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Colorado’s Psychedelics Program Officially Begins

Jane
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Colorado’s Psychedelics Program Officially Begins

Colorado has taken a major step in the rollout of its voter-approved psychedelics program, becoming one of the first states in the U.S. to establish a fully regulated system for therapeutic psilocybin use. The program now includes licensed growers, product manufacturers, healing centers, and a certified testing lab.

Regulated Supply Chain and First Testing Facility Now Active

The Natural Medicine Division of the Colorado Department of Revenue has issued licenses across the full production chain, from cultivation to therapy centers. Nordic Analytical Laboratories has become the first testing facility certified by the state’s Department of Public Health and Environment. The lab is authorized to test psilocybin products for active compounds, consistency, and contaminants, ensuring safety for therapeutic use.

Licensed Facilitators Enable Supervised Psilocybin Sessions

Colorado’s program allows licensed facilitators to oversee psilocybin sessions in existing therapy settings. This reduces the need for standalone clinics and makes treatment more accessible. These sessions are aimed at helping patients manage conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD under professional guidance.

Laws Prioritize Access, Safety, and Equity

The framework includes efforts to make treatment affordable and accessible while also addressing past criminal convictions. Lawmakers are exploring ways to expunge records related to past psychedelic offenses. The state also plans to track data on safety, law enforcement, and patient outcomes to refine the program over time.

How Colorado’s Model Compares to Oregon’s

Unlike Oregon, which also legalized psilocybin, Colorado allows psychedelic therapies to be incorporated directly into existing healthcare systems. This integrated model could help expand access and reduce logistical barriers while promoting mainstream acceptance.

Economic and Social Impact of Legal Psychedelics

The program supports economic growth by creating jobs in cultivation, testing, and therapy. It may also reduce dependency on traditional pharmaceuticals as more people turn to natural treatments. Public perceptions around psychedelics are also beginning to shift as they become more normalized within therapeutic contexts.

What Comes Next for Natural Medicine in Colorado

With its comprehensive infrastructure and evidence-based approach, Colorado is poised to lead national discussions on psychedelics in healthcare. Continuous monitoring, public engagement, and ethical oversight will be essential as the state refines its model and serves as an example for others considering similar policies.

Texas Prepares to Launch $50M Ibogaine Trial Program: A New Chapter in Psychedelic Medicine?

Jane
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Texas Prepares to Launch $50M Ibogaine Trial Program: A New Chapter in Psychedelic Medicine?

Texas is on the brink of launching the most ambitious state-backed psychedelic research initiative in U.S. history. A proposed $50 million public-private partnership aims to fund FDA-approvable clinical trials of ibogaine, a psychedelic compound known for its potential to treat opioid addiction and other mental health conditions. While supporters are hailing this as a breakthrough, critics have raised questions about equity, safety, and scientific rigor.

How Texas Took the Lead on Psychedelic Research

The plan to fund ibogaine research in Texas stems largely from Bryan Hubbard, former chair of Kentucky’s Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. After failed attempts to secure funding in Kentucky, Ohio, and South Dakota, Hubbard received a call from Texas in late 2024. With a nearly $20 billion budget surplus and previous experience passing psychedelic legislation, the state was ready to listen.

With support from former Texas Governor Rick Perry, GOP strategist Rex Elsass, and mental health advocates, the proposal gained momentum. Two bills—SB 2308 and HB 3717—were fast-tracked through the Texas legislature, clearing both chambers. Final details are now being negotiated in a conference committee before the legislation heads to Governor Greg Abbott.

What the Ibogaine Bill Proposes

If signed into law, the legislation would go into effect on September 1, 2025. A grant program under the Health and Human Services Commission would invite research proposals focused on FDA-approvable ibogaine treatments. Applicants would need to:

  • Provide a full drug development plan
  • Seek FDA approval for clinical trials
  • Address how Texas could benefit from intellectual property rights
  • Propose strategies for making treatments accessible to uninsured patients

Grant recipients would be selected by a committee that includes experts, funders, and lawmakers. The full application process could begin later this year, with proposals due no earlier than 90 days after the launch.

Hype Meets Hesitation: Safety, Access, and Overselling

While the proposal has stirred optimism among advocates, many experts and observers urge caution. Ibogaine therapy is complex and resource-intensive, often requiring multi-day clinical monitoring due to potential cardiac risks. Treatments can cost up to $50,000, and scalable models remain largely undeveloped.

Advocates, including Rick Perry, have made sweeping claims about ibogaine’s power to heal. However, clinicians and researchers stress that current data remains limited, particularly in areas like traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s disease. Concerns have also been raised that public enthusiasm may be outpacing clinical evidence.

Questions of Ethics and Equity

A major point of contention is the lack of engagement with Bwiti elders and Gabonese communities, who have used the iboga plant for generations in spiritual and medicinal contexts. Critics, including ibogaine researchers and activists like Dr. Joseph Barsuglia, argue that the initiative risks repeating patterns of biopiracy and ignores the need for benefit-sharing with Indigenous knowledge holders.

Although Texas officials say they are open to involving traditional communities in the process, the legislation itself does not mandate such inclusion. This has sparked concerns over the ethical foundations of the initiative, especially in light of international agreements like the Nagoya Protocol, which the U.S. has not signed.

Can Texas Make It Work?

Advocates of the Texas initiative say their goal is clear: make ibogaine therapy accessible, equitable, and scientifically validated. But they acknowledge the road ahead is uncertain. The infrastructure, costs, and safety hurdles are significant, and questions remain about how the state will ensure access to underserved populations.

If successful, Texas could become a blueprint for other states considering similar efforts. Already, representatives from 15 states attended a recent ibogaine meeting in Aspen, and talks of a national coalition are underway.

What Happens Next?

Once the legislative differences are resolved, the final bill will move to Governor Abbott for approval. If he signs, the call for grant applications will begin this fall, and full-scale clinical trials could be underway within the next two years.

Despite the many unanswered questions, one thing is clear: Texas is attempting something no other state has done—using public funds to jumpstart psychedelic drug development at a massive scale. Whether this bold bet pays off remains to be seen.

Matthew Zorn’s Federal Role Signals Shift in U.S. Psychedelics and Cannabis Policy

Jane
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Matthew Zorn’s Federal Role Signals Shift in U.S. Psychedelics and Cannabis Policy

The landscape of drug policy within the United States has been evolving rapidly, with a growing emphasis on marijuana rescheduling and the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. The appointment of prominent attorney Matthew Zorn to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) marks a significant shift that could influence future policies. Having led numerous legal battles for reforming federal stances on controlled substances, Zorn’s transition to deputy general counsel under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggests a new era of government involvement in this area.

An attorney’s influence driving change

Matthew Zorn stands out not only because of his background as a relentless advocate holding federal entities accountable but also due to his new role of encouraging systematic change from within. Known for aggressively pursuing transparency through Freedom of Information Act requests, Zorn previously challenged both the Drug Enforcement Administration and HHS to democratize access to psychedelic therapies. By joining the administration, he is expected to drive forward decisions on substance regulation reforms significantly.

Tasked with spearheading initiatives related to psychedelics, Zorn’s position aligns with broader governmental trends. His appointment reflects a growing acknowledgment of the therapeutic potential of psychoactive substances, especially in addressing conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder among military veterans. His insights are expected to lead advancements in policies traditionally hindered by precautionary regulations, offering optimism for those advocating research-driven interventions.

The ‘psychedelics czar’: a strategic movement

Zorn’s unofficial title within the department—the “psychedelics czar”—underscores the uniqueness of his assignment. This emphasis highlights the potential impact of his actions in transforming current drug laws. Historically, federal institutions have maintained stringent barriers against broadening drug access; thus, a strategist with first-hand litigation experience can unlock significant progress.

With multiple top officials supporting expanded research into psychedelics, particularly within the VA, there has never been a more compelling time to reconsider existing bans. These developments indicate robust dialogues between governmental departments, aiming at balanced resolutions informed by scientific evidence.

Federal administrations warming up to reforms

The narrative surrounding psychoactive substances shifted visibly across different administrations. Advocates within the Trump presidency vocalized support for alternative therapies addressing mental health challenges linked to combat experiences. Public statements by figures like the head of the Food and Drug Administration reflected their proactive stance urging investigational studies.

During Joe Biden’s tenure, certain executive branches issued circulars guiding researchers on approved investigational pathways for psychedelic drugs like MDMA and psilocybin. This pivot further clarified the roles whereby psychoactive compounds could provide relief when conventional modalities fall short. Boundaries defining permissible investigative measures continued softening, yet admonitions remained focused on preventing open recreational sales.

The therapeutic promises for veterans

Military veterans represent a critical demographic receiving special attention throughout conversations on groundbreaking treatments. Disability cases riddled with PTSD symptoms necessitate novel approaches beyond established methods. Initial trials integrating drugs alongside rigorous counseling programs revealed encouraging outcomes worthy of extensive replication elsewhere.

Notably, secretaries under legislative scrutiny have repeatedly attested to the successes embodied by these clinical processes during congressional sessions. Opening channels for veterans to undergo transformative journeys yields testimonies that reinforce appreciation for sustainable frameworks that aid vulnerable populations in overcoming trauma.

Balancing legalization with regulation

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s advocacy for recalibrating drug policies stretches back years, intersecting personal anecdotes with societal lessons, endorsing decriminalization measures around cannabis points toward comprehensive rationalizations applicable across various hallucinogens.

Kennedy emphasized prioritizing regulated access over promoting commercial markets, which lacked ethical oversight. Envisioning resource allocations derived from taxed commodities promises financial support that bolsters rehabilitation facilities, emphasizing techniques akin to organic cultivation-based therapies that offer recovery incentives while safeguarding public welfare.

State-to-federal coordination dynamics

Enacting Zorn’s influential ideas within high-level discussions creates conduits for universally accessible benefits amidst state-specific controls navigating complex environments. Jurisdictions retain unique prerogatives handling protocol customization, ensuring effective care delivery mechanisms comply with overlapping governance sectors.

The intertwining knowledge application prompts consultative interplay wherein states orchestrate guidelines tailored around community safety standards. These steps ensure accountability through affirmations that advance harmonious existence, bridging productive dialogues and motivating foresightful lawmaking contributions, thereby forming the political bedrock that supports enduring, healing societal outcomes.

Ayahuasca, Setbacks, and a New Vision: BPM Co-Founder Launches The 5th Element Festival

Jane
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Ayahuasca, Setbacks, and a New Vision: BPM Co-Founder Launches The 5th Element Festival

Phil Pulitano, one of the original minds behind BPM Festival, is turning a new page in 2025 with The 5th Element, a week-long dance event set to launch in the Puerto Rican rainforest. This shift comes after a long and difficult chapter that saw BPM rise to international acclaim and then struggle with tragedy, global disruptions, and internal breakdowns.

Originally launched in 2008, BPM began as a meeting point for professionals in the nightlife industry and evolved into one of the most respected independent electronic music festivals in the world. Its home in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, attracted thousands each year, with a focus on minimal, techno, and house music. However, a deadly shooting near the festival in 2017 marked a turning point, forcing BPM to leave its original location and begin a series of relocations around the globe.

Despite rebuilding efforts in Portugal, Israel, and Costa Rica, the festival was repeatedly hit by challenges, including last-minute government shutdowns during the pandemic and financial losses linked to ticketing issues. By 2023, Pulitano was emotionally and financially drained. BPM had become a shadow of what it once was, and he felt it no longer aligned with his values or the energy he wanted to put into the world.

Plant Medicine and a New Vision

Amid the professional stress, Pulitano turned to ayahuasca, an ancient psychedelic brew used in Indigenous spiritual ceremonies. Participating in multiple ceremonies offered him not only clarity but a sense of renewal. These moments were the seed for a new concept: a festival rooted not only in sound but in connection, purpose, and consciousness.

This idea eventually became The 5th Element. Rather than replicating the scale of BPM, Pulitano is keeping it intentionally smaller with around 4,000 attendees, set in a semi-developed rainforest location that balances nature with accessibility. It’s not a “plant medicine event,” he clarifies, but it will incorporate ceremonial and spiritual elements that reflect the deeper values guiding its creation.

What to Expect at The 5th Element

The event will still center on electronic music, with a strong presence of minimal and techno artists. But the experience is meant to go beyond standard dance festivals. Programming includes yoga, art, culinary events, and rituals designed to cultivate a shared sense of presence and intention.

  • Unpublished Set Times: Artists and attendees won’t know set times in advance, Pulitano wants each person’s journey to unfold naturally.
  • Two Music Stages: There will be two stages, but the focus is less on headliners and more on the shared rhythm of the experience.
  • Opening and Closing Ceremonies: The week will begin and end with ritual, designed to create a communal arc.
  • Environmental Focus: A “leave no trace” approach will be enforced, and optional activities like beach cleanups will be offered.
  • Spiritual Guidance: Pulitano’s team includes a shaman to help shape the event’s consciousness-focused framework.

A More Conscious Dance Scene?

Funded by a private investor, The 5th Element is targeting a niche of dance music fans who are also seekers: people who value self-awareness, wellness, and intentional living. The aim is to create an event that feels more connected, more grounded, and less dictated by industry pressures or inflated ticket prices.

Pulitano’s exit from BPM hasn’t been entirely smooth. He’s currently entangled in legal matters with his former business partner, and the future of BPM remains uncertain following its 2025 cancellation. But The 5th Element has reignited his passion, reminiscent of his early days building BPM before the business overtook the soul of the project.

Final Thoughts

As electronic music festivals grow larger and more commercial, The 5th Element represents a return to roots, not just musical ones, but human ones. Pulitano is betting that there’s an audience ready for something slower, smaller, and more meaningful. For him, it’s not just another party, it’s a statement of intent for a more conscious dance culture.

How Psychedelics May Shift Brain Activity Toward the Right Hemisphere

Jane
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How Psychedelics May Shift Brain Activity Toward the Right Hemisphere

A new theory from Ohio State University, called HEALS (Hemispheric Annealing and Lateralization Under Psychedelics), proposes that psychedelics change how the brain’s hemispheres interact. Typically, the left hemisphere takes the lead in everyday tasks, focusing on details and logic. Under psychedelics, the right hemisphere, associated with big-picture thinking, emotion, and creativity, may temporarily take over.

Why the Right Hemisphere Matters

The right hemisphere plays a key role in:

  • Empathy and social connection
  • Creativity and imagination
  • Broad, holistic thinking
  • Emotional insight and flexibility

Researcher Adam Levin believes that these traits often become stronger during a psychedelic experience. This matches reports from users who describe feeling more connected, open, and aware during their sessions.

Evidence From Brain Scans

Neuroimaging studies reviewed by Levin show:

  • A shift in brain activity toward the right hemisphere under psychedelics
  • More energy use in the right frontal lobe, which supports emotional and social functions

These brain changes align with the emotional and cognitive effects often reported during psychedelic states.

Similarities With Meditation

Interestingly, the effects of psychedelics on the brain resemble those seen in mindfulness and meditation. Studies have shown that long-term meditation can strengthen right-brain networks and even increase brain thickness in certain areas. Psychedelics, even after one or two uses, may trigger similar changes, at least temporarily.

What This Means for Mental Health

This shift toward right-hemisphere activity might explain why psychedelics are being studied as tools to:

  • Boost mindfulness
  • Improve emotional balance
  • Enhance creativity and problem-solving
  • Support healing in therapy settings

The HEALS model adds to other theories of how psychedelics affect the brain. It doesn’t replace them, but it helps explain some of the emotional and cognitive shifts people report during and after psychedelic use.

A Growing Field of Research

As psychedelic research expands, scientists like Levin are looking deeper into how these substances influence the brain. HEALS is one piece of a larger puzzle that could help us better understand consciousness, mental health, and the brain’s full potential.

A Psychedelic-Inspired Dining Experience Arrives in Washington, D.C.

Jane
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A Psychedelic-Inspired Dining Experience Arrives in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., known for its lively food scene, has welcomed a bold new concept that’s turning dinner into something much more imaginative. The restaurant Mi Vida on 14th Street offers a tasting menu inspired by the effects of psychedelic mushrooms, but without any actual psychedelics. Instead, it’s all about creating a sensory journey through food, atmosphere, and storytelling.

Setting the Mood: A Multi-Sensory Welcome

From the moment guests arrive, the experience is about more than just eating. Diners are given chakra bracelets and welcomed with the scent of burning sage, setting a tone of mindfulness and calm. It’s designed to help people tune into their senses and leave everyday distractions behind.

Guests are then led into a softly lit lounge where they sip on a warming drink made with cinnamon and cardamom. This comforting start helps open the mind and sets the stage for the immersive evening ahead.

The Meal: An Eight-Course Journey Through the Mind

At the core of the experience is an eight-course tasting menu designed to mimic the stages of a psychedelic trip, but with ingredients instead of substances. The menu blends plant-based and flexitarian dishes, each meant to represent a different “chapter” of the journey.

Standout dishes include mushroom “caviar” served on a sweet corn sope and a beautifully arranged tartare made of avocado and smoked beet, topped with a geometric, charcoal-colored crisp. These dishes are crafted not only for flavor, but also for their trippy, artful presentation that nods to the visuals often associated with psychedelics.

A Plant-Based Adventure

While the restaurant leans heavily into plant-based ingredients, the goal isn’t just health-conscious eating, it’s about creativity and storytelling through food. Even meat lovers are likely to be impressed by how inventive and satisfying these dishes can be.

Storytelling as Part of the Experience

The night isn’t just about food, it’s also a performance. Staff members act as guides, walking guests through each course as if telling a story. Every dish comes with meaning, prompting diners to reflect or imagine new ideas, all within a safe, grounded setting.

This narrative element helps recreate the introspective and emotional aspects of a psychedelic trip. It’s a clever blend of art, food, and theater.

A Playful Ending

At the end of the meal, guests receive the bill in the form of a “request for exchange,” keeping the evening’s whimsical tone alive. Despite the playfulness, the actual payment process is clear and simple.

This final touch reflects the restaurant’s goal: to do more than serve food. It creates a space where people can connect, share ideas, and step into a new kind of dining experience.

A New Kind of Restaurant for D.C.

This psychedelic mushroom-inspired restaurant adds something truly unique to D.C.’s food scene. By combining elements of art, mindfulness, and culinary innovation, it offers more than a meal it offers a chance to explore, imagine, and connect.

For curious diners open to something different, this isn’t just dinner. It’s a creative, thought-provoking adventure, one plate at a time.

Portugal Approves Esketamine for Severe Depression Treatment

Jane
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Portugal Approves Esketamine for Severe Depression Treatment

Portugal has taken a significant step in mental health care by approving public funding for esketamine, a psychedelic drug used to treat severe depression. This decision, announced by Infarmed, the National Authority for Medicines and Healthcare Products, allows hospitals to prescribe Spravato to adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.

Who is Eligible for Esketamine Treatment?

The approval, formalized on May 7, covers patients who have not responded to at least three different antidepressant treatments. In these cases, Spravato can be used in combination with other oral antidepressants for those experiencing moderate to severe depressive episodes. This approach is intended for individuals who have tried psychotherapy and either have a resistance or contraindication to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or have chosen not to pursue it.

Guidelines for Medical Use of Psychedelics

On the same day, a multidisciplinary working group, including medical, pharmaceutical, and psychological experts, along with the National Ethics Council, presented a set of guidelines for the medical use of psychedelics. The group emphasized that these substances should be managed within regulated medical frameworks to ensure safe and controlled access.

Ensuring Safe Use and Regulation

Dr. Albino Oliveira Maia, director of the Neuropsychiatry Unit at the Champalimaud Foundation and a member of this working group, noted the importance of strict medical oversight, stressing that these substances should not be available outside the healthcare system without appropriate regulation.

Next Steps in the Regulation Process

The recommendations were presented at the Champalimaud Foundation, reflecting the collective input of medical professionals, pharmacists, psychologists, and ethics experts. The guidelines aim to establish a structured approach for the clinical use of substances like esketamine, which, despite its known therapeutic benefits, remains subject to careful consideration due to potential off-label misuse.

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Shows Promise for Substance Use Disorders

Jane
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Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Shows Promise for Substance Use Disorders

A recent scientific review has examined the potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAP) as a treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs), focusing on its impact on alcohol, tobacco, and opioid dependence. The review, published in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, looked at 16 studies, primarily observational or open-label trials, and found promising early results, though more rigorous clinical trials are needed.

Promising Results for Alcohol and Tobacco Dependence

Research into psilocybin’s impact on alcohol use disorder (AUD) found that participants in several studies reported fewer heavy drinking days and higher abstinence rates after undergoing PAP. In some cases, neuroimaging indicated that the therapy helped normalize brain activity, potentially reversing some of the neurological effects associated with chronic alcohol consumption.

Similarly, studies on tobacco use disorder showed that psilocybin-assisted therapy was linked to high smoking cessation rates. Some research suggests that the intensity of the psychedelic experience, often described as a “mystical” or deeply meaningful event, may play a key role in long-term success.

Mixed Outcomes for Other Substance Use Disorders

While the evidence is more limited, some studies have also explored the potential of psilocybin to reduce opioid dependence. However, findings in this area have been less consistent, highlighting the need for more targeted research.

Expanding Research into Methamphetamine Use

The review also noted a recent preprint study published by The Lancet in early 2023, which looked at the use of psilocybin for treating methamphetamine use disorder. This small-scale study suggested that PAP could be implemented in outpatient settings without significant safety concerns, showing early signs of effectiveness that warrant further investigation.

Increasing Support for Psychedelic Research

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has also increased funding for studies into psychedelics and addiction. In 2023, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) announced a $1.5 million funding round for research into the potential therapeutic effects of substances like psilocybin, reflecting growing interest in this area.

Additionally, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has identified alcohol use disorder as a promising target for psilocybin research, despite the substance’s current status as a Schedule I drug under U.S. law.

Looking Ahead

While psilocybin-assisted therapy shows promise, much of the current evidence is based on small, preliminary studies. Larger, controlled trials will be needed to fully understand its effectiveness and long-term impact on various types of substance use disorders.

Psychedelics May Disrupt Immune-Driven Fear Responses, Offering New Hope for Mental Health Treatment

Jane
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Psychedelics May Disrupt Immune-Driven Fear Responses, Offering New Hope for Mental Health Treatment

A groundbreaking study from Mass General Brigham has unveiled a previously unknown connection between the immune system and the brain’s fear response. The research suggests that psychedelics, such as psilocybin and MDMA, can interfere with this link, potentially leading to innovative treatments for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

Immune Cells and the Brain’s Fear Center

Traditionally, the amygdala, a region deep within the brain, has been recognized as the central hub for processing fear and anxiety. However, this new study indicates that the immune system plays a more active role than previously thought. Under chronic stress, the body dispatches inflammatory cells known as monocytes to the brain’s protective layers, the meninges. These monocytes then influence the amygdala, amplifying fear responses and promoting inflammation.

“When chronic stress disrupts this signaling, it leads to a cascade involving brain-resident cells and immune cells that ultimately increases fear behavior,” explained Dr. Michael Wheeler, the study’s lead author. “What is fascinating is that psychedelic compounds can reverse this entire process.”

Psychedelics Blocking the Fear Pathway

In experiments with mice subjected to chronic stress, treatments with psilocybin and MDMA effectively prevented the accumulation of monocytes in the brain. This intervention not only reduced inflammation but also diminished fear-related behaviors in the animals.

Further analysis revealed similar patterns in human brain cells and gene expression data from patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), suggesting that these findings could have broader implications for human mental health.

Potential for New Treatments

The discovery that psychedelics can modulate the interaction between the immune system and brain function opens up new avenues for treating conditions characterized by chronic stress and inflammation. While psychedelics are not being proposed as a universal cure, their ability to target specific tissue responses offers promising therapeutic potential.

“Our study underscores how psychedelics can do more than just change perception; they can help dial down inflammation and reset brain-immune interactions,” noted Dr. Wheeler. “This could reshape how we think about treatment for inflammatory disorders and conditions like anxiety and depression.”

Next Steps in Research

Building on these findings, the research team plans to investigate the long-term effects of psychedelic treatments on patients with inflammatory diseases or MDD. This will involve analyzing tissue samples from participants in ongoing clinical trials where psychedelics are being used as part of depression treatment protocols.

VA Secretary Says Psychedelic Therapies Are Under Consideration

Jane
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VA Secretary Says Psychedelic Therapies Are Under Consideration

During a recent Cabinet meeting, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins told President Donald Trump that the VA is actively exploring the potential use of psychedelic treatments to address the veteran suicide epidemic.

Federal Partnerships and Nonprofit Collaboration

In response to Trump’s inquiry on veteran mental health initiatives, Collins said the VA is working with various nonprofits and federal partners, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to explore innovative therapies.

Though Trump did not directly respond to the mention of psychedelics, the fact that the topic was raised during a nationally televised Cabinet meeting marks a significant shift in how the federal government publicly discusses alternative mental health treatments for veterans.

Support from Veteran Advocacy Groups

Matthew Buckley, the No Fallen Heroes Foundation chairman, applauded the public dialogue, calling it “an incredible moment.” However, he urged government officials to back up their words with action, stressing that veterans deserve real support, not just promises.

Collins recently described an “eye-opening” discussion with Kennedy and expressed his intent to press lawmakers to advance access to psychedelics. Among potential policy options: federal vouchers that would cover psychedelic therapy conducted outside the VA system.

VA-Funded Psychedelic Research Already Underway

The VA is already investing in this space. In December, it awarded $1.5 million to study MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans struggling with PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Earlier research at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center showed promising results in initial trials.

Cannabis Policy and Psychedelics Reform Still Under Watch

While advocates are encouraged by the VA’s openness to psychedelics, there remains concern about how Collins will approach cannabis policy. His past congressional record includes votes against expanding medical marijuana access for veterans, which could indicate a cautious stance going forward.

Defense Department Also Investing in Psychedelics Research

In a parallel move, the Department of Defense has allocated nearly $10 million for MDMA research focused on active-duty personnel. Some Republican lawmakers believe the Trump administration’s cost-cutting measures could create conditions for bolder reforms within federal agencies, including those related to psychedelics.

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