# Congress Is Pushing Revolutionary Research on Psychedelic Treatments for the Military
## Legislation in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 Advances Psychedelic Therapy for Active Duty Members
Congress is making significant progress in U.S. policy toward psychedelics with legislation set to be approved. Tucked into the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 is a provision that would fund clinical trials using psychedelic substances to treat active duty members of the military.
### Funding Clinical Trials for PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury
Section 723 of the NDAA directs the secretary of defense to collaborate with a federal or state government agency, or an academic institution, to conduct research on psychedelic treatments. The bill aims to provide funding for the treatment of military members suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) using various psychedelic substances, including MDMA, psilocybin, ibogaine, DMT, and other plant-based alternative therapies like ayahuasca.
### Promising Results and FDA Breakthrough Therapies
Research on psychedelics as a potential treatment for PTSD has been steadily growing, with recent studies showing promising results. Patients have reported benefits from even just a few treatments involving MDMA and psilocybin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated both treatments as “breakthrough therapies,” expediting their research and development due to their potential to treat serious conditions. MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, a company focused on psychedelic treatments for mental health issues, recently submitted a new drug application to the FDA for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD.
### Shifting Policy and Helping Those in Stressful Jobs
Apart from the direct benefits of these treatments, the trials could also demonstrate to the Department of Defense that PTSD is a condition that can be healed from. This could potentially lead to a change in policy regarding disqualifying conditions. Jon Lubecky, a veteran who benefited from an MDMA clinical trial for PTSD, believes that if even one person can return to duty after treatment, it shows that everyone has the possibility to do so. This could encourage more people to seek help. Lubecky also hopes that the benefits of psychedelic therapy extend to workers in other stressful jobs, such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians.
### Impact on Government Agencies and Bureaucracy
Dedicated Defense Department research trials could have a ripple effect on other government agencies, potentially leading to an openness for further research. By demonstrating that funding psychedelic research is not a cause for termination, bureaucracy within the government may be more willing to support such initiatives. This could help overcome the common problem of inaction due to the perception that it is easier to do nothing than to take action.
### Congressional Efforts and Future Outlook
The congressional effort to advance psychedelic research began four years ago when Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced an amendment to expand research into psychedelics. However, it was shut down by a majority of Democrats and most Republicans. Ocasio-Cortez later joined forces with Rep. Dan Crenshaw to attach amendments to the annual military spending bill, aiming to increase access to psychedelic treatments for veterans and active service members, as well as expand research into psychedelic substances.
### Legalization and Must-Pass Legislation
In recent years, states like Colorado and Oregon have legalized the use of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin. California lawmakers also passed a bill to legalize psychedelics, but it was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The National Defense Authorization Act is a must-pass piece of legislation that will go to President Joe Biden for his signature. President Biden has previously supported the war on drugs, but this legislation may signal a shift in his stance.
Congress is making groundbreaking strides in advancing psychedelic therapy for the military. The inclusion of funding for clinical trials in the NDAA shows a growing recognition of the potential benefits of psychedelics in treating PTSD and TBI. If approved, this legislation could revolutionize the way these conditions are treated and potentially save lives.
