Nearly two years after cannabis was legalized in the state, Maryland rolled out a task force to examine how the state could potentially also legally sanction natural psychedelics.
The substances being evaluated by the task force are psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline — which is in peyote, and Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) — which is in ayahuasca.
Members of the Maryland Task Force on the Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances hosted an information session at Rockville Memorial Library last week.
The session was part of a series of statewide meetings meant to inform residents about natural psychedelics and to gather public input about allowing access to natural psychedelics.
“The task force is really looking at different models of access — whether it should be medical psychedelics, whether it could be adult use as [reporter] called it — ‘recreational,’” Task Force Chair Dr. Andy Coop told MCM. “I don’t think Maryland is ready for that yet… but certainly there are so many benefits that could occur here, but we have so much stigma.”
Members said there are proven benefits with natural psychedelic use for treating conditions like addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Psychedelics have been found to be helpful for veterans and first responders.
The substances are not addictive in the same way as drugs like heroin, cocaine, and meth. Natural psychedelics work through the serotonin system, like antidepressants. Also, they will not cause fatal overdoses.
“Personally, I think that we’re moving toward [access],” Task Force Member Tim Hamilton said. “I think that most states are, because we’re one task force in Maryland, but there are a handful of other states that have task forces just like ours that were voted into law in their respective states last year. So, we’re all kind of moving in the same direction.”
Coop said the main priority is “the responsible use of natural psychedelic substances.”
QR code to access task force website
Members emphasized the importance of safety and accessibility.
“We want it accessible, we don’t want to leave anyone behind, absolutely not. But we want to make sure it’s safe for everyone,” Coop said.
The task force — which includes 13 members appointed by the governor, one member appointed by the Senate President, one appointed by the House Speaker, and four ex officio members — will provide the state legislature with recommendations for changes to Maryland law and a framework for a potential psychedelics’ rollout, if legislators choose to move forward.
They want to hear from residents — whether they are for or against introducing psychedelics in Maryland. Residents can provide feedback through the task force’s website.
The input will be considered when the task force provides its recommendations.
Peyote photo courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
