The entire United States Congress has given approval to legislation that includes provisions to fund psychedelic studies.
Congress approved the psychedelic provisions as part of a larger defense bill (the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act). The provisions would put millions of dollars into funding the potential medical and therapeutic use of psychedelic substances including magic mushrooms (psilocybin) and MDMA (often referred to as ecstasy). The studies would be conducted on military service members, especially those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The psychedelic provisions, introduced by Representative Morgan Littrell (R), would require the Department of Defense to establish a process for military members who have PTSD or traumatic brain injury could take part in clinical psychedelic trials. In addition to psilocybin and MDMA, the trials could include ibogaine and/or DMT.
The law would require the Department of Defense to initiate the process to begin the trials within 180 days of the bill being passed, and it would allocate $10 million to the program.
“I was honored to see several of my amendments and priorities accepted into the final version of the bill, including clinical trials on psychedelic therapy to treat PTSD, support for TBI research, and other key provisions that will ensure a safer, stronger United States,” said Rep. Luttrell. “This legislation will ensure America can face security challenges with lethality and readiness.”
