a Maryland Natural Psychedelic Substance Access Program that enables “broad, equitable, and affordable access to psychedelic substances.” Included substances are psilocybin and psilocin from mushrooms, dimethyltryptamine (DMT) from plants, and mescaline from cacti (not including peyote, for cultural and environmental reasons).
The Task Force will also make recommendations to “transition from criminalizing conduct involving natural psychedelic substances.” This includes removing penalties for possession by permitted individuals and releasing from incarceration and expunging records of individuals who have been convicted of nonviolent criminal offenses relating to natural psychedelic substances.
Public support for psychedelics is growing rapidly as research shows these natural substances can effectively treat a wide range of mental health, substance abuse, and chronic pain conditions. Maryland is a leader in psychedelic research with groundbreaking studies by Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, the University System of Maryland, Sheppard Pratt, and Sunstone Therapies.
Maryland joins six other states that have also enacted Task Forces or Advisory Boards focused on psychedelic policy. Two states have already expanded legal access to psychedelic substances and Washington, DC made psychedelics the lowest priority of law enforcement.
We thank Rory Murray, JD, MBA, and the firm Providence Strategies for providing pro bono lobbying advice throughout our advocacy efforts.
About Marylanders for Beneficial Psychedelics
Marylanders for Beneficial Psychedelics is a coalition of knowledgeable and experienced individuals who are passionate about responsibly expanding access to psychedelic substances. Scientific research over the past 70+ years demonstrates the strong safety profile and many mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of psychedelics. We support a broad range of uses, including for health, wellness, and spiritual purposes. We believe that access to psychedelics should be equitable and affordable, and we support transitioning from the criminalization of psychedelics because no one should go to jail for trying to heal or be well.
Learn more at: MarylandBP.org
Webpage for HB0548: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0548
Additional Information About Psychedelics and Psychedelic Policy
What are “psychedelics”?
A class of psychoactive substances that can produce changes in perception, mood, and cognitive processes.
What conditions can psychedelics treat?
Psychedelics can effectively treat a wide range of mental health, substance abuse and chronic pain conditions.
Are psychedelics safe?
Psychedelics have been shown in research to be well-tolerated, with minimal negative effects. There is virtually no lethal dose. Psychedelics generally have low potential for addiction and many studies show that psychedelics can help with substance use disorders including alcohol, nicotine, and opioids.
What other states have increased access to psychedelics?
- States with Enacted Expanded Access to Psychedelics: Colorado, Oregon, Washington D.C.
- States with Enacted Psychedelic Task Forces / Advisory Boards: Connecticut, Hawaii, Minnesota, Nevada, Texas, Washington
What is the federal government doing to support psychedelics?
- The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has granted psilocybin Breakthrough Therapy Designation.
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is funding multiple research studies on a range of psychedelic substances.
- The Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are funding research on the use of psychedelics to heal our nation’s military service members and veterans.
Press Contact
Eileen Brewer
M: 443-538-8334