Maryland legislators have approved measures to keep the state’s Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances active through Dec. 31, 2027. The extension is meant to give the panel additional time to refine its findings and issue updated policy recommendations aimed at expanding therapeutic access to natural psychedelics and potentially helping lawmakers design a regulatory framework for broader legalization.
The House of Delegates passed its bill on a strong 110–25 vote, while the Senate Finance Committee advanced a companion proposal that includes an amendment adding a representative from a historically Black college or university to the task force. Both pieces of legislation build on current law that originally created the task force.
Under the extension bills (House Bill 427 and Senate Bill 336), the task force must submit an updated report with additional findings and recommendations by Oct. 31, 2026, before continuing its work into 2027. The task force, established by legislation signed into law in 2024, has already released an initial final report with a multi-phase plan for safe, broad access to substances like psilocybin.
The extension does not change the task force’s existing mandate—it simply allows more time for research and policy development. Supporters say the extra year will help ensure recommendations are comprehensive before the group’s work concludes.
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