In this week’s psychedelic policy briefing, Investigative Journalist Jack Gorsline unpacks a wave of state and federal momentum aimed at expanding alternative therapies for veterans and those battling addiction. On Capitol Hill, bipartisan lawmakers are leveraging the National Defense Authorization Act to extend military clinical trials for substances like psilocybin and MDMA, a move mirrored by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ ongoing push to expedite treatment research for PTSD. Meanwhile, at the state level, a pioneering Louisiana law officially took effect this week, utilizing opioid settlement funds to launch a highly regulated clinical pilot program targeting substance abuse and treatment-resistant mental health conditions.
AOC, Other Members of Congress Tout Psychedelic Benefits as Research Amendments Advance
Legislators from both parties are actively advocating for congressional bills designed to increase federal studies on psychedelic treatments for veterans and active-duty service members. The key provisions, attached to the House version of the 2027 fiscal year National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) extends Department of Defense clinical trials for six additional years, continuing studies through September 30, 2033.
Proponents, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), have highlighted the medical promise of these substances, emphasizing that MDMA has shown unique potential in treating severe, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder, while psilocybin holds promise for depression.
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