The Maryland psychedelics Task Force has released an initial report. It is gathering information on various public and regulatory health concerns that may pave the way for legalizing substances like psilocybin and DMT in Maryland for recreational or medical purposes.
And while the panel is so far in consensus that Maryland lawmakers should pursue establishing a regulatory framework for psychedelics, members are emphasizing their interest in hearing from a wider variety of voices as they prepare a final report due in October—because, so far, they haven’t heard from any opponents who feel the substances should be strictly prohibited, despite intensive outreach efforts.
The Maryland Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances was formed following Gov. Wes Moore (D), who signed two bills into law last May, is credited with forming the Maryland Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances. Maryland Cannabis Administration, a 17-member body overseen by MCA, is tasked with examining how “to ensure broad, equitable, and affordable access” to psychedelics in Maryland.
Now the panel has come out with its interim report—which it says is the product of “over 100 meetings, reflecting more than 500 hours of volunteer service by Task Force members above and beyond their professional responsibilities.”
The task force stated that “our preliminary findings indicate a consensus in favor of regulated frameworks, such as medical or therapeutic use, adult supervision, commercial sales, or natural psychedelics, initially focusing on psilocybin.” These models are promising in that they address unmet mental needs, enable safety oversight and offer viable economic paths for small business.
They also said that the group “doesn’t support state action being delayed pending federal future [Food and Drug Administration, or FDA] approval.”
Currently, the taskforce is only examining psilocybin mescaline, and DMT. Although the members of the legislative body were empowered to examine potential regulatory measures for other psychedelic drugs, they chose to adopt a more conservative approach to their first work.
“This is a report to pull all the information together—but we are to make recommendations of how we should move forward with the responsible use of psychedelics,” Andrew Coop, chair of the task force and a professor of pharmaceutical science who also serves as associate dean at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, told MEDCAN24 on Wednesday.
“We can advocate, propose or recommend anything we want,” said he. “We’re trying to find out who is against a broader access to psychedelics.
“We hear from many individuals—some folks just want medical use, some folks just medical use for veterans with PTSD, some folks would like wide availability, some folks would like grow at home, some like commercial sharing—and we’re looking at all these,” Coop said. One thing we don’t get from individuals is their opposition to loosening regulations.
Laura D’Amato Barrett is another member of the Task Force. She said, “It’s normal for passionate advocates or opponents to be the first ones who speak up.” The task force has therefore decided to target those people they believe will oppose the policy and solicit their feedback and comments.
Task force member Timothy Hamiltone echoed that point, saying the panel wants “a diversity of opinions in this—otherwise we look like we’re cheerleaders.”
We do not wish to be cheerleaders. “We do not want to be cheerleaders.” I know I am personally an advocate, but it’s my job. So we have looked for people—because at least you get them on paper—then you’re like, ‘Alright, we’ve done our due diligence.'”
They have found that even those who were expected to be sceptical about psychedelics regulatory models, so far, are not advocating for their outright ban. One law enforcement official expressed interest in allowing officers suffering from post-traumatic disorder access to natural substances.
He said, “Frankly this is a major concern for us: the fact that we can’t find any opposition.”
Final report of the taskforce is due on 30 October. Then, its psychedelics recommendation will be passed to legislators for further consideration. As the report is finalized, there’s a panel website that allows people to submit feedback.
The interim report includes 85 potential recommendations, which touch on cross-model propositions, decriminalization/deprioritization of psychedelics, non-commercial peer sharing, commercial sales, religious use, supervised adult use, medical use and FDA-approved use.
Originally, the House version contained prescriptive provisions to investigate and provide recommendations regarding aspects of psychedelics policies such as “systems supporting online sales of statewide natural psychedelics substances delivered to homes” and “testing for and packaging of products containing natural substances psychedelics that clearly and accurately label their potency.” This language was eventually removed.
The task force legislation advanced about two years after a different law took effect creating a state fund to provide “cost-free” access to psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine for military veterans suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
—
MEDCAN24 has been tracking the hundreds of bills relating to cannabis, psychedelics or drug policies that have passed through state legislatures as well as Congress in this past year. Patreon members who pledge at least $25/month gain access to interactive maps, charts and a hearing calendar.
Find out more about our marijuana law tracker. To get access, become a Patreon supporter.
—
In Maryland, on Juneteenth, which commemorates slavery’s end, the Governor granted clemency for 7,000 additional people who had previously been convicted of marijuana possession.
Moore also praised in February legislation which would allow people with criminal records for marijuana to be expunged. This allows people who have violated the terms of probation or parole to apply to the courts for the erasure of these records.
In April, Moore signed a series of cannabis bills, including one that will require state officials to automatically shield records for low-level marijuana convictions that have been pardoned from public access, and to more broadly expand expungement eligibility for certain other offenses.
He also signed legislation that allows adults to make marijuana concentrates and edibles for their own personal use.
Separately, the Maryland Senate also passed a measure this session to protect for fire and rescue workers from being penalized for off-duty use of medical marijuana, though it did not advance through the House.
The legislation prohibits employers from “disciplining, dismissing, or discriminating against the public safety firefighter or rescue employee in relation to their compensation, terms and conditions or privileges” solely because of a positive THC screening.
In January, officials in Maryland’s most populous county separately said they were moving to loosen marijuana policies for would-be police officers in an effort to boost recruitment amid a staffing shortage.
Images courtesy carlosemmaskype & Apollo.
MEDCAN24 would not be possible without the support of readers. Please consider making a Patreon monthly pledge if you depend on our cannabis journalism for information.
