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UMSOP Pharmaceutical Scientist Appointed Chair of Maryland Task Force on Natural Psychedelics

Andrew Coop, PhD, a medicinal chemist with expertise in the pharmacology of psychedelics, will lead an effort to explore pathways for the safe, accessible, and equitable use of natural psychedelics.

By Becky Ceraul
December 3, 2024

Andrew Coop, PhD, professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and associate dean for graduate programs, has been named chair of the Maryland Task Force on the Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances. The task force, established through legislation signed into law by Governor Wes Moore in 2024, aims to explore pathways for the safe, accessible, and equitable use of natural psychedelics while addressing their status as federally illegal substances.

Coop, a nationally recognized medicinal chemist, brings decades of expertise to the role. His career has been dedicated to studying the pharmacology of drugs with abuse liability, specifically the design and synthesis of new opioid analgesics with reduced tolerance, and the development of novel antidepressants. Coop has also testified as an expert witness in federal criminal trials, at the United States Congress, and at the Maryland General Assembly, providing critical insights into the pharmacological effects of psychoactive substances.

“Natural psychedelics have shown great potential for treating a range of conditions, from mental health disorders to chronic pain,” says Coop. “I’m honored to lead this task force as we work to create a blueprint for their responsible use in Maryland. Our work has the potential to improve lives while ensuring safety and access for all Marylanders.”

The 19-member state task force is a multidisciplinary group comprising experts in regulatory affairs, law, health care, patient advocacy, and social justice. Their charge includes examining:

Coop emphasized the importance of education in the task force’s mission. “A major focus will be educating providers, patients, law enforcement, lawmakers, and the general public about natural psychedelics,” he said. “Understanding their pharmacology and applications is key to ensuring their safe and effective use.”

Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances that produce changes in perception, mood, and cognitive processes. They can treat suicidality, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chronic headache, chronic pain, eating disorder, and traumatic brain injury. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has designated the psychedelic psilocybin as “breakthrough therapy,” and the U.S. Department of Defense is funding psychedelic research for the military and veterans.

At the School of Pharmacy, Coop teaches courses in the Doctor of Pharmacy program on pharmacology and chemistry, and a course in the MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics on medical psychedelics, bridging the gap between scientific research and clinical practice.

The task force’s recommendations, expected in 2025, are poised to set the stage for Maryland to become a national leader in the responsible use of natural psychedelics, paving the way for a roadmap that ensures accessibility, safety, and equity for all Marylanders.

“This work is crucial,” Coop noted. “It’s about creating a system that serves everyone while addressing public health and social justice issues.”

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Coop’s appointment as chair of this important state task force,” says Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, dean of the School of Pharmacy and professor of pharmaceutical sciences. “His decades of expertise in medicinal chemistry and his deep understanding of psychedelic pharmacology uniquely positions him to lead this critical effort. The task force’s work will help shape evidence-based policies that balance the potential therapeutic benefits of natural psychedelics with public safety, accessibility, and equity. Dr. Coop’s leadership exemplifies our School’s commitment to advancing science, education, patient care, and public health.”