Psilocybin law and access in Maryland

A concise, source-dated explanation of statewide law, regulated access, and the difference between state and local policy.

Laws and implementation can change quickly. This page is educational information, not legal advice.

Possession

Schedule I · possession unlawful

Maryland places psilocybin and psilocin in Schedule I. Unauthorized possession remains unlawful under Criminal Law §5-601.

Regulated access

No enacted public access program

Maryland has no enacted personal-use, retail, dispensary, or regulated psychedelic-service program.

Current context

Task force extended · active research

Chapter 208 took effect July 1, 2026, extending Maryland’s Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances through December 31, 2027 and requiring an updated report by October 31, 2026. Maryland also hosts active psilocybin clinical research at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.

2026 Maryland psychedelic policy and research update

Maryland enacted Chapter 208 in 2026 to continue the Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances through December 31, 2027. The task force is studying potential approaches to education and safety requirements, treatment and regulated support, production, equitable access, and alternatives to criminal penalties involving natural psychedelic substances. An updated report is due to the Governor and General Assembly by October 31, 2026.

Maryland is also an active center for psilocybin research. Johns Hopkins Medicine currently lists recruiting psilocybin studies in Baltimore, including research involving obsessive-compulsive disorder and studies examining psilocybin’s effects on brain activity and thought. These studies operate under clinical-research protocols and do not create general public access.

What local policy means

For Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda and Frederick, this Maryland page is the appropriate quick-reference starting point because no separate municipal action was retained as a distinct local-policy guide. Local rules can change, so verify current official records.

Cities covered by the Maryland guide

The statewide explanation above covers Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda and Frederick. A separate page appears below only where a documented municipal action adds material local context.

AnnapolisCovered in Maryland guide

BaltimoreCovered in Maryland guide

BethesdaCovered in Maryland guide

FrederickCovered in Maryland guide

Sources used for this review

This page was checked against the controlling state statutes, enacted laws, agency records, and official bill histories listed below.

Common questions

Is psilocybin legal in Maryland?

No. Psilocybin and psilocin remain Schedule I substances, and unauthorized possession remains unlawful.

Does Maryland have a regulated psilocybin access program?

No. Maryland has an extended advisory task force, not an operating access program. It does not authorize retail sales, dispensaries, personal use, treatment, or service centers.

What changed in Maryland psychedelic policy and research in 2026?

Chapter 208 took effect July 1, 2026, extending Maryland’s natural-psychedelics task force through 2027 and requiring an updated report by October 31, 2026. Johns Hopkins in Baltimore also continues to recruit for multiple psilocybin clinical studies. These developments expand policy analysis and research activity but do not create a general public-access program.

Do city policies change Maryland law?

No. A local enforcement-priority policy may affect municipal enforcement, but it does not legalize commercial sale, create statewide legality, or override federal law.

Continue at the right depth

Read the full .org research companion →Product formats and client support on .com →

The product-site link provides product-format and business-policy information. It does not change the law described on this page or establish legal access in any jurisdiction.