In January, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a request for applications for research proposals to study the use of certain psychedelic compounds in treating post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

The VA intends to collect definitive scientific evidence on the potential efficacy and safety of psychedelic compounds such as MDMA and psilocybin when used in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat mental health conditions.

A limited number of small studies by VA researchers have been conducted using non-VA funding. This new funding from the VA is an important next step in assessing the effectiveness and safety of using MDMA and psilocybin-augmented psychotherapy in veterans.

Although these compounds are controlled substances, tightly restricted under federal law, research on these compounds may be conducted with appropriate regulatory approvals from the Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Agency.

Under the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, the Department of Defense authorized the study of psychedelics within the military population. With this announcement, the VA will join the National Institutes of Health in supporting these research studies.

Learn more online:

Visit dav.org/learn-more/news/2023/veterans-and-the-new-psychedelic-renaissance.