Gov. Wes Moore Green-Lights Maryland's Psychedelics Task Force Bill

A pair of Maryland measures that would set up a psychedelics task force to study and make recommendations toward a potential regulatory framework that ensures “broad, equitable and affordable access” to psychedelic substances, got the green light from Gov. Wes Moore (D).

Both SB 1009 from Sen. Brian Feldman (D) and HB 548 from Del. Pam Lanman Guzzone, et al., were signed by the governor on Thursday, reported Marijuana Moment.

The new 17-member “Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances” will be overseen by the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA). Its members would have to examine and make recommendations on issues like permitting requirements -including those regarding education and safety – access to treatment and regulated support and production of natural psychedelic substances, starting with psilocybin, psilocin, DMT and mescaline (non-peyote derived). The list could be potentially broadened.

The task force would also deal with expunging prior convictions for psychedelics and releasing people incarcerated for such offenses, and make recommendations on potential civil penalties for “nonviolent infractions involving the planting, cultivating, purchasing, transporting, distributing, or possessing of or other engagement with natural psychedelic substances.”

The new body has until July 31, 2025, to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the governor and the General Assembly.

Meanwhile, Vermont Governor Gov. Phil Scott (R) and Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy (R) are about to weigh in on measures that seek to set up a task force in the two states to study how to license and regulate psychedelic-assisted therapy.

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