House Votes On Bill To Require VA To Research Uses Of Psychedelics, Marijuana For PTSD

House Votes On Bill To Require VA To Research Uses Of Psychedelics, Marijuana For PTSD

After decades in obscurity, psychedelics are making a comeback. They may now be able to start a major shift in mental health care.

Psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms and ecstasy are being decriminalized for use in therapeutic settings around the country, and it appears to be working. After decades of demonization, legislators and city leaders across the United States are discussing major reforms that will provide patients with cutting-edge mental health therapies.

Democrats in the House have proposed several drug-policy-related amendments to defense legislation, including ideas to encourage research of the advantages of psychedelics for active-duty military personnel and to safeguard banks that provide services to state-legal marijuana businesses.

The measures would then move to the floor for consideration by the full House if the panel finds them in order. The following is a summary of what politicians are hoping to include in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

  • Active-duty military personnel can use psychedelics.

  • Banking on marijuana.

  • Cannabis research at the VA.

  • Veterans in the cannabis sector can get VA home loans.

  • Withhold cash for the spraying of Colombian cocaine plantations.

  • Military drug testing that is racially discriminatory

Psychedelics have also been strongly advocated for therapeutic purposes by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). During the last two decades, the organization has been a driving factor behind some of the most important scientific studies on the subject. Earlier this year, the team made major advances in the study of MDMA as a therapy for PTSD.

In response to a VA budget bill amendment, senators authorized VA doctors to discuss cannabis with patients as a medical treatment. It will also prevent the VA from interfering with veterans who want to participate in state medical cannabis programs.

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed the measure by a voice vote last week. It is presently included in a bill that will fund the VAfor the fiscal year 2022.