Maryland’s Work on the Responsible Use of Psychedelics

Psychedelics are moving from the margins to the mainstream. In just the past few years, substances once associated almost entirely with counterculture have entered the national conversation about mental health, trauma recovery, and even end-of-life care. But as their profile grows, so does an important question: How do we make sure we get this right?

This is the question at the heart of my work with the Maryland Task Force on the Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances, where I serve as Chair of the Substances Committee. Our mandate is to examine not only the emerging science around these substances, but also the ethical, cultural, and public health considerations that must guide their use.

Over the past several months, I’ve been working alongside a remarkable group of clinicians, researchers, policymakers, legal experts, and community advocates. Together, we’ve been exploring everything from clinical safety standards to the historical and spiritual traditions that have shaped how these substances have been used for centuries.

We’ve just submitted our interim report, which shares the progress we’ve made so far and identifies the key questions that remain. While much of the public conversation focuses on the potential medical benefits of psychedelics, our work emphasizes the need for a broader lens—one that takes into account:

• Public health and safety

• Cultural respect and historical context

• Ethical frameworks for access and use

• Long-term social and economic implications

You can read the full interim report here:Maryland Task Force Interim Report (PDF)

Why This Matters to Me

For me, this work sits at the intersection of science, healing, and ethics. Psychedelics hold real promise as therapeutic tools, but they also come with complex histories and legitimate risks. Creating policy in this space means navigating both the excitement of new possibilities and the responsibility to protect individuals, communities, and cultural traditions.

My hope is that what we are building in Maryland can become a model—one that balances innovation with caution, honors the voices of those who have safeguarded these medicines for generations, and creates a framework that truly serves public well-being.